Clare Binns: Champion of Indie Cinema Faces BAFTA Honor

Clare Binns, a distinguished figure in the U.K. film industry, is to be honored with the BAFTA Special Award for her remarkable contribution to cinema. Her career journey began as an usher, progressing to exhibition management, and now leading Picturehouse Cinemas and its associated ventures.

Binns is recognized for her candid assessments, notably her assertion that most films are excessively long. She believes this impacts profitability and audience experience, advocating for tighter narratives. Her vision for cinemas extends beyond screenings to becoming welcoming community spaces.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Binns observed a shift in audience habits, noting the necessity to present cinema as a special event. She strives to create an atmosphere where patrons feel valued, drawing parallels to her early experiences at the Ritzy cinema.

Picturehouse, under her guidance, has expanded into film distribution and financing. Binns expressed concerns about potential mergers reducing film diversity and stressed the importance of collaboration within the U.K. exhibition sector to advocate for industry support.

Despite industry challenges, Binns remains optimistic, seeing improved film quality and a resurgence of younger audiences eager for the big-screen experience. She encourages bold creative choices and trusting audience instincts to navigate the evolving film landscape.