Why a Film Society and not a normal cinema?
The Film Society format is the most suitable for the Athenaeum Centre as it allows the stage to be available on a regular basis for other shows and hirers. The Film Society shows films on a monthly basis for one performance only and is independent. It can choose its own titles, from recent releases to foreign films. The Athenaeum Centre itself is not allowed to open as a professional cinema, such as those in Frome or Salisbury, due to the rules of its charity status.

Why are Film Societies important to the community?
Many communities, like Warminster, have lost their cinema (some indeed never had one) and with some exceptions, the multiplexes do not extend the range of cinema experience. Indeed, research has shown that these screens rarely move beyond the Hollywood mainstream. Most of the specialised films will never be shown outside London. Moreover, with only 40 (what used to be called) Regional Film Theatres (RFT) in the UK there is little opportunity to see those that do escape the metropolis. Therefore, it is British Federation of Film Societies and its member societies who provide the bulk of the access to cultural cinema - indeed often the only access to any sort of cinema.

Film societies form an affiliated 'chain' of some 200 occasional cinemas. They have a combined UK membership of over 27,000 showing something-like 3,600 films per year to a combined total audience over 1 million (and growing), generating revenue of over £3m. The sector's success is due to its enormous vitality. Film societies may not be multiplexes, but they are comfortable. Film societies now take great pride in providing a 'quality cinema experience'. Film societies (or community cinemas - which is what they truly are) arise out of and in response to community need - they truly are the LOCAL cinema. They work in a market area that no-one else can and so make a vital contribution to access to specialised film. The voluntary/community sector might not be profitable but it's not insignificant - over 1 million a year and growing. There are several societies in West Wiltshire and many more across the country in village halls, arts centres and theatres.

What is special about Warminster's Film Society?
In Warminster a large proportion of the film-goers at the Athenaeum are elderly people who don't have the transport to get to other towns to see films. Our society is a great social occasion for Warminster, where people make friends and can enjoy a drink from the bar and chat about film.

How does the film society work?
People become members and pay a membership fee of £15 to see the films each season, equivalent to about £2.50 per film. All attendance is then free at the door and membership guarantees a seat there is no need to book, just turn up on the night. Our year is split into two seasons (equivalent to £30 per year) The Spring/ Summer Season runs March to August. The Autumn/Winter season will then run from September to February. If you decide you are unable to attend the majority of film nights it may pay to just buy guest tickets.

What are guest tickets?
Non-members can also attend, (if seats are available), by buying guest tickets at £4 per film, however GUEST TICKETS ARE LIMITED AND MUST BE BOUGHT AT LEAST ONE DAY IN ADVANCE. Guest tickets for a film go on sale the day after the previous month’s film night. Buy early to avoid disappointment. All these rules are set down by the British Federation of Film Societies and film distributors to protect their interests and are strictly regulated.

Is the quality any good?
The equipment is state of the art Digital Video projection (DVD). We have the highest specification screen and dolby surround sound. The quality is the best that has been shown in the ninety years of cinema at the Athenaeum.

Most of the titles advertised are available on home video, can the society show films at the same time as they are on general release?

No, the distributors will protect the interests of commercial cinemas first. It takes at least 4 months before a film is made available to show in theatres, and at least 6 months plus to be in the right format DVD. We like to choose films that may have been overlooked at mainstream cinema such as foreign films, we occasionally show the odd classic film too.

How do I join?
Membership is limited as there are only 226 seats at the Athenaeum. Contact the chairman 01985 217549 for details. If you are passionate about film or would like to help as well as watch, why not join our small committee that chooses the films and organises the show nights?