THE community cinema group in Okehampton, set up following the closure of the Carlton, say they believe there is still a place for them should a commercial cinema decide to come back to the town. Chairman of Okehampton Moving Pictures (OMP) the Rev Philip Wagstaff said the group was particularly looking to develop the options for showing films in village hall venues, following the announcement last week that the market hall could be turned into a two/three screen cinema. Mr Wagstaff said: ?A new cinema will be in the position to show mainstream films when they are released and provide a comfortable space for people. ?This is something that OMP have not been able to do and recognise that a cinema or multi-use space would be a positive move. ?If the proposed cinema goes ahead we believe that there is still a place for OMP. ?We have now secured some further funding for a co-ordinator who will work to promote OMP, including the development to show films in village halls?. He added that they were talking with Beaford Arts and Villages in Action to ensure that there was no overlap in provision. ?Once we have secured the rest of the funding for a co-ordinator we will begin to discuss with villages the opportunities for film shows.? He said, in the meantime, work was being done to develop Okehampton Moving Pictures in ways which would complement the proposed cinema. OMP is run by volunteers who willingly give their time to keep film alive in Okehampton. Mr Wagstaff said that in the last year, Moving Pictures had shown 21 films and had an average audience of 32. This has been achieved with help from many people and groups in Okehampton and beyond who have supported the group?s efforts. He thanked those supporters and those who came along to watch the varied programme offered at the Charter Hall. ?We will be holding our annual meeting in the New Year,? Mr Wagstaff said. ?This is an opportunity to discuss the work of Okehampton Moving Pictures and to get involved with your community cinema.?
