Venue Spotlight: Showroom Cinema Turns 30 Next Year

Image provided by Showroom

Showroom Cinema in Sheffield is a cultural landmark, a beacon for independent film and a cornerstone of the city's vibrant arts scene. Since its inception, it has not only been a place to watch films but a hub for fostering creative talent and championing the power of storytelling.

Showroom opened its doors in 1995, thanks to the launch of the Showroom fund launched by Sir Richard Attenborough in 1990, converting what was once a 1930s car showroom into an independent cinema. The building itself is steeped in history, with its art-deco architecture standing as a testament to Sheffield's industrial and cultural past. Yet, within its walls, a new narrative began — a story that would see the venue grow into one of the UK's largest independent cinemas, with four screens showcasing an exciting mix of films from around the world.

From its earliest days, Showroom has been about more than just screening films. It has been a platform for emerging filmmakers, offering them a space to showcase their work and connect with audiences. This commitment to nurturing talent has only grown stronger over the years. The cinema has played a key role in the development of Sheffield’s film culture, working closely with the British Film Institute to run the BFI Youth Film Academy. This program has been instrumental in training the next generation of filmmakers, providing them with the skills and opportunities to thrive in an increasingly competitive industry.

Showroom is also deeply intertwined with Sheffield's broader cultural landscape. It serves as the official hub for the annual Sheffield DocFest (established 1994), one of the world's leading documentary festivals. Every year, the festival draws filmmakers and cinephiles from around the globe, turning the spotlight on Sheffield and making the city a focal point for the documentary film community. This partnership has not only elevated Showroom's profile internationally but has also cemented Sheffield's reputation as a city of film.

Moreover, Showroom has always had a strong local focus. It is a home for local narratives, a place where the unique vibrant voices of Sheffield and the surrounding areas are heard. The cinema's programming reflects this, regularly featuring films that explore the regional culture, history, and identity. In August, they celebrated this in the first ever Sheffield film festival. This commitment to local storytelling is a big part of what makes Showroom so special — it is not just a cinema, but a reflection of the community it serves.

As the city of Sheffield undergoes a period of economic and cultural regeneration, Showroom is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation. The cinema's trustees have expressed a clear vision for the future: to continue growing as a cultural institution, to expand its role in developing local talent, and to further embed itself in the city's cultural strategy. This includes reaching the next round of National Lottery funding to help restore the beautiful building and working with local authorities and industry leaders like Warp Films to grow Sheffield's film and television industry, ensuring that the city remains a vibrant hub for creative industries. The cinema will also be advertising for a new CEO in January as the founding and current CEO Ian Wild will be passing on the baton after thirty storied years service. 

Showroom has always held a special place for us at Sheffield Magazine, and for me in my life. My 8am Film Studies degree lectures were held here thanks to a partnership with Sheffield Hallam University (never too early for popcorn). I have often attended (but sadly never won) the legendary monthly film quiz. Fast forward fifteen years and two rounds of maternity leave Monday mornings were well spent cuddling my sons and watching the latest releases in the sound monitored baby-friendly cinema (my youngest can say his first film was the final James Bond movie). Alongside enjoying countless other screenings, delicious café treats and special events, Showroom has certainly been one of my ‘happy places’.

In its nearly three decades of operation, Showroom Cinema has become much more than a place to watch films. It is a symbol of Sheffield's resilience and creativity, a space where the past meets the future, and where local and global stories converge. As it looks to the future, Showroom is poised to continue its legacy as a vital cultural institution, one that champions the power of film to inspire, educate, and bring people together.