On Monday 17 July 2023, Amazon Prime Video released a five-part limited documentary series, Lumination, to explore the world of independent cinemas, their individual legacies and the people who depend on them. Directed by television director and cinethusiast Perry J. O’Halloran, the series features unprecedented access to ten of the UK’s most prestigious, remarkable and unusual cinema buildings.
Recorded between lockdowns one and two of 2021, Lumination aims to reignite our human longing for escapism and drive audiences back to their local picture houses. The series combines neo-nostalgia and pop culture charisma with sweeping cinematography, insightful interviews, captivating history and whimsical comic charm, and delves deep into the meteoric rise, fall and valorous resurgence of the humble, homegrown movie theatre.
Lumination takes viewers on a life affirming ride through such remarkable international treasures as the 175 year-old Regent Street Cinema, the Olympic Studios, Broadstairs’ Palace Cinema and Liverpool’s legendary VideOdyssey. Fascinating to film-goers and casual viewers alike, Lumination captures the stirring, undeniable magic of the movies.
The series features locations such as the Rio Cinema in East London, the Royal Cinema in Faversham and the Edinburgh Filmhouse. Each expedition features rich history, captivating characters, spellbinding secrets, humorous and heart breaking tales and detailed presentations of film reel technology.
The series is produced by British Producer and Director Perry J. O’Halloran’s company True Lies Ltd. It is available to stream and own in the UK and US on Amazon’s Prime Video platform via the Prime Video smart device app and website.
Lumination has already enjoyed positive 5-star feedback in its earliest screenings and has prompted conversations with a number of prominent organisations. Plans for an additional series progress, which will shine a spotlight on more of the world’s independent cinemas, film organisations and impassioned individuals throughout the UK, Europe, Asia, Australasia and US.
True Lies Ltd was established in 2019 and has combined fifteen years of broadcast and digital experience in television, music and live-events to develop and produce cinematic stories. This first successful foray into independent television will soon be followed by its first feature film production.
For more information, contact Perry J. O’Halloran, Executive Producer, Writer and Director of True Lies Ltd, via +44 (0) 7523 336 494 or perry@trueliesltd.com.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.