Days Out NI
Independent cinema Belfast

Queen's Film Theatre (QFT)

Belfast's independent arthouse cinema — world cinema, classics and festivals on two screens.

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Open dailyCheck today’s showtimes
Per ticketWalk-up or online
BelfastIndependent cinema
Get directionsOfficial website
Per ticketTickets
2 screensScreens
All the familyFor kids
Bar & foodFood & drink
NearbyParking

Queen's Film Theatre (QFT) — Belfast's independent arthouse cinema — world cinema, classics and festivals on two screens.

  • What it is: Independent arthouse cinema.
  • Screens: 2 (204 and 91 seats).
  • Tickets: Check current prices; membership available.
  • Food & drink: Café bar on site.
  • Booking: Online and walk-up.
Plan your visit

Two screens, big range

The main screen seats 204 and the second seats 91, so screenings feel personal rather than cavernous. Programming runs from the newest international releases to classic restorations and themed seasons, and the café bar means you can make a proper evening of it.

Independent and world cinema Two screens, intimate seating Café bar on site Festival screenings and film seasons Audio described and captioned screenings
Good to know before you go:

QFT runs film seasons and hosts festival screenings through the year, including work tied to the Belfast Film Festival. Check the What's On page for current seasons and one-off events.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🎟️Your bookingPopular screenings and opening weekends sell out — grab seats ahead online.
  • 💷A bit of pocket moneyFor popcorn, a drink and the odd pick-and-mix.
  • 🎬An eye on the certificateCheck the film’s age rating before you go with little ones.
  • 🧥A layerScreens run cool with the air-con — bring something cosy.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Type
Independent arthouse cinema
Screens
2 (204 and 91 seats)
Tickets
Check current prices; membership available
Booking
Online and walk-up
Food
Café bar on site
Accessibility
Audio described and captioned screenings; accessible screenings and video access guides available
Address
20 University Square, Belfast BT7 1PA
Questions

Before you go

How much are tickets?
Check current prices; membership available
Do I need to book?
Online and walk-up
Can I get food and drink?
Café bar on site
Is it accessible?
Audio described and captioned screenings; accessible screenings and video access guides available
Getting there

Queen's Film Theatre (QFT) is at 20 University Square, Belfast BT7 1PA. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

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The story

A cultural cinema since 1968

QFT opened on 16 October 1968 inside a converted university lecture theatre, the idea of Michael Emmerson, who also founded the Belfast Film Festival. He wanted a cultural cinema for the city, showing the range of film that ordinary programmes left out.

A second screen followed in 1988, and a refurbishment in the early 2000s added the café bar and a brighter entrance facing the campus. More than half a century on, it remains Belfast's home for independent and world cinema.