The Importance of Community Led Screenings at Showroom Cinema

At Showroom Cinema, we believe in the power of film to bring people together and reflect the vibrant diversity of Sheffield. Over the years, we have worked to make this vision a reality through a wide range of events and screenings, but we recognise that there is always more we can do to engage with and include the city’s many communities.

With valuable feedback from communities across Sheffield, we are taking meaningful steps to ensure everyone feels welcome and represented. This commitment is at the heart of our new initiative—Showroom Community, led by our Community Coordinator, Chim’Di Ugada. This strand of the cinema programme is designed to create a space where Sheffield’s communities can see themselves reflected on screen and feel a real sense of belonging. We’re not just showcasing films; we’re inviting local groups to curate their own screenings, activities and events—celebrating their values, cultures, and stories in ways that truly represent them. 

This shift builds on the success of our Black History Month programme, “Intergenerational Fusion: Empowering Black Minds.” These events were a powerful reminder of what happens when communities are at the heart of our programming. Through films that explored Black experiences, histories, and contributions, we fostered meaningful conversations and brought people together. Ensuring this approach becomes embedded in Showroom’s programming approach, recent Community Screenings have included 1918 The Battle of Kruty in partnership with members of the Ukrainian community. 

The programme includes carefully selected monthly screenings, shaped by and for the community. These events go beyond entertainment, providing a platform for underrepresented voices and offering a space for dialogue and connection. All Showroom Community Screening tickets are £5. Free tickets are available on request where cost may be a barrier.

We’re also taking screening events beyond our cinema walls, into community spaces across Sheffield. This isn’t about us dictating what should happen—it’s about listening, collaborating, and ensuring that everyone feels welcome. 

This is a new chapter for Showroom Cinema, one where inclusion and community lead the way. We’re excited to learn, grow, and work together to make sure every story has a place on the big screen. We hope you’ll join us on this journey. 

Don’t miss our next Showroom Community Screening: Mistaken Identity on Sunday 5 January at 11am: /mistakenidentitycommunity

If you or your organisation would like to partner on a screening, please reach out to Chim’Di Ugada Community Coordinator: Programming and Audience at [email protected]