The United Kingdom has a well-established history of independent cinema exhibition dating back to the 1930s and the Film Society Movement, which still exists as the British Federation of Film Societies. Since the 1980s independent exhibition has thrived in a series of regional film theatres set up under the auspices of the British Film Institute. The cinemas are linked to the Europa Cinemas Network, which guarantees to promote at least 50% European titles, as well as to represent the history and diversity of world cinema.
The Independent Cinema Office (ICO) has comprehensive information for developers and owners of independent cinemas.
The principal regional film theatres include:
A full directory of UK independent cinemas can be found on the ICO website.