RFT (Reading Film Theatre) was established 50 years ago as an independent cinema bringing the very best in world films to you. Our programme includes the latest blockbusters as well as a wide range of smaller budget and foreign language films. We also screen beautifully made films which raise important and challenging issues you won’t find on the multiplex circuit.
We are proud of our top quality digital projection, huge screen and state-of-the art Dolby surround sound, providing a great immersive cinematic experience. Our 300 seated auditorium is located in the Palmer building, which we hire from the University of Reading each week.
RFT receives no grants and hires the largest auditorium from the University on a regular basis, using its own equipment and employing RFT staff, most of whom are volunteers.
The cinema is open to everyone, and being based on a university campus, it screens films only during term time. We aim to screen at least one foreign language film (subtitled in English) each week, the rest of the programme being a mix of both mainstream and independent cinema, primarily from the UK and North America. The majority of films are recent releases, but occasionally a classic will be screened if a new print has become available. This website gives details of our current program with informative links to other sites showing stills, reviews, background and comment. Programmes are published three times a year and distributed to all Reading and Wokingham area libraries, civic centres and schools and are sent out to individual members of RFT.
Patrons
Peter Strickland, Film director, former RFT volunteer
President
Sir Kenneth Branagh
Start times vary so please check carefully. Performances are in the Palmer Building and the Minghella Building. Click here for detailed directions. Doors open 45 minutes before the advertised start of the programme. Films start promptly and for technical reasons latecomers cannot be admitted after the Box Office has closed. We regret that smoking, the use of mobiles and the consumption of food and beverages are not allowed in the Film Theatre.
An induction loop system has been installed in the theatre for the hearing impaired. There is space for six wheelchair users.
Tickets are cheaper if bought in advance
We have adjusted our ticket pricing for 2018/19 to make our concessions pricing fairer and more attractive.
Purchase method | Standard | Concession 65+ | Classic Member | Classic Member 65+ | Student |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
On the door at screening | £9 | £8 | £7 | £6 | £5 |
Online at Ticketsource | £8 + 50p booking fee | £7 + 50p booking fee | £6+ 50p booking fee | £5+ 50p booking fee | £5 |
Groups of 10 or more can pay the members rate for events. Please contact rft@reading.ac.uk for more information.
Advance Tickets can be purchased by visiting TicketSource any time before the film screening.
Reading Film Theatre wouldn't be able to run without its volunteers. The main benefit of volunteering is free films. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email RFT: rft@reading.ac.uk.
Registered Charity No. 277615
RFT News - AWAY is a multiple award-winning film about a boy travelling across an island on a motorcycle, trying to escape a dark spirit and get back home. Part dream, part reality, AWAY explores our common, universal need to find a connection. mailchi.mp/70285611d165/r… pic.twitter.com/pyjA14Uux0
RFT News - Watch Falling: a powerful drama from Lord of the Rings actor Viggo Mortensen about a family coping with their father's dementia. mailchi.mp/08e2dc77f463/r… pic.twitter.com/yjiXtyPbI2
RFT News - Now showing Cocoon - A true depiction of the trials and triumphs of female adolescence. Cocoon is a raw and honest coming-of-age tale that every woman can relate to. #CocoonFilm @peccapics mailchi.mp/c35345f3514d/r…
Reading Film Theatre
PO BOX 217
Palmer Building
Whiteknights
Reading
RG6 2AH
Telephone: 0118 378 7151
Email: rft@reading.ac.uk
Reading Film Theatre is a Registered Charity run almost entirely by volunteers and relies on income from Membership and Box Office and does not receive any grants towards its running costs. You can help support RFT by giving a donation that will support the only independent cinema left in Reading.