Clare Binns Advocates for Shorter Films to Enhance Cinema Experience

Clare Binns, the creative director of Picturehouse Cinemas, has urged filmmakers to consider shorter runtimes for their movies to ensure they are screened in cinemas. This statement comes in light of recent trends where major films, such as Martin Scorsese’s *Killers of the Flower Moon* (206 minutes) and Brady Corbet’s *The Brutalist* (215 minutes), have exceeded three hours, creating scheduling challenges for theaters. Binns emphasized the need for a comfortable viewing experience to encourage audiences to return to cinemas, stating, “Tell the director you’re making the film for an audience, not the directors.” She believes that many films could benefit from a reduction of at least 20 minutes.

The Guardian

Binns highlighted that extended runtimes limit operational flexibility for cinemas, often resulting in only one evening screening per film. This operational challenge is compounded by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes, which have disrupted release schedules. Binns noted that the industry must adapt to these changes to attract audiences back to theaters.

The Guardian

Despite the challenges, Binns expressed optimism about the cinema industry's recovery, stating that cinemas are “in a much better place” than two years ago. She pointed out that audiences are gradually returning, with younger viewers showing interest in classic films by directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Agnès Varda through repertory programming. Binns is also collaborating with streaming services to draw audiences back into theaters, acknowledging the shift in viewing habits during the pandemic.

The Guardian

Binns raised concerns regarding industry consolidation, particularly Netflix's bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, describing such transformations as unsettling. However, she remains hopeful, recalling that the cinema industry has survived various technological shifts in the past. “People have predicted the end of cinema many times... We’re still standing,” she remarked.

The Guardian

Binns has been a strong advocate for local cinemas, emphasizing their role as community hubs. She warned against the closure of these venues, calling it a “tragedy” if they were to disappear. To support sustainability, she has led initiatives to embed cinemas within their communities, collaborating with organizations like Brixton Soup Kitchen and Poetic Unity. Binns also called for VAT reductions to alleviate financial pressures on cinemas.

The Guardian

Binns will receive the BAFTA award for outstanding British contribution to cinema on February 22, 2026. She described the award as an “incredible honour” that recognizes the cultural and commercial significance of cinemas. Emily Stillman, chair of the BAFTA film committee, praised Binns as a “hugely talented and beloved visionary” for her commitment to diverse storytelling and support for independent filmmakers.

The Guardian

• “I talk to producers about this and say: ‘Tell the director you’re making the film for an audience, not the directors,’” — Clare Binns, Creative Director, Picturehouse Cinemas

The Guardian

• “Local cinemas are fantastic resources. They get people out of their houses, they’re community hubs. If that disappears, it’s a tragedy,” — Clare Binns, Creative Director, Picturehouse Cinemas

The Guardian

• “But people have predicted the end of cinema many times – when television arrived, when we went digital. We’re still standing.” — Clare Binns, Creative Director, Picturehouse Cinemas

The Guardian

• “ Emily Stillman, the chair of the Bafta film committee, said: “Clare Binns’ impact on the British film industry is profound – she is a hugely talented and beloved visionary.” — Emily Stillman, Chair, BAFTA Film Committee

The Guardian