Cinéphilia West – very bad news
by Cinéphilia West on Friday, July 23, 2010 at 9:53am ·
In effect from Friday 23 July 2010
Cinéphilia West – very bad news
It is with very great regret that we have to announce that Cinéphilia West has been forced to close. The short story is that our ex-partner and landlord, Mr Amin Taha, has reneged on an existing agreement to enter into a new lease, at market rate, at our premises at 171 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, and has re-taken possession of the premises with a view to sell the entire building as vacant and without an existing tenant in situ. As Cinéphilia West was occupying the premises under a temporary arrangement ahead of the formal execution of a long-term lease we have no choice but to cease operation there and seek alternative premises for our business. This is with immediate effect, as no notice was given but bailiffs imposed to re-possess the premises, leaving us completely exposed to the damage to our reputation as though the business itself was not viable or successful, which it was, and giving the impression that we are in any way at fault, which we are not. We have been torpedoed by a very unscrupulous man, but do not have the substantial means to challenge his behaviour through legal channels, despite having the full force of the law in our favour.
In the ten months that Cinéphilia West has been operational, it has generated an enormous amount of admiration and appreciation, with an army of friends and supporters, from regular guests and customers, over three hundred members, and an extensive list of partners and collaborators involved in hosting a whole range of film screenings and special events. We are very sorry to everyone who can no longer enjoy our services, activities and hospitality. It is especially sad as our print and online reviews have been incredibly positive and word-of-mouth publicity has grown phenomenally over this time, and we have even been shortlisted in London Magazine's Great Little Shop Awards for 2010.
We very much hope to resurrect the operation in other, more accommodating, premises in the near future. We will therefore be keeping open all channels of communication with our many friends, and hope to be back with more positive news in the period ahead. In the meantime, if anyone wishes to contact us with any thoughts or suggestions regarding new premises or other possibilities for extending our commitment to quality international cinema and the network of social and cultural relations that underpin that, we would be very happy to hear from you. We know for certain that there is an appetite for what we have offered, and that there are very many different constituencies out there appreciative of the invitation to engage with world cinema, in an innovative, independently-run, communal and intimate environment. Sadly, we have to move on to pastures new.
Lastly, there is an event this evening as part of the Portobello Pop-up project that sees Cinéphilia West present three damn fine mid-length films, and everyone is welcome.
So, for now, thanks again to everyone who has given us love and respect – we dearly wish to be able to continue to reciprocate in another time and another place...
Yoram, Nicky, Bea and the entire Cinéphilia West team
Contact Yoram Allon: yoram@cinephilia.co.uk / yoram@wallflowerpress.co.uk
Cinéphilia West – very bad news
It is with very great regret that we have to announce that Cinéphilia West has been forced to close. The short story is that our ex-partner and landlord, Mr Amin Taha, has reneged on an existing agreement to enter into a new lease, at market rate, at our premises at 171 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, and has re-taken possession of the premises with a view to sell the entire building as vacant and without an existing tenant in situ. As Cinéphilia West was occupying the premises under a temporary arrangement ahead of the formal execution of a long-term lease we have no choice but to cease operation there and seek alternative premises for our business. This is with immediate effect, as no notice was given but bailiffs imposed to re-possess the premises, leaving us completely exposed to the damage to our reputation as though the business itself was not viable or successful, which it was, and giving the impression that we are in any way at fault, which we are not. We have been torpedoed by a very unscrupulous man, but do not have the substantial means to challenge his behaviour through legal channels, despite having the full force of the law in our favour.
In the ten months that Cinéphilia West has been operational, it has generated an enormous amount of admiration and appreciation, with an army of friends and supporters, from regular guests and customers, over three hundred members, and an extensive list of partners and collaborators involved in hosting a whole range of film screenings and special events. We are very sorry to everyone who can no longer enjoy our services, activities and hospitality. It is especially sad as our print and online reviews have been incredibly positive and word-of-mouth publicity has grown phenomenally over this time, and we have even been shortlisted in London Magazine's Great Little Shop Awards for 2010.
We very much hope to resurrect the operation in other, more accommodating, premises in the near future. We will therefore be keeping open all channels of communication with our many friends, and hope to be back with more positive news in the period ahead. In the meantime, if anyone wishes to contact us with any thoughts or suggestions regarding new premises or other possibilities for extending our commitment to quality international cinema and the network of social and cultural relations that underpin that, we would be very happy to hear from you. We know for certain that there is an appetite for what we have offered, and that there are very many different constituencies out there appreciative of the invitation to engage with world cinema, in an innovative, independently-run, communal and intimate environment. Sadly, we have to move on to pastures new.
Lastly, there is an event this evening as part of the Portobello Pop-up project that sees Cinéphilia West present three damn fine mid-length films, and everyone is welcome.
So, for now, thanks again to everyone who has given us love and respect – we dearly wish to be able to continue to reciprocate in another time and another place...
Yoram, Nicky, Bea and the entire Cinéphilia West team
Contact Yoram Allon: yoram@cinephilia.co.uk / yoram@wallflowerpress.co.uk