Cinemagoers in Peterborough to be urged to switch off mobiles tonight to enjoy distraction-free movie
Cinemagoers in Peterborough will be urged to switch off their mobiles tonight to enjoy distraction-free movie time.
Staff at the Odeon Luxe cinema in the Queensgate Shopping Centre are hosting their first Offline Movie Night designed to encourage people to chat to each other and watch a movie without looking or even using their mobile phones.
From 6.30pm tonight (March 27), guests will arrive for a curated, phone-free evening that Odeon staff say is aimed at encouraging connection and presence.
The experience includes time to socialise and grab a bite to eat before the screening, followed by a device-free screening of acclaimed sci-fi epic Project Hail Mary.
This will then be followed by some time reserved for games, reflection and more conversation.
The event is co-hosted by Analog Hours, which creates in-person experiences designed to help people disconnect from the digital noise they say ‘so often dominates day-to-day life’ and reconnect through shared moments.
They say the experience will be enhanced by Odeon’s most comfortable seating including luxury reclining seats, alongside a premium food and drink offering.
"Focus not just on watching a film, but on being fully present before and after it”
Busola Ogunleye, project director at Analog Hours, said: “Analog Hours is about reclaiming real human connection in a world that’s constantly competing for our attention.
"With Analog Cinema, we’re reimagining the movie-going experience, focusing not just on watching a film, but on being fully present before and after it.
"No distractions, no second screens, just shared experience.
“It’s a small but intentional response to the digital fatigue many people are feeling right now and their need to slow down, even if just for a few hours.”
"Nothing offers the same shared escape as cinema”
Will Langston, cinema manager at Odeon Luxe Peterborough, said: “We’re excited to host Analog Event’s first cinema event here and bring this unique experience to our guests.
“We believe nothing offers the same shared escape as cinema.
"It is a chance to switch off from a world full of noise and distraction, be present, and enjoy powerful stories together on the big screen.
He added: “We’re proud to offer a welcome space where people of all ages can reconnect and feel part of something bigger.”