Rio Cinema, E8

Know London

Opened in 1909 and originally called the Kingsland Palace the Rio was among the first full-time cinemas in London.

In March 1977, the Rio Cinema Working Party applied for funds to buy the building. They planned to develop the Rio into a centre for dance, drama, music hall, poetry and music, with film, video and photography workshops in the basement.

In 1979 it was decided to concentrate the Rio’s activities on film, video and photography. The Rio became a not for profit company, limited by guarantee and a registered charity. This management structure continues today, although the Management Committee has been renamed the Board of Directors to fully reflect its responsibilities.

In 1998 architects Burrell, Foley, Fischer were commissioned to undertake a redesign. Great pains were taken to retain the original Art Deco design in the auditorium. The major structural work involved reducing the size of the auditorium slightly to accommodate an enlarged foyer, improved acoustics and the redesign of the cafe. Other improvements were new seats, custom-designed carpeting, air conditioning and the installation of a Dolby Digital™ sound system.

The Rio has developed into a cinema that is responsive to the interests of sections of the community often ignored by mainstream commercial cinema. Examples of this are the annual Turkish and Kurdish film festivals, the Saturday morning Children’s Picture Club, midweek Classic Matinées, the recently introduced Parent and Baby matinées and participation in Spanish and Gay and Lesbian film festivals. While all the other cinemas in Hackney have disappeared or become snooker halls and car auction rooms, the Rio continues to adapt and flourish.