Ken Loach, filmmaker and Phoenix patron says

The Phoenix is pleased to announce the launch of a new fundraising drive for the maintenance of the independence of this beloved heritage cinema.

The Phoenix Cinema, East Finchley, has been open since 1912 and has been run by a charitable trust since 1985. It is Londons oldest continuously running cinema and is much loved by all who use it.

In the face of financial difficulties the trustees recently explored various ways to maintain the cinema for our audience. The clear response from the community was that the cinema should remain independent. We were overwhelmed by your support and now want to turn this enthusiasm into action.

Trustees and staff are united in their determination to put the cinemas finances on a firmer footing in order to fulfil its threefold mission: screening quality films, preserving the historic building and running cultural, educational and entertainment activities for all our local community.

In the short term we need to increase income by £50,000 to continue delivering the services that maintain the cinema and to rebuild the reserves. We are asking all those who love the Phoenix to pledge their support for its independence. Your money will go to:

Supporting the running and staffing costs of the cinema to make an independent future sustainable

Continuing our award winning community and education programmes. These include Making Images, a filmmaking project for young people, Cinememories, dementia friendly screenings, schools screenings and family friendly projects for babies, toddlers and children.

Increasing the footfall by attracting new audiences

We are pleased that Save the Phoenix campaign has donated money already raised through crowdfunding. Can you help us raise the remainder to bring us up to £20,000? Your contribution, large or small, will make a difference. Please share the campaign with others who go to the Phoenix. Most of all, come often, buy food and drink from the café and enjoy the Phoenix experience.