This week, the charity vying to reimagine, refurbish and reopen Aberdeen’s shuttered Belmont Cinema appointed their new chief executive.
Matt Buchanan becomes the new chief executive officer of Belmont Community Cinema Ltd, a charity set up in the wake of the theatre’s untimely closure following the collapse of the Centre for the Moving Image (CMI) in October 2022.
Mr Buchanan brings a wealth of experience, strategic leadership and a deep passion for film to his new role, following a highly successful tenure as venue manager at The Montrose Playhouse 40 miles south of the city.
There, Matt was instrumental in transforming a derelict swimming pool into a thriving hub for film, arts, and culture. And his proven leadership and dedication to community-focused arts make him the ideal choice to lead The Belmont Cinema into its next chapter.
Commenting on his new role, Matt Buchanan said: "I'm deeply honoured and excited to play my part in the reopening of The Belmont Cinema. This is an incredible opportunity, and I’m ready to play my part for the good of every film lover in our city.
“I've seen first-hand the positive difference that access to good quality cinema, arts, and culture can make to people's lives. I believe that Aberdeen deserves an inclusive, vibrant, independent cinema.
“Building on the incredible work already done by the Board of Trustees, and with the support of the people of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, I'm positive that we're on our way to making this dream a reality."
Matt Buchan and Jacob Campbell
Jacob Campbell, chairperson of Belmont Community Cinema Ltd, enthusiastically welcomed Matt to the team, saying: “Our Board are thrilled to have Matt join our team at such a pivotal moment in our story, as we work tirelessly to get the projectors whirring again at The Belmont.
“Matt’s enthusiastic vision for the future of the theatre, the passion for his craft, and his experienced background navigating similar situations like the one Belmont finds itself in at the moment were exactly what we were looking for to help bring our ambitious plans to life.
“I am confident that, under Matt’s leadership and with the unwavering support of our Belmont Community who have supported us steadfastly every step of the way, we can create a thriving, independent cinema that Aberdeen deserves and can be proud of."
Matt takes on the role at an exciting time for the Belmont Street theatre, as campaigners strive to raise over £3million to bring the 19th century venue up to date for the modern day, making it both environmentally and economically sustainable, and accessible for all to enjoy.
He joins existing Belmont employees, Sarah Dingwall (head of income generation and business development), Lynsey Morison (information and finance administrator), and Michelle Soto (community fundraiser and outreach co-ordinator).
Working alongside strategic education partners Station House Media Unit (shmu), architects, TINTO Architecture, and design house, FortyTwo Studio, the new charity have created a vision for Belmont that puts film, education, community, and customer experience firmly at the heart of Aberdeen’s only independent cinema.