he Sol Cinema, co-founded by Paul O’Connor from Swansea, has been engaged to screen exclusive films made by Terry Jones alongside behind-the-scenes footage from his Monty Python days, as part of the unveiling of a bronze statue of Jones in Colwyn Bay on Saturday April 25.
Jones — who died from dementia in January 2020 — was born in Colwyn Bay and was, as his family put it, “a proud Welshman in an accent straight out of Surrey.” The statue, created by Llandudno sculptor Nick Elphick and funded entirely by donations from comedy fans around the world, depicts Jones as the Nude Organist from Monty Python’s Flying Circus — nude apart from a flapping tie and wild hair, grinning as he strikes the classic pose.
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The Swansea based tiny cinema, complete with performing usherettes will join the rest of the amazing line up in the Theatre & Circus fields. Since 2010, the diminutive mobile picture house has entertained more than 150,000 people at music and film festivals and community events across the UK and EU.
Co-founder and Sol Cinema projectionist Paul O’Connor stated; “Glastonbury is the mother of all festivals so we are delighted that the organisers chose Sol Cinema to give 18 hours of top entertainment. We will be showcasing new independent short films in the Sol Cinema this year so we look forward to gathering the reactions from audiences.”
He added; “Sunshine is predicted for this years festival which is perfect for us, as our entire cinema is powered by the Sun. Sol Cinema will store sunshine in our solar batteries and releasing it to power our video projector, lights, surround sound system and digital video player”

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An award winning mobile cinema has had its van stolen which included important equipment necessary to carry out their show. The bright yellow Ford Transit Custom was stolen from Penclawdd on North Gower on Thursday 16th April by a gang of thieves who arrived in a black hatchback car at 1am. A neighbours CCTV footage show the gang drive off in the car, followed by the stolen Sol Cinema’s yellow van.
The theft was a spate of other similar vans being stolen but the same gang on that same night. Police have stated that “there have been a number of thefts of vehicles overnight”.



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Sol Cinema projectionist chatted with Jason on BBC Wales about cinema and the Oscars.
​Broadcast live on March 3rd 2025 1.30pm

Sol Cinema crew went for a night out at Vue Cinema in Swansea only to find it in a very poor state. Ripped seats, broken toilets and sinks. Gaffer tape holding down the carpet. Welsh newspapers took up the story from our photos 

The 'world's smallest cinema' is coming back to Liverpool this summer.
Sol Cinema was co-founded by Paul O’Connor and offers a window into the past. The cinema which is tightly packed into a 1972 converted camper will offer people a free five-minute show on the Albert Dock from Saturday, August, 19 to Sunday, August 20.
The cinema goes beyond just seeing a film the world’s smallest, solar-powered, mobile, picture theatre, also has staff who interact with guests for a more immersive cinema-going experience

Since 2010, the diminutive mobile picture house has entertained more than 100,000 people at music and film festivals and community events. The whole experience is an homage to the 1940s heyday of cinema – usherettes, box office, red carpets, popcorn.
In the last 13 years, the Swansea-based crew has taken Sol Cinema into fields, factories, schools, city centres, farms, and even in a Zoo. Being mobile, they can squeeze into the small spots and entertain with short films and their stylishly attired street performers.
Paul O’Connor said: "Our previous performances attracted many Liverpool Football fans who enjoyed a 5 minute film, usherette service and of course delicious free popcorn. So we invite the fans back again this weekend for more free fun".
The world’s smallest cinema will be located in Anchor Courtyard, between 11am to 3pm, complete with usherette service, and servings of popcorn.

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Sol Cinema performed in Liverpool 

The founder of Ecotricity, Dale Vince is graciously supporting the Sol Cinema 2023 tour.