Richmond Film Society celebrates 60 years of World Cinema

To celebrate 60 years of screenings and around 860 films, the Richmond Film Society (RFS) held a party for its members at The Exchange in Twickenham on Tuesday 9 May 2023.

There was a speech, a birthday cake and, a screening of a film from 1963, the comedy-drama, Billy Liar. Among those present were two founding members, Barrie Wood and Jean Strachan, who were, respectively, the first chairman and first membership secretary of the society.

RFS screened its first ever film on 2 April 1963 at the Richmond Community Centre, on the site now occupied by Waitrose.

Having outgrown the capacity of its former venue, RFS' relocation to The Exchange in Twickenham in January 2018 has proved a resounding success. With a current membership of 325 and a substantial allocation of £5 non-member tickets for each screening, the society's seasons attract an aggregate audience of around 4,500 attendees.

The society's current season concludes on Tuesday 20 June 2023 with the acclaimed British drama, Aftersun, which is being screened as part of the newly created Richmond Arts & Ideas Festival. Season 60 commences on Tuesday 19 September 2023.

To find out more, visit Richmond Film Society website.