Film Hub NI’s Collective Embarks on Exciting New Chapter with Queen’s Film Theatre Investment

Film Hub NI (FHNI) is delighted to announce a new partnership with Queen’s Film Theatre (QFT) securing the future of its pioneering Collective initiative, which brings independent films to audiences across Northern Ireland through its growing network of community cinemas.

 As part of QFT’s new support, an exciting new Collective tour will launch this month, bringing the highly acclaimed No Ordinary Heist, based on the infamous Northern Bank robbery, to nine community cinemas in Portrush, Belfast, Rostrevor, Ballycastle, Portaferry, Ballymena, Hilltown, Newcastle and Banbridge.

Joan Parsons, Head of Arts and Culture, Queen’s University Belfast says: “By embedding the highly successful Collective initiative within QFT, we are reinforcing our commitment to supporting independent film and ensuring local audiences can continue to access diverse and meaningful cinema. By prioritising rural audiences, the Collective also supports QFT’s wider community engagement goals, cementing its role as a cultural hub for the creative industries."

 Sara Gunn-Smith, Marketing and Audiences Officer, Film Hub NI says: “At its heart, Collective has always been about connecting people and growing audiences for independent film from across the island, ensuring underserved communities continue to access culturally significant cinema. We are so excited to build on the foundations we have achieved through BFI Film Audience Network funding and to further develop the project under the cultural leadership of QFT.”

 Over the past six years, the Collective tour has played a vital role in bringing independent Northern Irish and Irish cinema to many rural and underserved communities. With 16 film tours to date, which have engaged with almost 8000 audiences, Collective has showcased acclaimed productions such as Northern Ireland Screen funded A Bump Along The Way, Lyra, and Ballywalter, along with Christy, King Frankie and Róise agus Frank, funded by Screen Ireland.

 FHNI’s Collective is now entering a new chapter focused on sustainability, innovation, and deeper collaboration under the leadership of QFT .

New initiatives include the introduction of a new Collective membership model for participating venues, greater cost-efficiency through in-house marketing and design and enhanced collaboration across exhibition, distribution, and production sectors, including a new partnership with ACCESS Cinema, based in Dublin.

A new official ‘Collective Venue’ status will be introduced, encouraging shared responsibility among participating organisations while maintaining high standards in programming, marketing, and audience engagement.

Alongside touring, Collective will maintain an Irish film release calendar and deliver industry-facing events, including screening days and slate presentations.

The first FHNI Collective tour in collaboration with QFT starts this Thursday (23 April) at Portrush Film Theatre and Ormeau Community Cinema with various screenings around Northern Ireland until Wednesday 27th May 2026. Full details and booking links available at Collective - Film Hub NI

 The full list of Collective venues for No Ordinary Heist screenings are listed below:

·       Ormeau Community Cinema Belfast - Thursday 23 April at 8pm at the Pavillon Bar
·       Portrush Film Theatre - Thursday April 23 at 7.30pm at Playhouse Portrush
·       Rostrevor Community Cinema - Friday April 24 at 7.30pm at Kilbroney Int Primary Sch
·       Ballycastle Community Cinema - Saturday April 25 at 7.30pm at Yarn.
·       Braid Film Theatre - Friday 8th May at Braid Arts Centre at 7pm
·       Ferry Film Club, Portaferry - Thurs 7 May at 7.30pm at St Patrick’s Community Centre
·       Hilltown Community Cinema - Sunday May 10 at 7pm, Hilltown Community Centre
·       Newcastle Community Cinema - Saturday May 9 at 8pm
·       Banbridge Community Cinema – Wednesday May 27 at 7pm at the Pot Belly Restaurant.