Cinemas: indie vs chain

Watershed is a place where I can go for a chill evening activity at the expense of a fiver. Whether I’m in the mood for a laugh or a cry, Watershed always has a wide range of hand-picked films catered to satisfy every emotion.

With three cinema rooms that screen films several times a day, the intimate cinema spaces are the perfect place for a wind down after a long day either with others or for a solo trip.

As an independent cinema, Watershed functions differently to cinema chains that run across the country, a popular example being the Odeon.

Watershed prioritises the art and the artists over profits. With a café and bar, as well as event spaces, Watershed is more than a cinema. It’s a community and a part of Bristol culture. A visit to Bristol is not complete without a trip to Watershed.

Founded to encourage an acknowledgement and support for the visual arts, especially film and television, Watershed welcomes donations from the public, in turn working to give back to the community in providing entertainment for its local audience.

 

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Whilst the focus of cinema chains is often screening mainstream commercial films that are dominated by Hollywood, indie cinemas give the stage to non-mainstream films and fresh, emerging talent.

With varying budgets, these films focus on creating high-quality visual art. Indie films tend to feel more creative and innovative in comparison to commercial films as filmmakers often have greater freedom to execute their ideas.

Mainstream films frequently require approval from studios for all major decisions with greater rules and regulations in place, meaning that creativity can be lacking at times.

Watershed values inclusivity, innovation and celebration. “We are people led. We listen to and engage with the broadest range of people. We are inventive, try new ideas, experiment, learn and share.” As stated in their website.

When choosing to visit your local indie cinema over a chain, you are backing the art and making the more ethical choice in supporting local businesses.

Considering this, film lovers often choose to visit arthouse cinemas over the chains. Watershed has seen it’s fair share of positive reviews over the years, including, “Far better than the average cinema. A really good independent cinema. I’ve seen some great films here. The atmosphere is cosey & intimate.”

That was a treat currently on @wshed ? pic.twitter.com/szFzpjTPAb

— Madeleine Probst (@MaddyProbst) September 22, 2024

However, despite the stream of supporters, another competition that threatens the survival of indie cinemas is the rapid rise in the popularity of streaming platforms.

Whilst we can agree that streaming platforms allow for ease and accessibility with the convenience of on demand watching, they take away from the immersive cinematic experience.

The large screen accompanied by dimmed lighting and an atmosphere that allows one to focus on what is in front of them, away from any distractions and interfering noise, is what makes the cinema viewing experience so enjoyable.

Films are appreciated more when viewed in the best possible setting. Viewers have the chance to make indie films flourish. All they require is support.

Audiences often forget that they are one of the biggest, if not the biggest, factor in the distribution of films as filmmakers cater for their audiences.

Locals want Watershed to stick around, however, this can only happen if Bristolians are making the effort to visit the cinema every now and then.

Why not donate to your local indie cinema and get down to Watershed to enjoy some high-quality visuals next time you find yourself stuck without any evening plans. All it costs is a fiver for under twenty-five-year-olds.

This is an opinion piece by Yoyi Clark, a third year student at the University of Bristol.

Main photo: Charlotte Sawyer

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