Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre celebrates 25 years

The RBC Film Theatre is celebrating 25 years of serving its community, and 2 members of staff have an extra special connection with the big day. Alex Murray, Projectionist, and Elaine Paterson, Attendant have both worked at Dumfries’ local cinema since it opened to the public on the 3rd of November 1987.

1987 saw Woody Allen’s ‘Radio Days’ flickering onto the screen for the inaugural public screening and the customers paid only £2 for an Adult ticket. When Alex recalls his first day and how it began his 25 year career he grins, ‘I saw the projector for the very first time only 2 weeks before the opening night, and quickly had to master it.’

The Film Theatre has a wonderful charm that holds the loyalty of the staff and customers alike. A quarter of a century later the 3 permanent members of staff have 66 years of service between them. When Elaine was asked if she would have believed her long service record if told back then she smiled, ‘No, but I would have been very happy as I love it here.’

The pair laugh as they recount funny moments and Alex shares, ‘I screened part of a film back to front, years ago on 35mm, I’m not sure anyone noticed.’ When Elaine is pushed to pick just one anecdote she chuckles, ‘One night after closing, I found someone’s false teeth behind the seats.’

What Projectionist Alex most enjoys about his job is ‘constantly keeping up to date with the ever changing cinema technology’. While for Elaine, the favourite part of her job that gives her most satisfaction is ‘the fact that you are contributing to the enjoyment of people’s evenings out.’

Saturday 3rd of November is RBC Film Theatre’s actual birthday and this year will coincide with Dumfries’ Film Festival. Celebrations will definitely be in order and one of the films scheduled, picked by Attendant Susan Kenny, is very appropriate indeed.

‘A Useful Life’ charts a cinema in Uruguay as it reaches the milestone of its 25th birthday. The future for it and its own long serving staff member is an uncertain one. Described as a joyful film the ending remains a secret until the film is shown in November.

Set in an 18th century mill and enjoying the lovely views of the river Nith, the building is unique in Dumfries and as Scotland’s smallest cinema it shows a rich and diverse programme which includes Independent, World Cinema, British film, Hollywood blockbusters and everything in between.

Council leader, Councillor Ivor Hyslop says:

“The Council was visionary in setting up the Film Theatre 25 years ago, and it is a testimony to the long serving staff that it continues to be the thriving venue that it is today.

It is a charming, friendly cinema, providing an alternative film-going experience to people in the region, and plays an important role in the cultural life of Dumfries and beyond.”

The Film Theatre is asking members of the public if they have memories, photographs or stories about the cinema that they would like to share and be included in an exhibition to celebrate its 25th birthday.

You can get involved by contacting them directly via the evening Box Office: 01387 264808 or by emailing them at rbcft@dumgal.gov.uk