The award-winning Grassmarket Community Picture House
A diverse range of films, for a diverse audience
The Grassmarket Community Picture House began life in 2015, as part of the programme of free social events run by the Grassmarket Community Project. Ever since, a free film has been screened every Wednesday after GCP’s open door meal service.
Most cinemas focus on the latest blockbusters, but GCPH curates an eclectic programme of quality films to appeal to our wide-ranging audiences, including our own members and supporters, plus true cinema lovers from across the city.
Yes, you can also see the latest Blockbusters and Award Winners here, but also the Classics from across the decades. Enjoy the very best Documentaries and Foreign Language Films, plus Film Festival screenings and showcases.
The Grassmarket Community Picture House has won several awards including: UK Community Cinema of the Year Award, Best UK Digital Programme Award and Peter Cargin Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual for our programmer and projectionist Rohan Crickmarr.
Look out for our special Seasonal themes too and our more child-friendly programme during the school holidays. There really is something for everyone…
Working in partnership
To achieve our award-winning programme, our amazing and dedicated cinema team work with partners including Filmbank Media, Cinema for All, Glasgow Short Film Festival, Africa in Motion, Edinburgh Short Film Festival, the Scottish Documentary Institute and Take One Action Film Festival.
In 2024 we started a new partnership, welcoming the financial support of Edinburgh Film Guild to help them and us build on the success of community cinema.
Helping improve the lives of our members and guests
Our Community Cinema is important to us. First and foremost it remains an integral part of our service to our GCP members.
Chris is a Member of GCP, he is passionate about film and has hardly missed a Wednesday night showing since he started coming in 2019,
‘I am obsessed with movies, all genres, documentaries, even documentaries about film! I like the fact that I have made a friend, a film buddy Justin, who I meet here on a Wednesday. I can unleash my film knowledge on him and make recommendations. It’s difficult for me to watch at home as I have poor connection to the internet so it’s nice to get to come here, have a nice meal and also escape for a while as I’m a full-time carer at home’.
The Grassmarket Community Picture House is unique in Edinburgh. Every Wednesday at 7 pm, we open our doors at the Grassmarket Centre to absolutely anyone who enjoys cinema in the city. Our Community Cinema is physically accessible, warm, safe and inclusive environment.
All our screenings are FREE, but, if you are able to donate, please use our contactless pay point by the front door, or the large donation ‘bucket’ or donate here.
How to support GCP
Please help us to keep providing support and opportunities to vulnerable people. There are various ways you can support our community. You can donate, fund or sponsor, support our social enterprises and volunteer.
Support our Social Enterprises
Wood Workshop >>
Tartan Shop >>
Event Hire Service >>
Visit Coffee Saints >>
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