Beyond the Box Office: Cinema Programmers in Conversation

Join our panel of cinema programmers discussing cinema hits, curation and audience behaviours.

Carol McKay, Madeleine Mullett, and Ben Lyndon. Image of Ben Lyndon by Sheena Sabharwal
  • Date: Thursday 8 October 2026
  • Time: 11:30 to 12:30
  • Venue: Picturehouse Central

The last six months have seen audiences crowding into cinemas to celebrate the young creators of Obsession and Backrooms, rushing in the middle of the night to catch a theatrical screening of The Odyssey and gathering with friends for the most recent instalment of Spider-Man.

Head of Programmes at BFI IMAX, Curzon and Picturehouse will reflect on the state of cinema-going in the UK, share insights into audiences’ behaviours and discuss the extent that the lessons learned from recent releases can shape their future programmes, and how they work with both mainstream and independent films. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of theatrical exhibition to look at how cinemas curate their programmes, and how they work with communities and broader audiences.

Speakers:

  • Ben Lyndon, Head of Cinema Programme, Curzon
  • Carol McKay, Director of Programming, Picturehouse Cinemas
  • Madeleine Mullett, Programme Manager, BFI IMAX

Host:

  • Charles Gant, Box Office Editor, Screen International