The Arzner: A Safe Space for LGBTQ+ Cinema Lovers
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On a rain-soaked Friday night, I took the walk from London Bridge to see what everyone had been talking about: The Arzner — London’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ cinema, tucked away in Bermondsey. The heavens had opened, and by the time I arrived, soaked and slightly windswept, ducking beneath its glowing sign felt like a small act of salvation.
Stepping inside, it became immediately clear that this is no ordinary picture house. The Arzner feels less like a traditional cinema and more like a long-awaited living room for queer film lovers — and, I should add, for anyone who simply loves great cinema. This is not an exclusive “gay bubble”; it is a welcoming, inclusive cultural space.
The low lighting, rich red tones, Everything here feels thoughtfully designed. And before you even enter the screening room, let me tell you: the bar is outstanding. From beautifully crafted cocktails to quality wines and excellent non-alcoholic options, it is easily five-star. Arrive early, or even pop in just for a drink — you won’t regret it.
Named after Dorothy Arzner, the trailblazing Hollywood director who forged a remarkable career as an openly gay woman during the studio era, the cinema wears its heritage proudly yet lightly. Portraits of queer cultural icons line the walls, drinks are passed across the bar, and familiar faces greet one another. Arriving alone, yet never feeling lonely, is one of the evening’s first quiet triumphs.
The venue occupies the former site of Kino Bermondsey, but any sense of corporate uniformity has been replaced by a carefully curated personality. Its programming is unapologetically queer, spanning restored classics, contemporary independent releases, international features, and short-film showcases that amplify emerging LGBTQ+ voices.
On this particular Friday, I had been invited by my friend Amy Rose, an artist and one of the organisers of the London Fetish Film Festival. Now, before anyone gets their knickers in a twist, fetish cinema has grown significantly over recent decades, and this well-established three-day festival is now in its seventh year. The eclectic crowd alone demonstrated just how diverse and fascinating the scene has become.
The first film I saw, The Visitor (2024), featured stunning cinematography and a memorable soundtrack. Imagine Federico Fellini meeting an early, less camp version of John Waters — complete with what may be the worst wig in cinematic history. Even Divine might have fainted. The screening was followed by a lively Q&A with director Bruce LaBruce.
On Sunday, the programme shifted to documentaries, which proved genuinely eye-opening. For anyone interested in sexuality, identity, and the human mind, these films are well worth exploring. The performers and contributors certainly went the extra mile.
What truly distinguishes The Arzner is its atmosphere. The buzz is friendly and eclectic. Mainstream cinemas can often feel anonymous, even indifferent, but here the staff introduce films with genuine enthusiasm, sharing details about upcoming themed nights and community events.
Regular special screenings, Q&As, and curated seasons ensure that the cinema is not a passing novelty, but an evolving cultural hub. Conversations continue long after the credits roll, with patrons lingering over drinks to debate performances and recommend future screenings. The line between audience and community beautifully blurs.
Technically, the cinema delivers on every level: crisp projection, balanced sound, and comfortable seating that rival any arthouse venue in the capital. Yet it is the emotional resonance that lingers most. Watching queer stories unfold in a room filled largely with LGBTQ+ viewers shifts the energy entirely. Applause feels communal rather than polite, and moments of silence carry collective meaning.
As I eventually stepped back into the rain — still wondering if it would ever end — I couldn’t help smiling at the thought of Noah popping in for “just one cocktail” before watching Brat, the Charlie XCX film, and joking about building an ark by closing time.
Spending time at The Arzner felt like a privilege. It is not merely London’s only LGBTQ+ cinema; it is a statement of permanence and pride in a city where queer spaces have too often been lost to redevelopment. By offering a year-round home for queer film, it provides something far more enduring than novelty.
It offers visibility, celebration, and the simple, radical pleasure of seeing one’s community centred on screen.
And I, for one, am very much looking forward to going back. ps there even a pop up greeting from Stephen Fry to kick your night off ,
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2Shades Magazine 