Escapes is a groundbreaking audience development initiative that offers free and accessible cinema screenings at over 120 independent cinemas across the UK each month. As part of the BFI National Lottery Funding Plan 2026-2029, Open Cinemas, operating as Escapes, received a £3 million investment over three years to ensure it continues to deliver free and accessible independent cinema to audiences nationwide. It’s clear this independent film, shot in Scotland, resonated with viewers; 99.7% of cinema-goers said they would recommend the film and 82% said that attending an Escapes event screening increased their interest in independent film. It reflects the strength of contemporary British filmmaking and exemplifies what BFI Escapes is all about: bringing audiences together through compelling stories. Bringing these positive cinema experiences to audiences nationwide leads people to rediscover and reconnect with their local independent cinemas, inspiring a lasting cinema-going habit.