Rio Cinema in Dalston celebrates 50 years of community cinema with Rio Forever

Films have been flickering on Kingsland High Street since 1909, making the Rio the UK's longest running cinema. In 2026 it has been celebrating another landmark: 50 years of being run by and for its community.

To mark the occasion, the Rio launched Rio Forever, an anniversary programme that has been filling its screens throughout the year. The celebrations kicked off on 17 April with a launch party curated by Jeremy Deller, Sports Banger and Doc'n Roll, and the programme included a homage to early British cinema pioneer Clara Ludski, with a plaque unveiled in her honour.

Filmmakers, artists and curators were invited to introduce films on 35mm. In the spring, Asif Kapadia presented The Godfather Part II and Dionne Edwards introduced Bound, while Molly Manning-Walker presented Punch-Drunk Love. Clubs including horror night Category H, Varda Film Club and Uncommon Voices hosted their own screenings, and there was a celebration of Prince with Purple Rain.

The autumn season, running to November, brings more guest curators. Ben Whishaw introduces Tsai Ming-liang's Goodbye, Dragon Inn, Asif Kapadia returns with Takashi Miike's Audition on 35mm, and Dionne Edwards and Ashley Clark pair up for Ganja and Hess.

A queer cinema season draws on the Rio's own history, including hosting the UK's first Pride Film Festival in 1980. It includes a Pink Palace party with a screening of The Birdcage and a Q&A screening of The Times of Harvey Milk with director Rob Epstein. Other highlights include a mystery 35mm screening, and a showing of Empire Records with a conversation among past and present staff.

There is plenty to take home too. Limited edition merchandise has been designed by Ching-Li Chew and made in Tottenham, and Five Points Brewing Co has brewed a special Rio Forever IPA.

Every headline screening doubles as a fundraiser for the Rio's historic building, so a night at the pictures here really does help keep the lights on for the next 50 years.

The Rio Cinema is at 107 Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB, close to Dalston Kingsland station. For listings and tickets, visit riocinema.org.uk.