Dalston’s independent Rio Cinema shortlisted for Screen Awards’ Cinema of the Year

The Rio Cinema in Dalston has been nominated for two gongs, including a Cinema of the Year title, at the national Screen Awards for the first time.

The independent cinema is up against six others from across the UK for the coveted title, with the winner set to be announced on November 29 at The Ballroom Southbank. A separate category is available for cinemas with 25 screens or more.

Rio representative Andrew Woodyatt told us the cinema was “a bit like Madonna – we are constantly reinventing ourselves”.

The Rio has been on its site in Kingsland High Street since 1909 and was one of the first early silent cinemas in London.

In December, following a successful crowdfunding appeal, a second screen was built in the basement of the old building, which perhaps helps explain its second nomination – for Cinema Marketing Campaign of the Year.

In the wake of that success, the cinema hopes further renovations may become possible, which could see a third screen opened in the future.

Andrew said the upgrades would provide “the flexibility to do film festivals and events”.