Just over 20 years ago, the producer and author behind Tomorrow’s World developed a vision for his East Hampshire village.

But Michael Blakstad wasn’t thinking about robots, flying cars or anything outlandish: It was to bring people together through the cinema.

A milestone will be celebrated in East Meon this Saturday as villagers will come together to mark 20 years of its community cinema.

And glasses will be raised for its success and the man who helped make it possible with fizz and canapes being served before a special screening of What’s Up Doc in the village hall.

Michael learned in retirement about an initiative called Moviola which brought cinema screenings to rural villages.

After meeting with local film enthusiasts the group agreed it would be a great way of bringing residents together while raising funds for the village hall.

The first screening took place in September 2006 when villagers gathered to watch The Constant Gardener, starring Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz.

More than 170 films have been shown in the same venue since with 12,000 tickets and 6,000 ice creams also being snapped up over the period.

While Michael sadly passed away nearly three years ago, his original mission remains alive. Lucy Hollis, chair, has overseen the cinema’s development for more than a decade while a team of volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes.

The scheme has also expanded considerably during the last two decades, with at least 16 screenings a year compared to eight originally between September and April.

The team also recently secured agreements to screen productions from National Theatre Live and the Royal Opera House – quite a coup for a small rural cinema as it follows months of persistence, negotiation and “dogged determination”.

“We get a good mix and we show a good variety of films,” said Caroline Beard, one of the key members along with her husband, Chris.

“There’s always a very social atmosphere and people come along, have a drink beforehand, and chat with friends. It’s just a lovely space for people to see a film and have a good night out.”

Admittedly, it’s not always been alright on the night as the projection screen once failed to open. The crew used a bedsheet, safety pins, gaffer tape and their hidden Blue Peter skills to save the day.

The initiative has also turned audio-visual specialist Matt Millward into something of a local hero as the “wizard” has invested countless hours into ensuring screenings run smoothly.

Their most successful screening was The King’s Speech but The Sting also proved popular, while guest selectors have also helped choose films over the years with suggestions always welcome.

Ultimately, the community is at the heart of everything. Alongside today’s core committee, people like Gilli Williams, Roger, Helen and Jess Marsh, Judy and Garry Hunt, Rob White, Chris Hollis, Richard and Lesley Dampney and Anna Ryder have contributed their time at some point.

What’s Up Doc will be shown from 7.45pm, tickets £10 from East Meon Stores or www.ticketsource.co.uk