'It is a place to belong': Homeless cafe film screenings a huge hit

A volunteer at Tiglin homeless cafe dispenses popcorn at the centre's movie night. Picture: Sam Boal

The lights were dimmed, the popcorn was primed, and the opening credits rolled to the 1973 James Bond movie Live and Let Die. For those watching at the Tiglin homeless cafe, it was that rarest thing — a night in.

The Friday evening movie screenings at the cafe on Pearse St in Dublin city centre have been running for little over a month, but according to the facility's manager, Allen Bobinac, as many as 50 people attend. He believes up to a third are rough sleeping, the vast majority are in emergency accommodation. The room with the images flickering on the white wall is a place of sanctuary.