At this point, we don't even know how long it's been since we last sat in a movie theatre.
Yes, we've watched our fair share of movies at home this year - and then some. Still, in no way does slobbing out on the sofa come anywhere near close to the real deal.
So it's safe to say we're excited to see some of Leeds' best indie big screen operators return next week. Here's everything you need to know, from opening dates to new film screenings.
Everyman Cinema
Luxe picture house Everyman is set to return on 17th May with screenings including Nomadland, Godzilla vs Kong, Minari and Sound of Metal. With 5 bespoke screening rooms, a large bar and stunning outdoor terrace, you'll be well looked after here.
Cottage Road Cinema
The oldest remaining cinema in continuous use in Leeds, this Headingley favourite has confirmed it will be re-opening on 17th May with screenings of Peter Rabbit 2, Nomadland, The Mauritanian and a one-off schowing of Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In.
Ilkley Cinema
This single-screen indie cinema will be returning on Monday, 17th May with a host of new films including Cruella, Say Your Prayers, Those Who Wish Me Dead, Nomadland and Ammonite.
Hyde Park Picture House
This iconic cinema has confirmed its reopening date as Monday, 17th May. Early screenings are set to include Nomadland, Ammonite (a fictionalised account of groundbreaking female paleontologist Mary Anning), and Pedro Almodóvar's new film The Human Voice - a reimagining of Jean Cocteau’s play of the same name.
Cottage Road Cinema
Oakwood Cinema
This community-run cinema is powered entirely by volunteers and supplies the residents of Roundhay and Oakwood. It's still yet to confirm whether it will be reopening and when - with current ticketing info on its website dating back to 2020.
Palace Picture House
This tiny cinema at Armley Mills only seats 24, guaranteeing an intimate viewing experience. Located at Leeds Industrial Museum, there are currently no updates on planned reopening dates for the cinema but the museum will return on Tuesday, 18th May.
News
Leeds Palestinian Film Festival announces dates for 12th annual edition
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has announced the dates for this year's festival.
This year's festival will explore the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour: "To make art is to say we are here."
These words will reflect the content of this year's festival, which aim to keep Palestinian stories alive; defy the erasure of history; and bring voices from the depths of destruction.
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival will open Friday 13 November at the iconic Hyde Park Picture House with Life Support, a documentary about doctors in Gaza directed by Daniele Rugo.
Image: Supplied
The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the director and doctors from the film, chaired by Healthworkers4Palestine.
Early programme highlights include the UK premiere of Conversation with the Sea, Muayad Alayan's family drama in which a 60-year-old Palestinian man in Jerusalem, ordered by an Israeli court to pay a debt allegedly owed by his son who drowned decades ago, sets out to discover what happened.
Also showing will be Maggie Lemere's documentary, Land of Canaan, follows Palestinian farmers and their olive trees, some more than 1,000 years old, and the fair-trade movement led by Dr Nasser Abufarha to protect them.
Image: Supplied
Frances Bernstein, Festival Director, said: “To make art is to say we are here. We chose the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour as this year's theme because they reflect what the programme is for: keeping Palestinian stories alive, defying the erasure of Palestinian history, culture and identity, and bringing voices from the depth of destruction to audiences in Leeds."
The full programme, guests and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. You can find out more here.
Viral Yorkshire shop urges visitors to avoid weekends as huge queues form
Clementine Hall
A viral apothecary shop in Yorkshire has warned visitors about huge queues forming outside its doors, urging people to visit during the week if they want to avoid the crowds.
The Cabinet of Curiosities in Haworth has become a popular destination for those looking to really get into the autumn spirit.
And it seems like there's a lot of people who are looking to do so, as huge queues have been forming along the quaint cobbled streets of Haworth.
So much so, that owner Carolin had to issue a statement via The Cabinet of Curiosities Instagram page.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It reads: "Weekends in Haworth have become particularly busy during Autumn and we are so grateful to all those lovely souls who have patiently queued to visit the shop.
"We are so honoured that you are happy to wait to come in to our magical apothecary shop, and I can’t quite believe it when I look out of the windows and see the queue snaking up the cobbles. Be assured that the queue does move fast and it makes for a far more pleasurable visit if there are fewer people in the shop at once.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"If you would rather avoid the busy times it’s best to visit during the week if you can. Our shop is open 7 days a week 10-5, but to make sure all the shops in Haworth are open then Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are probably the best days to visit.
"We are doing our best to keep up with restocking and our fabulous workshop witches are busy blending, filling and packing every day to keep to keep the shelves stocked. We are humbled and forever grateful that you love our little shoppe, and hope you enjoy your potions and your visit to The Cabinet of Curiosities."
Georgina Pellant -
13th May 2021 
