EMERGENCY funding from the British Film Institute (BFI) has been welcomed by Poole's Lighthouse Arts Centre.
The £5,000 award, allocated through the BFI Film Audience Network, is part of funding to independent exhibitors across the UK affected by Covid-19.
Lighthouse chief executive Elspeth McBain said: "This emergency funding to independent film exhibitors across the UK will enable us to re-engage with our audience when we get back to opening our wonderful cinema.
“Since our closure in March Lighthouse has lost all its income so this support has not only given us some much needed cash, but it has really lifted our spirits as an organisation.
"We are proud to be connected to the UK independent cinema sector that provides such a unique offer to our communities."
The UK Cinema Association and the Film Distributors’ Association have been developing guidance to support cinemas reopen.
In the first instance it is likely only multiplexes and larger chains and will be able to open once Government guidance allows, with smaller independent venues hoping to follow later in the year.
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