Daniella
Westbrook's healthy adVIce for Kate Moss
The Cameo’s beloved Cinema One
Screen makes way for scran
The Cameo Cinema and Usher Hall are both set for major refurbishment. Words: Allan Radcliffe
he future of Edinburgh‘s iconic (‘ameo (‘inema is
looking uncertain after the venerable art house
cinema was acquired by the (if (iroup. owner of a wide variety of bars. restaurants and clubs in (ilasgow. including the (irosvenor Cinema. The group has applied for planning permission to transform the (‘ameo‘s unique. century-old (‘inema ()ne into a restaurant. thus reducing its capacity from 394 to ISO. It is feared the redevelopment will bring about months of uncertainty for staff as refurbishment takes place.
This news has shocked members of Scotland's film community. such as Edinburgh filmmaker Richard Jobson. His debut feature [6 Years ofA/t'u/m/ was premiered at the ('ameo. and the cinema plays an important role in his latest film A Woman in Winter.
'The (‘ameo has been a central part of my life in Edinburgh and is one of the most special places in the city.‘ he said. ‘My understanding of modern cinema has grown from being a regular ticket-buying visitor. From my early teens to now the (‘ameo has felt like another home. We had midnight screenings of my Kung Eu film The Purifiers to sell-out audiences who embraced the B-movie madness of
the project which could only have happened within the beautiful. magical setting of the Cameo. It must not go and be left to venal developers to ruin a part of our cultural heritage. I hope the rest of Edinburgh is as upset and angry as I am.’
However. film critic and author Mark (‘ousins believes cinema lovers need to be imaginative ill their response to the plans. "I‘hc fact is that Edinburgh is “overscreened".‘ he said. "I‘he great cinemas in this city are operating at a loss. Every film showed by the (‘ameo would be screened by I‘illnhouse so even if it does lose (‘inema ()ne it will not mean those of us who passionately love cinema will lose out. Surely a campaign to get the (‘ineworld at Eountainbridge to work with Eilmhouse and other specialist cinemas would be far more effective and modern. (‘ineworld is quite powerful and. while it is good that it is showing Asian and some European films. in doing so it is risking undermining the work of the cinemas in town which are really pushing the boundaries. It is also vital that the city supports the Eilmhouse far more enthusiastically than it currently does.‘
(if was unavailable for comment as we went to press.
MUSIC MANIFESTO A MIXED BLESSING
I The launch of a music manifesto for Scotland has received a mixed reaction from the industry. The manifesto, which aims to press government for more direct funding for contemporary music, was drawn up by a Holyrood cross- party group. Bands such as ldlewild (pictured) and Mull Historical Society, as well as top promoters DF Concerts, appeared at the unveiling of the proposals alongside first minister Jack McConnell and culture minister Patricia Ferguson. However, the high profile project has been greeted with scorn by Alec Downie of NEMIS, the agency which has been promoting new music in Scotland since 1999 and is engaged in a row with the Scottish Arts Council after being turned down for funding. ‘This manifesto is being celebrated by politicians who last week could not support NEMIS, a successful agency that has helped over 1000 artists and businesses from the contemporary sector,’ he said. (AR)
I Rivalry between Scotland’s biggest cities will be fierce this winter. ‘Let’s show the world where the real Hogmanay city is!’ joshed Hue & Cry’s Pat and Greg Kane as they were unveiled alongside Athlete (pictured) and Deacon Blue as the line- up for Glasgow’s Hogmanay celebrations. Tickets are available from 0870 333 6205.
I Meanwhile. List cover star KT Tunstall, Texas and El Presidente are to play at Edinburgh's Hogmanay Concert in the Gardens music and fireworks spectaCular. Sons and Daughters. Hard-Fi and Hayseed Dixie will also be performing on separate stages along Princess Street. ‘Yet again. this year looks set to be another great event. reaffirming Edinburgh's position as the place to bring in the New Year.‘ said Howard Moody. spokesman for sponsor the Royal Bank of Scotland. Tickets can be purchased online at www. edinburghshogmanay.com.
I T in the Park scooped two awards at the UK Festival Awards this month: best major festival and best facilities and organisation. The awards, voted for by the public, demonstrated the loyalty of Scottish festival-goers as TitP beat Glastonbury into second place.
I The $244.5 million contract to restore the Royal Museum in Edinburgh has been awarded to Glasgow firm Gareth Hoskins Architects. Plans include a more accessible entrance and new circulation routes to improve access to the museum's collection. Work will begin in 2007.
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