Cineworld buys Picturehouse - should independent film-lovers be concerned? Dream screen ... the Phoenix Picturehouse in Oxford Following news that multiplex operator Cineworld has acquired arthouse chain Picturehouse, concerns have been raised that the £47.3m deal will be detrimental to the smaller company's independent spirit. Picturehouse currently runs 21 arthouse cinemas across the country, many of which have featured in the Guardian's Cine-files series, in which members of public rhapsodise over the places where they most love to watch films: Duke of York's is the quintessential old-world cinema - it is the UK's oldest purpose-built cinema and is considered - especially by me - as one of the best independent cinemas ... Whether you're sitting in the comfy sofas or just enjoying a film in a regular cinema seat, the Duke of York's is a cinema every film-lover should experience and enjoy. Helen Murdoch Depending on what night you attend, you might simultaneously find live theatre or music being beamed via satellite, a mini Kubrick season taking place, and a lively audience throwing plastic spoons during a showing of cult favourite The Room. The Belmont strives to offer an alternative to the homogeneous multiplex experience ... Its environment is welcoming and friendly staff are, most importantly, passionate and knowledgable about film. Dallas King Phoenix audiences are generally friendly and respectful of the film. You won't be frowned at every time you clear your throat but you won't need to tut at people chatting and using their phones. The Phoenix is, above all, a place where it is easy to enjoy cinema. Patrick Scott After news of the deal was made public, Picturehouse posted a statement on its website assuring it would be business as usual for its cinemas, with programming policy, membership schemes and independent identity of its venues going unchanged. However, judging by a mixed response on Twitter, the statement did little to assuage public fears: Are you concerned that Cineworld's involvement will negatively affect the nation's Picturehouses? Or is Cineworld being unfairly maligned? Let us know your thoughts in the discussion thread below.