Bridging the Divide is hosted by University of Westminster students Antonia Johlen and Eliska Janska, who step inside the historic Regent Street Cinema to discover how a shared love of film is bringing people together.
Every Monday, the cinema hosts its much-loved Monday Classic Matinée – a community programme for older people that combines screenings of timeless films with conversation, friendship and a welcoming social space. Created to help reduce loneliness and build connections, the initiative has become a cherished weekly tradition for many local residents.
In this episode, Antonia and Eliska speak with the Regent Street Cinema team and the regular attendees who share heartfelt stories about why they return week after week. From discovering new friendships to reliving cinematic classics, their conversations reveal the powerful role community spaces can play in bringing generations together.
You’ll also hear the unforgettable sound of the cinema’s original 1936 Compton Organ – one of the last working organs of its kind in the UK – adding a touch of magic and history to this celebration of cinema, connection and community.