What started as a simple idea between a few local film lovers has grown into something rather special.
About Windlesham Film Club
Bringing Great Films to the Heart of the Village
Windlesham Film Club was established in 2024 with a straightforward aim: to create a welcoming community cinema where people could enjoy great films together without having to travel far from home. We wanted to bring the big-screen experience back to the village, introduce audiences to films they might not otherwise discover, and create a friendly social space where people could connect through a shared love of cinema.
Today, that's exactly what happens each month at the Windlesham Club & Theatre.
How It All Began
The inspiration for the club came from founder Tracy Mears, whose love of cinema began during her student days in London. One film in particular made a lasting impression: Do the Right Thing by Spike Lee. It opened up a whole new world of storytelling and filmmaking that sparked a lifelong passion for cinema.
Over the years, Tracy became a regular visitor to the London Film Festival, developed a Friday afternoon habit of listening to film reviews from Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo, and set herself the annual challenge of watching every Academy Award-nominated film before the Oscars.
Like many film enthusiasts, she discovered that some of the most memorable films are often the ones that never make it to the multiplex. The idea for Windlesham Film Club grew from a desire to share those discoveries with others and create a local space where people could enjoy great films together.
Our very first screening took place in May 2024, when we showed Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise. Since then, we've welcomed audiences from Windlesham and surrounding villages to enjoy a wide variety of films, from award-winning dramas and thought-provoking documentaries to crowd-pleasing favourites and hidden gems.
More Than Just Watching Films
We believe cinema is best experienced together.
Our screenings are relaxed, friendly and welcoming. Some people come with friends or family, while many attend on their own and soon find themselves chatting with fellow film lovers before the film starts or during the interval. We've seen new friendships form, lively conversations continue long after the credits roll, and a real sense of community develop around our monthly screenings.
Whether you're a lifelong cinephile, an occasional film-goer, or simply looking for a different night out, you'll always receive a warm welcome.
A Community Cinema
Windlesham Film Club is run entirely on a not-for-profit basis. Every ticket sold helps us continue bringing films to the village and improving the experience for our audience.
Any surplus income is reinvested into the club, helping us purchase equipment, enhance our screenings, keep ticket prices affordable, and continue developing our community cinema for years to come.
We're also incredibly grateful for the support of local businesses, sponsors and organisations whose generosity helps make what we do possible. Their encouragement and support have played an important part in helping the club grow.
Looking Ahead
We're proud of what Windlesham Film Club has become in such a short time, but we're even more excited about what comes next.
From introducing audiences to outstanding new films and hosting special events, to welcoming new members and strengthening our connections within the community, we're committed to making Windlesham Film Club a place where people can discover great cinema and enjoy spending time together.
After all, the best films don't just entertain us - they bring us together.
We'd love you to join us for a screening soon.