About Us

Caring Cinema is a European initiative dedicated to helping cinemas become safer, more inclusive, and truly representative of the rich diversity of our communities. Cinemas have always played a unique role in uniting people through the shared magic of film. We believe cinemas are ideal for fostering democratic values, such as human dignity, freedom, equality, respect for human rights, and civic participation, by welcoming and celebrating audiences from all walks of life.

This initiative was launched by cinema Kino Úsmev (Košice, Slovakia) in 2025 as part of the international IncluCine project supported via the Collaborate to Innovate scheme run by Europa Cinemas. It is based on their long-term efforts to make cinemas accessible to historically marginalised people, including people with disabilities, as guaranteed by international and European human rights.

Concept

There are numerous studies dedicated to cinemas as places of cultural exchange, social encounters, community experience, and community building. Among all cultural and creative industries, cinemas stand out as a special form of artistic presentation.

Compared to theatres, operas, art galleries, and other cultural venues, cinemas tend to be more accessible to a wider variety of audiences. For many people and communities, watching a film in a cinema is the most common encounter with art. It is often the first shared cultural experience we remember — sitting in the dark, surrounded by others, discovering a story together. This everyday accessibility gives cinemas a uniquely warm and social role.

The accessibility of cinemas — and their perception as a public good — has been described from many perspectives: historical, geographic, economic, sociological, and psychological. Cinema-going can be understood as a set of relationships, a space where different life paths briefly meet, where people are “thrown together” and experience something side by side. Historically, especially in local contexts, cinemas have been seen as public goods — open to all and closely connected to civic identity. They are also recognized as contributors to social wellbeing.

Many authors and case studies present cinemas as community projects for public use that support inclusion and social cohesion. At the same time, cinemas often extend their influence beyond their walls, bringing life to surrounding streets and creating positive spillover effects for nearby businesses, shops, and restaurants.

Taken together, these perspectives highlight something simple yet powerful: cinemas are not only venues for screening films. They are shared spaces of encounter. They are welcoming cultural institutions embedded in everyday life. And they have the capacity to act as co-creators of community — supporting inclusion, strengthening local identity, care. They are safe spaces gently weaving social and economic vitality into the neighbourhoods they call home. These are “Caring Cinemas”.

Vision

Create a Europe where cinemas are vibrant, inclusive spaces that reflect and celebrate the full diversity of our communities, fostering unity and promoting democratic values through the shared experience of film.

Mission

Support and empower cinemas across Europe to become safer, more accessible, and truly representative venues by promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all, providing training and resources for cinema staff to implement inclusive practices and diversify audiences, and championing the role of cinemas as community hubs.

Values

At Caring Cinema, we believe that by upholding these principles, we strive to build a more transparent, equal, and peaceful society through the power of cinema.

Respect

We honour the cultural, religious, and moral values of every individual. By seeking to understand different perspectives, we foster an environment where misunderstandings are minimised and dialogue is encouraged.

Inclusion

We are dedicated to removing barriers to cinemas for historically marginalised people. We use our platform to challenge systems of oppression and actively contribute to a more just cinema culture.

Solidarity

We believe in the strength of collective action. Working together with shared goals, we support one another and create a sense of belonging for all who enter our cinemas.

Tolerance

We commit to ongoing learning and self-reflection, embracing differences as opportunities for growth. We practice empathy and view diversity as a source of enrichment, not division.

Integrity

We strive to be reliable partners and allies, building trust through consistency and loyalty. Strong, lasting relationships are the foundation of our collective success.

Andrea Čurošová Gavalcová

PR & Marketing Manager

Nina Šilanová

Programmer

Barbora Andor Tóthová

Project Manager

Natália Centková