Penelope
Amati 













































FELIX CINEMA
London, 2023 (on going project)


Community Development · Concept · Service Design · Project Management · Construction


PROJECT PURPOSE
Felix Cinema is an on-going design project in collaboration with Refettorio Felix, a charity space located in Earls Court. Expanding on the existing services of Refetterio Felix, this community cinema aims to improve fundraising opportunities whilst strengthening the connections between guests and local community. 


ACHIEVEMENTS?
In June 2023 the project was funded by the UK Reseach and Innovation (UKRI) - Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). 
The first pilot screening of the Felix Cinema took place in September 2023, with the help of Cinema for All. 





Felix Cinema Interior - illustration by Matteo Iacono


FOR WHO & WHY?
As Refettorio Felix offers free lunch services and support for vulnerable people struggling with a wide variety of issues, such as homelessness, loneliness and mental health difficulties, we focused on the concept of “What would I want to do with my friends or family?” as a starting point. In response to this the concept of building a community cinema was envisioned, initiating The Felix Cinema proposal in February 2023. 

Nowadays, cinemas aren't affordable and accessible for everyone, who wouldn’t want to watch a movie between friends and family in a safe and welcoming space? By creating a community cinema it wouldn’t only allow the charity to raise funds improving the space, but bring a sense of belonging, togetherness and escape from reality for guests and the local community.  

HOW?
During the first part of the proposal we focused on the design of small key objects that transformed the charity space into a cinema: 

Communicative visuals
Removable blinds for the darkness
Chair covers for comfort
Signage
Graphics for stamped tickets and leaflets
Equipment x licencing

Alongside developing the overall concept of Felix Cinema with my groupmates, I concentrated on the making of communicative visuals, the refinement of key models/objects and took care of the organisational tasks. 


Stage screen transformation and balestrade folding (problem solving) - animation by me  
Mock up image: charity space transformed into a cinema - by Russell Koh 
Remouvable blinds for darkness - made by Jiahui Yang & me 
Chair covers for comfort - designed by Ji Min Lee 
Animated use of the chair cover - filmed and edited by Ji min Lee & me  
A-frame signage - designed by Matteo Iacono & me 
“Felix Cinema - St Cuthbert’s” stamp designed by Ji min Lee & made by me.
“Felix Cinema - St Cuthbert’s” stamp - by Ji Min Lee
Leaflet option 1 - designed by Yubin 
Leaflet option 2, involvingscreening informaion and the weekly news of the charity space - designed by Russell Koh
CREDITS
Involved in a Design Live project in a collaboration between:

StudioIlse x Goldsmiths

The Felix Cinema proposal was conceptualised by Matteo Iacono, Ji Min Lee, Russell Koh, Yubin, Jiahui Yang, and me, with the supervision of Yemi Awosile, Harry Richardson, and Corinne Quinn. 

Additional thanks for Refettorio Felix’s team allowing us to bring to life this amazing project within your space, and Cinema for All for supporting us in the test pilot and the upcoming screeings.