Skye Cinema claims prestigious film prize as first Scottish winner in 28 years

A cinema in Skye has become the first Scottish venue to win a prestigious film award in 28 years.

Skye Community Cinema was awarded the Engholm Prize for Film Society of the Year and is only the fifth Scottish winner of the national award since its inception in 1969.

It is the highest award in UK community cinema and was presented by Cinema For All on Saturday night.

The Engholm Prize recognises the best community cinema in the UK and comes as the UK celebrates 100 years of film societies and community cinemas.

The Skye venue is still in its infancy having only been founded four years ago but it has built a strong identity as a bold, welcoming and community-driven cinema that brings global storytelling to the island.

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Audiences are welcomed with a drink at their monthly screenings which is then followed by a short of an upcoming film before the main feature.

Their evenings are then rounded off by a live Q&A with the filmmaker, cast member or subject expert.

When awarding the prize to Skye Community Cinema, it was said: “The judges felt this organisation had a high impact in a geographically challenging context, innovative thinking, thriving community and quite a seamless relationship within their local eco system and culture.

“They loved that they programme for different audiences including short films for young people and that they think about the distinct relationship they have to Scottish heritage, emphasised in their programming.”