Sofa Screenings sells out as independent cinema returns to Swindon

Sell-out screenings at Sofa Screenings, an independent film programme based at Create Studios in Swindon, were reported on 23 April 2026.

The programme, led by Louise Norbury, was hosting events at least twice a week, Swindon24 reported. A National Theatre Live screening of All My Sons on Thursday 30 April 2026 had already sold out.

What was Sofa Screenings?

It was developed as part of the BFI Film Audience Network Spotlight programme, which aims to widen access to cultural cinema in areas where provision has been limited.

Swindon had several commercial cinema screens at the time, but the report said independent and community-focused film had had little consistent presence in the town in recent years.

The line-up included:

• independent films and themed events
• Knitflix, where the audience could craft while watching a film in a relaxed, social setting
• debut work from local filmmakers
• question-and-answer sessions, introductions and special events alongside screenings

What was new?

The All My Sons screening marked the programme's move into National Theatre Live, which shows professionally filmed stage productions to local audiences without the need to travel to London.

The report said the number of sold-out screenings suggested an untapped appetite for independent cinema in Swindon and the wider Wiltshire area, and that the town's problem may have been a lack of consistent local provision rather than a lack of interest in film.

The report linked to a website listing the programme's upcoming films.

Source: Swindon24.

More from Swindo: Cinemas in Swindon.