About RFT

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

Performances

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.

Disabled Access

An induction loop system has been installed in the theatre for the hearing impaired. There is space for six wheelchair users. 

Admission

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.

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.

Volunteers

Reading Film Theatre wouldn’t be able to run without its volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email RFT: rft@reading.ac.uk.

Registered Charity No. 277615