Hackney’s Rio Cinema celebrates 50 years with six-month film programme and opening weekend party

East London’s Rio Cinema is marking 50 years as a community-run venue with a major six-month celebration – and it kicks off this weekend with a mix of film, music and local history.

Running from April, the Rio Forever programme brings together screenings, special events and guest curators, all designed to reflect the cinema’s long-standing place at the heart of Hackney’s cultural life.

Opening weekend, taking place on 17^th and 18^th April, begins with the unveiling of a plaque honouring Clara Ludski, the early cinema pioneer who transformed the building into one of London’s first full-time picture houses in 1909. The celebrations continue with a launch party curated by artist Jeremy Deller and collective Sports Banger, promising a one-off mix of film, music and DIY culture.

Across the wider programme, the Rio leans into the eclectic approach it’s known for. A series of 35mm screenings will see filmmakers and creatives introducing personal favourites, including Sally Potter revisiting Orlando, Asif Kapadia presenting The Godfather: Part II, and Dionne Edwards bringing the Wachowskis’ Bound back to the big screen.

Elsewhere, events range from a Prince-themed screening of Purple Rain to horror double bills, queer cinema showcases and filmmaker-led discussions, including Molly Manning-Walker presenting Punch-Drunk Love.

The programme also doubles as a fundraiser, with headline screenings helping to support the upkeep of the historic venue and ensure its future as an independent, community space.

With more events still to be announced, Rio Forever looks set to celebrate not just the cinema’s past, but the role it continues to play in bringing audiences together.

The editorial unit

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