In these days when all sorts of entertainments are available on a small screen in your hand, it is refreshing to find how much excitement the visit of a mobile cinema can generate in rural Argyll. Our nearest local cinema is 45 minutes away, the nearest multiplex about an hour and we are quite well situated for transport links, but for anyone west of us the journey is even greater.
Since the late 1990’s the Screen Machine has been making its way around the highlands and islands of Scotland providing rural communities with a cinema experience on their doorstep. The cunningly designed vehicle travels the roads in its HGV format and then transforms into an 80 seater cinema.
Personally I have watched films in the Screen Machine in the far flung highlands of Sutherland ( while on holiday in Kinlochbervie) and nearer to home when it pays an annual visit to Invercottage at Strathlachlan at Christmas time. The Christmas before last we battled through very snowy conditions to get there to watch White Christmas. Particularly magical when emerging into a snow covered landscape.
At Loch Fyne a few years ago it came as part of Cowal Fest and showed films by Michael Powell including I know where I’m going , a great film for romantic lovers of the highlands with a magical sequence depicting the sleeper train ride from London to Fort William.
On every occasion the experience has been memorable and all the more enjoyable for being out of the usual setting.
This Monday (26th March) it is coming back to Loch Fyne Oysters to show two movies aimed at all ages. The Muppets and War Horse. To make the experience even better our Oyster Bar are putting on a special menu at £10 a head for adults and £5 for kids. If you are in the area come and experience it for yourself.
Of course mobile cinemas are not new and have been around as long as projectors and film. Fans of Cinema Paradiso will remember the projector being transported outside for an open air showing. In 1967 Tony Benn had several mobile cinemas built for the Ministry of Technology and in countries with more reliable weather open air film showings have always been popular.
Let us know your experiences of cinema on the move and hope you can make it to ours.
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