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Clare Binns
Clare Binns is one of the most influential figures in British independent cinema, known for championing adventurous filmmaking and the communal experience of watching films on the big screen.
Clare Binns is Creative Director of Picturehouse Cinemas and Picturehouse Entertainment, and one of the most respected figures in British film exhibition and distribution. Her career began at Brixton’s Ritzy cinema in the early 1980s, where she worked as an usher before becoming a projectionist and manager. She later ran a network of cinemas under Zoo Cinemas before joining Picturehouse in 2003.
Throughout her career, Clare has been a passionate advocate for independent film, emerging filmmakers and the importance of cinemas as cultural and communal spaces. In 2026, BAFTA honoured her with the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award, recognising her major influence on British film culture and her commitment to bringing a diverse range of storytelling to audiences.