By Isla Glen

There’s something magical about independent cinemas and we can no longer take ours for granted.

The sudden demise of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), Edinburgh Filmhouse and Aberdeen’s Belmont Filmhouse has left Scotland mourning more than just independent cinema.

It is another sign that the world is being consumed by capitalism. Gone are films made with love, passion and uniqueness. Film is a profit-driven industry, with blockbusters recycling the same plots, directors, and storylines. Sequel after sequel, or prequel after prequel.

The Centre for the Moving Image (CMI) fell into administration on October 6 and the Filmhouses ceased trading the same day. CMI blame rising costs and the impact of both the pandemic and the cost of living crisis on cinema attendances.

In times of economic distress, we must do what we can to nurse cultural institutions back to health. When the Macrobert Arts Centre was opened at the University of Stirling in 1971, its entire purpose was to enhance art, culture and community.

So, what can we do to help? It’s as simple as going. Macrobert is home to theatre, as well as popular and independent films. Despite being a charity, only 40 per cent of their running costs are covered by ticket sales.

The Centre has a fantastic ‘Pay What You Can’ scheme. Film tickets can either be £4.50, £6.50 or £8.50 – you get to decide. The coming months will not be easy for any of us, but with tickets as cheap as £4.50 it’s worth it to see Stirling’s art sector survive.

Think of the 102 staff who lost their jobs on October 6 across the Edinburgh International Film Festival and two filmhouses. The Coronavirus pandemic caused reduced hours and five redundancies at Macrobert. Recovery had barely begun before the cost of living crisis struck. The future remains uncertain.

We cannot lose what Macrobert offers. It’s a huge part of Stirling’s history, having hosted the Braveheart premiere in 1995. Through its Central Scotland Documentary Festival, it offers screen time to new talent. Students thrive here, producing full length plays twice a year.

Without Macrobert, Stirling would lack the small cinema experience and turn to the big, profit-driven films. These small independent films immerse us in unknown issues and stories. They showcase Scotland’s diversity and give smaller filmmakers a chance.

Macrobert is one of the many places that make Stirling what it is and we must treasure it before it is too late. Use it or lose it.