The Queen’s Film Theatre is one of only two independent cinemas in Belfast and the only place in Northern Ireland where you can see films from around the world. Its new manager, Susan Picken, is determined to promote its individuality with a series of special events. She talks to Una Bradley the Susan Picken Queen’s Film

Who wouldn’t envy Susan Picken her job? As the new manager of Queen’s Film Theatre (which of course is not a theatre at all, but a two-screen cinema), she not only gets to watch dozens of movies in the course of a working week, but dream up fun events like singles nights and creepy horror specials.

It’s less of a job and more of a vocation for Picken, who has recently returned to her native Northern Ireland after 20 years in London. While across the water, she worked in a variety of movie-related jobs, including teaching, putting in a spell at the National Film Theatre, and making a film of her own, which toured the festival circuit.

While at the NFT, she organised the successful Guardian Interviews series, which saw the likes of George Clooney, Woody Allen, Jane Fonda and Ewan McGregor dropping by. So who was the nicest Hollywood celebrity she met? “Morgan Freeman. I had to collect him from the airport and I can confirm he’s a charming, lovely man.”

Back in Belfast, Picken is pioneering what should be a very exciting chapter in the life of the QFT.

After a major refurb a few years back, the cinema is now a modern, airy space, with swish wine bar, poof-style sofas, and two studios with digital projectors — Northern Ireland’s first. It’s a far cry from the former venue, which used to be accessed down a dark and dank entry, and where the refreshments extended to tepid coffee in polystyrene cups!

The QFT hasn’t merely come up in the world aesthetically speaking, however. Thanks to a tightening of its programme and marketing strategy, it’s rebounded financially, with the past year one of the most successful on record, according to Picken.

It’s even scored a few big coups by screening blockbusters like The Assassination of Jesse James — starring Brad Pitt — and the Oscar-nominated The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, before they hit the multiplexes.

Punters have been able to watch many other hits of the past year — There Will Be Blood, No Country For Old Men, La Vie En Rose, Sweeney Todd — in the cosy intimacy of the QFT should they prefer that to their regular cinema.

So, considering Belfast is already coming down with cinema screens — the new eight-screen Odeon (at Victoria Square shopping centre) opens today — and given that the QFT is showing mainstream movies more frequently, why do we need it at all?

“The QFT is unique,” says Picken passionately. “It’s the only place in Northern Ireland where you can see cinema from around the world. And often those films are presented in context — so there will be accompanying talks and introductions, such as the talk on Tim Burton’s work that accompanied Sweeney Todd.

“We try to make it so that people aren’t seeing films in isolation. Take our recent Polish festival — people have the chance to learn about other cultures and see films within a context.

“But it’s not all worthy. I often go to the multiplex myself to see a film — but the point is the QFT gives a really broad choice and that’s what sets it apart. You go to the multiplex to see a film like Indiana Jones, and you come to the QFT for another type of film. It’s about variety and, basically, just a love of cinema.”

And what of the perception that Norn Iron folk aren’t too keen on those fancy foreign arthouse films with the subtitles?

“A lot of the films we show are not subtitled. I think the point is that we show the best films from around the world, whether they’re subtitled or not. Films like Iron Man and Indiana Jones have huge marketing machines behind them, but we show lots of films that don’t. If it weren’t for independent cinemas, these films would never see the light of day. How can anyone argue against that?”

So what gems does Picken have up her sleeve for coming months?

“Well, you could almost accuse the programme of being a bit ‘girly’ — probably for the first time ever!” she giggles. “We have Priceless, starring Audrey Tautou; a screening of the wonderful old romantic comedy The Apartment; and a great film about women who worked for the Resistance during WW2 called Female Agents.

“To balance all that, we are showing cult hip-hop classic Wild Style, and City Of Men.

“Our first ever singles night will be based around the hilarious comedy, A Complete History Of My Sexual Failures. It should be a lot of fun.

“In October, I plan a week of events to celebrate the QFT’s 40th anniversary. We’ll have special guests, and an exhibition, and show some of the biggest hits over the years. We really want everyone to get involved.”

Picken also hopes to open up the QFT to be more than just a cinema and a cafe. “I want to make it a hub for film-making in Northern Ireland. I’m hoping to set up short-film nights where local film-makers can show their work.

“It’s important to have somewhere in the city where those working in the creative industries can network and where a cinema is also a resource — you know, in terms of outreach and education — for the community.”

Picken has no problem remembering the first film she saw at the QFT — Blue Velvet, by cult American director, David Lynch. “It made a big impression on me,” she smiles. “To this day, David Lynch remains one of my favourite film-makers.”

She also likes “decent horror flicks” like Pan’s Labyrinth, and Swinging Sixties classics like Blow-Up. Pushed to pick an all-time favourite, she selects the 1930s French classic, L’Atalante.

The QFT is, of course, very different to other cinemas in that it’s closely associated with Queen’s University, even though it receives financial help from a few different pots — Queen’s, Belfast City Council and NI Screen. Can the association with QUB be a handicap?

“Not at all. As far as running the cinema goes, we are completely independent. It’s all good — we get to ride on the fantastic academic reputation of Queen’s, which is a great asset, especially when trying to attract tourists.

“I very much want to strengthen the links between us and the university, by showcasing work by Queen’s film students, and sometimes tying our programme in with their curriculum. There’s a lot of potential, and if it’s done in the right way, everyone gets to benefit.”

One of Dublin’s best-loved indie cinemas, The Lighthouse, re-opened last month, a decade after its doors shut amid claims the multi-screen cinemas were killing off smaller, arthouse cinemas.

Picken feels the tale is salutary. Along with the Strand in east Belfast, the QFT is the only cinema in Belfast not owned by a multinational or a chain.

“I have nothing against multiplexes, but as I said, it’s all about choice,” she continues. “There’s no reason why, in a thriving city like Belfast, there shouldn’t be room for everything.”

The QFT Singles Night takes place tonight. Tickets, which include film are £15. Bottles of wine, normally £13, will be £10. For full QFT programme and booking info, see www.queensfilmtheatre.com