Excitement Builds for Bermondsey Square’s New Independent Cinema: The Arzner
Bermondsey Square has welcomed its latest cultural gem, The Arzner, which hosted it’s soft launch of their bar lounge in early November 2024, and will debut its 50-seat cinema before the year’s out! With a blend of warm, inclusive atmosphere and a stunning showcase of queer film, The Arzner is poised to become the new go-to spot in the city. A state-of-the-art projector and sound system ensure an elevated viewing experience, and the venue will also serve as a welcoming daytime space where locals and visitors alike can bring their laptops to work.
London’s only LGBTQ+ cinema, The Arzner is perfectly positioned to serve Bermondsey’s vibrant community, which is one of the highest concentrations of LGBTQ+ residents in the city. Business partners Simon and Piers are eager to open the doors, creating a safe and celebratory space for all.
Named after Dorothy Arzner—an influential filmmaker from the golden age of cinema in the 1920s to 1940s—The Arzner honours a trailblazer who, despite her groundbreaking work, was largely overlooked by film history. As Piers explained, “Dorothy Arzner’s contributions should be celebrated.” Simon added, “Stories become powerful on the big screen”. The Arzner is the perfect venue to share impactful stories from history’s most revered LGBTQ+ creators.
At a time when it’s becoming increasingly difficult for independent businesses to thrive in London, The Arzner plays an important role in diversifying the cityscape and continuing the legacy of queer cinema. We can’t wait to sip cocktails, watch films we might not have seen before, and enjoy the experience with friends in this one-of-a-kind space.
