PhoenixRising
For more than a century, the Phoenix Cinema has been at the heart of East Finchley. Since opening in 1910, generations of film lovers have walked through our doors to laugh, cry, learn, dream and experience the magic of cinema together.
The next chapter
While our screen and auditorium now reflect the quality and heritage of the cinema, many of our public spaces no longer do. Our foyer and toilet facilities are in urgent need of refurbishment, and we believe they deserve the same care, attention and ambition that has transformed the auditorium.
To help imagine what the future could look like, we partnered with third-year and MA Architecture students from Middlesex University, challenged to rethink the foyer and facilities — balancing heritage, accessibility, sustainability and the needs of a modern cinema audience. Four outstanding proposals have been on display in the foyer; a winning design will shortly be announced.
Become a Friend of Phoenix Rising — regular giving helps us plan with confidence. UK taxpayers: Gift Aid adds to your donation at no extra cost.
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Our patrons
Benedict Cumberbatch
Dame Judi Dench
Maureen Lipman
Mark Kermode
Bill Paterson
Michael Palin
Our trustees
The Phoenix Cinema Trust is a registered charity, run by volunteers who love this place.
- Chair of BoardPaul Rossi
A university professional who first came to the Phoenix when he was 15, and has loved it ever since.
Favourite film: Der Himmel über Berlin (Wings of Desire) (Wim Wenders, 1987) - TreasurerShouma Khan
Finance director with a passion for media and excited about supporting our fantastic local cinema.
Favourite film: The Seven Samurai, World of Apu and The Usual Suspects - Trustee since 2021Adrian Bull
Founder and CEO of Cinelab Film & Digital, the UK’s only full-service film lab — a vocal advocate for celluloid, photochemical processing and archive restoration. The Phoenix has been his local since the early nineties.
- TrusteeBenjamin Ellis
East Finchley local, NHS doctor, passionate about inclusion and community.
Favourite film: Dangerous Liaisons (1988), The Lives of Others (2006) - TrusteeMadeleine Hoare
Long-term High Barnet resident and Phoenix customer. A former solicitor and head teacher with ten years at the V&A. “A local, independent cinema like the Phoenix is a treasure.”
Favourite film: Brief Encounter - SecretaryViran Ram
Lawyer and Finchley resident, father of two young kids, keen that brilliant local institutions like the Phoenix can be enjoyed by the next generation.
Favourite film: Moonlight, The Matrix - TrusteeSteve Smith
Long-time East Finchley resident with a background in marketing and communications, committed to securing the long-term future of this much-loved institution.
Favourite film: could be anything from Gregory’s Girl to Goodfellas - TrusteeRuth Anders
- TrusteeKen McEnery
- TrusteeTom Linay
- TrusteeEmma Jacobs