Welcome to the world of community cinema! Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a creative producer, or a member of a community group, this guide is designed to empower you to bring the magic of cinema to your local community. Inspired by the insights from the Beyond Boundaries workshop hosted in partnership with Film Hub South West, Portsmouth Creates and Making Waves Film Festival on March 23rd 2024, this guide will walk you through the essential steps of curating cinema events, screenings, and exhibitions.
Step 1: Dream Big, Start Small (1-2 Months Before Your Event)
Find Your Passion
Identify what type of film events you’re passionate about. Is it a film festival, pop-up cinema, or seasonal film program? Consider themes that resonate with your community, such as local history, environmental issues, or specific genres like documentaries or indie films.
Learn from the Best
Attend workshops and sessions like Beyond Boundaries to gain insights into the process of curating cinema events. These programs offer invaluable advice and guidance from experts in the field, such as Neil Ramjee from Film Hub South West.
Step 2: Plan and Collaborate (1-1.5 Months Before Your Event)
Build Your Team
Cinema events are collaborative efforts. Gather a team of like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm. This could include community group members, volunteers, and local creatives.
Secure the Venue
Choose a venue that fits your event’s scale and theme. Whether it’s an outdoor screening in a park, a local hall, or a unique space like an aquarium (as seen in a case study from the workshop), the right venue can add an extra layer of magic to your event.
Networking and Support
Utilize platforms like Making Waves Film Festival and Portsmouth Creates to network with peers and seek potential collaborations or sponsorships. Remember, this journey is not just about screening films; it’s about building a community.
Step 3: Dive into the Details (1 Month Before Your Event)
Licensing and Legalities
Ensure you have the right permissions and licenses for the films you plan to screen. This includes public performance licenses and ensuring you’re not infringing on any copyrights.
Marketing and Promotion
Develop a marketing strategy to promote your event. Utilize social media, local press, and community bulletins. Create engaging content that highlights the unique aspects of your event, such as special guests, themed decorations, or interactive elements.
Budgeting and Funding
Outline a budget that covers venue hire, licensing fees, marketing, and any additional costs. Explore funding opportunities like the Pitch Pot funding strand from Film Hub South West, designed to support cultural cinema screenings.
Step 4: Execution and Engagement (Day of Your Event)
Set the Stage
Prepare your venue with attention to comfort and ambience. Consider the customer journey from the moment they arrive to the end of the event. Ensure signage is clear, and the environment is welcoming.
Engage Your Audience
Create an engaging experience for your attendees. This can range from pre-show discussions, and themed refreshments, to post-screening Q&As. Remember, the goal is to spark conversations and deepen the community’s connection to cinema.
Step 5: Reflect and Grow (Post-Event)
Gather Feedback
Seek feedback from your audience and team. What worked well? What could be improved? This will be invaluable for planning future events.
Celebrate Your Success
Take a moment to celebrate your achievements. You’ve brought people together through the power of cinema, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
Plan for the Future
Use the insights and experience gained from your event to plan future screenings. Each event is a stepping stone towards growing a vibrant community cinema culture in your area.
Remember, curating community cinema events is a journey filled with learning, growth, and the joy of bringing stories to life on the big screen. Let the Beyond Boundaries workshop and the Making Waves Film Festival inspire you to embark on this rewarding adventure.
Are you ready to make waves in your community with cinema? Start planning your event today, and watch the magic unfold. If you want help with planning a cinema-related event, get in touch with Making Waves Film Festival and we will be happy to offer advice and support. You should also take a look at the Film Hub Southwest website and sign up for their email list.
Beyond Boundaries: Curating Cinema in the South West – a summary of the presentation by Neil Ramjee of Film Hub Southwest at the 2024 MWFF event at Guildhall, Portsmouth, supported by Portsmouth Creates, Film Hub South West, BFI Film Audience Network, and Guildhall, Portsmouth.
