About

Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre - home to Portsmouth Film Society - is where you can see great films in a social environment. Meet like-minded film fans, chat about the latest releases and watch great movies that you might not otherwise get a chance to see.

Southsea Cinema Café is open from 12pm to 7pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Annual membership rates are available, allowing you to see films at a great price-per-film, and gives members the chance to suggest the films that will be shown in the future.

Southsea Cinema and Portsmouth Film Society are not-for-profit, and all money from membership fees goes towards promoting the society and booking films and events for members to enjoy.

For a full programme of Southsea Cinema's events and upcoming screenings see the what's on guide.

You can also find out how to become a member on the Southsea Cinema website.

As well as its cinema in Southsea, Portsmouth Film Society also brings the best in brand new cinema, cult movies, and classic films to venues across the city. Don't miss the Outdoor Screenings, held at amazing venues throughout Portsmouth. Previous Outdoor Screening venues have included Victoria Park, Southsea Castle and the gardens of Cumberland House Natural History Museum.

The cinema also hosts regular exhibitions from local and national artists. The programme is ever-changing so be sure to keep an eye on the Southsea Cinema website to see what's on display now and what is coming up soon.

Sparkle with Lotsolove
4 December - 26 January, 12pm-7pm
Free entry

Southsea Cinema and Art Centre presents Sparkle with Lotsolove, a dazzling new exhibition by Portsmouth-based artist and creator Maria Mullis. This vibrant showcase celebrates the intersection of Portsmouth’s rich naval heritage and the bold artistry of maritime tattoos - reimagined with glitter, gems, and a modern twist.

Sparkle with Lotsolove is a joyful exploration of maritime-inspired tattoo imagery, seeing them transformed into vibrant, three-dimensional artworks and bold accessories. Maria’s work radiates love, joy, and connection, inviting visitors into a world of radiant color, glitter, and creativity.

Renowned for her bold use of color and innovative techniques, Maria transforms traditional tattoo designs into framed art pieces and wearable accessories, offering a fresh perspective on these timeless symbols. Her work brings uplifting energy and reflects her belief in finding beauty and joy in unexpected places.

With over 30 years of artistic experience, Maria has exhibited in Chichester and Portsmouth, earning recognition for her signature use of vibrant colors and glitter. Her work combines traditional motifs with contemporary flair, creating art that is both reflective and uplifting.

Don’t miss this captivating exhibition that brings together heritage, creativity, and sparkle.

Pride LGBTQ+ Film Festival 2025

Portsmouth Film Society hosts its 11th Pride LGBTQ+ Film Festival, taking place at Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month. It features a diverse lineup of films that explore the breadth of queer experiences and stories.

The festival kicks off at 7pm on 1 February with a free double-bill screening of Victim and Different from the Others. Lord Mayor Councillor Jason Fazackarley will deliver the opening address, marking the beginning of this important cultural event.

Film schedule:

1 February
Victim (UK, 1961) – 1hr 41min, Cert 15
Directed by Basil Dearden, Victim is a British neo-noir suspense film starring Dirk Bogarde and Sylvia Syms. It was the first British film to explicitly name homosexuality and address it sympathetically.
Different from the Others (Germany, 1919) – 50min
Widely considered the first gay film in cinematic history, Different from the Others tells the tragic love story of a famous concert pianist and his student. This film, made over a century ago, was banned by censors and later pursued by the Nazis, serving as a powerful reminder of the longstanding presence of LGBTQ+ individuals in society.

5 February
Wildhood (Canada, 2022) – 1hr 48min, Cert 15
Hosted by Queer Secret Film Club, this screening will feature an introduction by Olly Thew, founder of the club. Wildhood is a moving drama in which two brothers reconnect with their Indigenous heritage while searching for their birth mother. A beautifully crafted film that explores themes of discovery, belonging, friendship, kindness, family, and love.

8 February
The Watermelon Woman (USA, 1997) – 1hr 24min, Cert 15
A networking event for LGBTQ+ filmmakers will be held at the cinema before the screening. Directed by Cheryl Dunye, this groundbreaking film follows Cheryl, a Black lesbian filmmaker, as she documents the life of a 1930s Black actress known only as "The Watermelon Woman." The screening will be followed by a live performance from Vanchango, an eclectic band blending blues, soul, rock, funk, punk, and Latin influences.

Wednesdays: 12 February, 19 February, 5 March
Queer Secret Film Club – Surprise screenings. Go along for an exclusive cinematic experience!

14 February
Pretty Red Dress (UK, 2022) – Cert 15
The screening will be followed by the University of Portsmouth Staff Network’s Valentine’s Party. Attendees are encouraged to wear red!
Written and directed by Dionne Edwards, Pretty Red Dress tells the story of a family navigating life after the father's release from prison. The plot centers around a red dress purchased for a Tina Turner audition, symbolizing transformation and self-expression.

22 February
The Queen of My Dreams (Pakistan/Canada, 2024) – 1hr 38min, Cert 15
Supported by Peccadillo Pictures, this film follows Azra (Amrit Kaur), who grapples with her conservative Muslim mother’s past and her own journey of self-discovery. After her father’s sudden death, Azra embarks on a Bollywood-inspired exploration of memories and cultural identity.

26 February
Queer Secret Film Club – Double Feature. Go along to enjoy two surprise films!

1 March
The Lost Boys (France, 2023) – 1hr 23min, Cert 15
The festival concludes with this poignant drama. Joe, a young man about to be released from a detention center, finds himself questioning his desire for freedom after meeting a new detainee, William. This thought-provoking film explores themes of identity, love, and self-discovery.