About RFT

Reading Film Theatre was established over 40 years ago as an independent cinema with a policy to show the best films from around the world. 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

Lord Carrington,KG,GCMG,CH,MC,PC, former Chancellor, University of Reading

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

This year we have had to make a small increase to our prices (our first in two years), but the increase only applies to tickets bought on the door. If you buy them via our website before 6.30pm on the night of the film they are the same as before.

Films: Members £5.00, £6.00 on the door; Non-members £8.00, £9.00 on the door; senior citizens (65 and over), students and unwaged £7.00, £8.00 on the door (on production of proof of status); children 14 and under £5.00. £6.00 on the door. The discounted tickets are available through the website until 6.30pm on the night of the film, after which time they will be available at the "on the door" prices. 

Click here for more information on membership.

Event Cinema: For live satellite screenings and Encore events such as ENO and NT Live, Members £11.00, £12.00 on the door. Non Members £14.00, £15.00 on the door, senior citizens (65 and over), students and unwaged £13.00, £14.00 on the door, Children 14 and under £11.00, £12.00 on the door. 

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. 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