How it came about

Pilton Cinema brought to reality the idea of Pip Cartmell for a Community Cinema in the heart of Pilton. It has now re-opened in the newly refurbished Skittle Alley of the Green Man Bar & Bistro (formerly the Chichester Arms). Unfortunately, numbers are limited to 50 and booking is not possible, so first come, first served.

Pilton Cinema is fully licensed by Filmbank Media to screen films which has now risen to £106/film.

It is normally a 'last Friday of the month' event with films of many different genres including comedy, drama, silent, thriller, musical, foreign language and more.

The skittle alley can seat a maximum of 50 people - first come, first served - who will be able to watch a cinema quality projection on comfortable chairs. And the bar of the Green Man is just a few paces away if you feel thirsty.

Feedback

Please feedback your ideas on the new arrangement and venue and tell us what you would like to see by going to our Feedback form. Contact us through the Contact page if you would like us to send you an email reminder.

And if you would like to find out more about films and the film industry follow this link to the icons of a number of organisations on the Links Page of the website.

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Welcome to Pilton Cinema

The Unlikely Story of a British Teacher and a Penguin and then Say Goodbye to Downton!

Friday 28th November 2025 at 19.45

The Penguin Lessons

111min, Cert. 12A, 2024 £5 (limited to 50)

Soft seats. Sorry booking not possible

Summary

During the 1976 coup in Argentina, an English teacher rescues a penguin and brings it to his school. His life begins to change when the bird's presence starts to have a positive effect on the school.

A Comedy/Drama with Steve Coogan and Jonathan Pryce

Reviews

“This film is based on events in the 1970s when Tom Michell, teaching at St George's College, in Argentina, found one oil-drenched living penguin among many dead ones. He cleaned it and tried to return it to the sea, but the bird wouldn't leave him, so he took the penguin back to Argentina, where the bird lived with him in his school flat.” (MWD Thompson)

“I went into *The Penguin Lessons* thinking it was going to be some quirky British documentary or maybe a light-hearted animal tale. What I got was an emotional rollercoaster featuring a tuxedoed bird with better manners than most humans I know.” (Greg Archibald)

Friday 2nd January 2025 at 19.45

Downton Abbey : The Grand Finale

123 min, Cert. PG, 2025

£5 (limited to 50)

Soft seats. Sorry booking not possible

Help the Team?

The Cinema evening is run by a very small group led by Pip Cartmell. If you would like to volunteer and get involved in the event, when we finally come back, by designing and putting up the posters, selling tickets, choosing the films, ushering, or being projectionist, do contact us by text on 07840 996643 or through our Facebook page 'Pilton Cinema'.