IT WAS a certain feline which attracted film fans the most in the 2016-17 season at the New Savoy Cinema at Petersfield’s Festival Hall.
A Streetcat Named Bob, a big screen adaptation from the best-selling book of the same name, was the best attended film, with 239 people lapping up its heart-warming story.
Shown in March, it was chosen by Petersfield mayor James Deane for his charity screening, raising cash for good causes.
Other popular choices this year have been Brooklyn, with 212 tickets sold, Bridge of Spies (125), BFG (181), Bridget Jones’ Baby (175), and?Zootropolis, which was seen by 125 movie-goers.
Eddie the Eagle was a relative flop, with only 19 people interested in his exploits, and Hail Caesar and Youth didn’t go down well either, attracting just 14 and 21 respectively.
Overall, the picture presented by the New Savoy, in figures released by Petersfield Town Council, is a positive one, with audiences continuing to support the monthly cinema which was set up in 2010.
In the period from April 2016 to March 2017, there were 2,058 attendees across 25 films, with a net profit from ticket sales of £4,726.
After expenses, which include paying distribution company Moviola, advertising and staff costs, and taking into account income from ice-creams, sweets and the bar, the total net profit for the year was £3,680.
This was just £14 less than the profit made in 2015-16.
The average attendance per film, of around 80 film-goers, has stayed consistent too.
Town council office manager Steve Field said the continued support was gratifying, particularly as the town council viewed the shows as a community service, with Petersfield not having a commercial cinema.
The Savoy Cinema in Swan Street became a bingo hall then a nightclub in the 1980s, and the building was demolished in 2007. The original Savoy sign can be seen in Petersfield Museum.
“We try to offer people that cinema experience, with a big screen and surround sound in our amazing Festival Hall which has a 250 seat capacity,” he added.
“We thought about the price but decided to keep it at £5. We see it as a public service to the town.”
Choosing the season’s films for the New Savoy is carried out three times a year by a panel of around 40 volunteers.
They are invited to the Festival Hall to view trailers then asked to vote on their preferred options.
Steve would like more people to help in the selection process. Contact Marian Cross on 01730 264182 to get involved.