Your
Belmont
Memories
Two Distinct Memories
"I have many great memories of The Belmont, but two stand out. The first was watching a film by Swedish film maker Roy Andersson, called A Pigeon Sat On A Branch Reflecting On Existence. With a title like that, I felt I had to see it. I had no knowledge of Anderssons prior work, and read a review which said that it was heavily influenced by surrealist film maker Luis Bunuel. And it was very similar, except it was a bit of a slog. There were three of us in the cinema, however what Ive never forgotten is one of them got up and left the cinema with about five minutes to go! I was a bit astonished, but then I thought maybe Roy Andersson would appreciate this, because like his film, it was a very surreal moment.
Second memory was in the Cinema One watching the Joy Division documentary. I was the only person in the cinema for the duration. First and only time it has ever happened, and although enjoyable, I hope this doesn't happen with the proposed new Belmont."
John Leslie
Share Your Memory
Two Distinct Memories
"I have many great memories of The Belmont, but two stand out. The first was watching a film by Swedish film maker Roy Andersson, called A Pigeon Sat On A Branch Reflecting On Existence. With a title like that, I felt I had to see it. I had no knowledge of Anderssons prior work, and read a review which said that it was heavily influenced by surrealist film maker Luis Bunuel. And it was very similar, except it was a bit of a slog. There were three of us in the cinema, however what Ive never forgotten is one of them got up and left the cinema with about five minutes to go! I was a bit astonished, but then I thought maybe Roy Andersson would appreciate this, because like his film, it was a very surreal moment.
Second memory was in the Cinema One watching the Joy Division documentary. I was the only person in the cinema for the duration. First and only time it has ever happened, and although enjoyable, I hope this doesn't happen with the proposed new Belmont."
John Leslie
So Many Memories
"The Belmont was a place where real magic occurred - a coming together of film lovers, of community, to share something special.
I saw films I loved that I'd otherwise never have seen on the big screen in Aberdeen - Beginners, Troll Hunter, Potiche, Iron Sky, to name just a few.
I first witnessed the glorious travesty of The Room and delighted in taking new people every time it screened.
I saw screenings of some of my all-time favourite cult films - Scott Pilgrim vs the World,Muppet Christmas Carol, Die Hard, Batman, and more.
I witnessed some of the most beautiful theatre through NT Live.
I attended talks and presentations and shows in the bar, the screens, everywhere possible.
It was - and can be again - a place for the community to come together."
Eoin Smith
Premiere of No Ladies Please
"As a passion project, I made a short film inspired by the 1973 sit-in protest by the women STUC delegates at the men-only Grill Bar in Aberdeen and in September 2019 was able to show it at the Belmont, thanks to Colin's kind agreement. It was wonderful, and we raised £700 for Grampian Women's Aid. The fact the Belmont started life as the Trades Union hall in 1896 makes it especially relevant. BRING IT BACK, so I can start a short film festival!!"
Fiona-Jane Brown
A very special place
"It almost goes without saying that the Belmont provided me with the opportunity to see a range of fantastic films on the big screen. I recall with special fondness that I was able to see several old classics in this way, some of them on celluloid prints. Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid was a highlight for me, as was 2001: a Space Odyssey. The Star Gate sequence in that latter film really has to be seen in a cinema to be fully appreciated. The Belmont gave us such opportunities."
Barry Robertson
Special times
"Moving to Aberdeen with a love of independent/Arthouse/world cinema to live with a partner who enjoys mainstream movies!
Special solo times walking to the Belmont after work & always enjoying the friendly atmosphere and a pink wine in a plastic cup - pure relaxation watching some amazing and diverse cinema - always a colourful treat which I have missed in the greyness of Aberdeen life. The Belmont is special & the city needs you."
Jane Street