The story of the Leigh Film Society is a testament to the power of film to not just entertain, but to unite, heal, and empower a community. What began as a modest gathering of film enthusiasts in a local café has blossomed into a national beacon for community cinema, culminating in the creation of a purpose-built, volunteer-built cinema within a historic mill. This transformation is a journey of unwavering dedication, propelled by the vision of its founders, Elizabeth and Paul Costello, and a committed cohort of volunteers.
Founded in 2013, the Leigh Film Society was established with a simple yet ambitious goal: to use film as a tool to combat social isolation, foster community cohesion, and create valuable opportunities for young people. At the time, Leigh, a post-industrial town in Greater Manchester, faced significant challenges. With the decline of its traditional industries—textiles, mining, and engineering—the town was grappling with social deprivation and low social mobility. In this context, the founders saw film as a means of offering an escape, a source of cultural enrichment, and a catalyst for social change.
The early years of the society were characterized by a resourceful "pop-up" ethos. Without a permanent home, the team organized screenings in a variety of unconventional venues, from church halls and art galleries to even a swimming pool and an allotment space. This nomadic existence, while challenging, demonstrated the team's flexibility and determination. It also allowed them to reach different segments of the community, championing a wide array of good causes and partnering with various local groups. The film selections were deliberately eclectic, going beyond mainstream blockbusters to include art-house, foreign language, and documentary films, pushing the boundaries of what a local audience might expect and fostering a deeper appreciation for cinematic arts.
A key partnership with Cinema For All (formerly the British Federation of Film Societies) and funding from the British Film Institute (BFI) provided the necessary support to professionalize their operation. An equipment donation from the BFI's "Neighbourhood Cinema" scheme, in particular, was a significant boost, enabling them to host more professional screenings in larger venues. As they grew, their unique approach began to gain national recognition, leading to a string of prestigious accolades.
The crowning achievement of the Leigh Film Society's journey is the Leigh Film Factory, a permanent, purpose-built community cinema located on the fourth floor of the iconic Leigh Spinners Mill.
This monumental project, conceived in 2018 and opened to the public in 2022, is a powerful symbol of community spirit and sustainable practice. The decision to build their own cinema was born out of a desire for greater flexibility and to create a consistently welcoming and safe environment for all their guests.
The project was unique in its scope: it was designed and constructed almost entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers. They adopted a philosophy of using "previously loved" and recycled materials, which not only kept costs down but also reflected a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. A major breakthrough came with a donation of 140 IMAX cinema seats from the London Science Museum, which was undergoing a refurbishment. It took a team of six volunteers nearly 48 hours to dismantle, transport, and lift these seats into place, a Herculean effort that highlights the sheer dedication behind the project.
The mill itself, a Grade II listed building, is a historical landmark in Leigh, and the cinema's presence within it is a vital part of the town's cultural revival. The Leigh Film Factory is more than just a place to watch movies; it is a creative hub that hosts a range of activities. The space includes a comfortable auditorium and a bar, providing a perfect setting for social gatherings before and after screenings. This environment is particularly crucial for those who may find the large, impersonal atmosphere of a multiplex cinema to be challenging, such as individuals with sensory sensitivities or those who prefer a more intimate social setting.
The construction of the cinema was a collective effort, funded by small donations and community support. The "Sponsor a Cinema Seat" campaign, in particular, was highly successful, allowing community members to directly contribute to the creation of the space. The success of the Leigh Film Factory is a powerful endorsement of the society's grassroots model and its ability to inspire and mobilize the local community.
The core mission of the Leigh Film Society has always been to use film as a catalyst for social good. They have developed a number of innovative projects that demonstrate their commitment to this ethos, addressing specific social issues within their community.
The tireless efforts of the Leigh Film Society and its volunteers have not gone unnoticed. They have received numerous awards and commendations that place them at the forefront of the community cinema movement in the UK.
These accolades underscore the fact that the Leigh Film Society is more than just a local film club; it is a model for social entrepreneurship and community empowerment.
The society's continuous development and ability to adapt to changing needs—from its early days as a mobile cinema to its lockdown DVD delivery service and the creation of its permanent home—are hallmarks of its success. By fostering a diverse and inclusive film culture, the Leigh Film Society has not only brought cinema back to Leigh but has also created a vibrant, resilient, and compassionate community in the process. Their story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most significant changes begin with a simple passion and the desire to make a difference, one film at a time.
