Regional Development

During the summer BFFS has been holding a series of networking events for film societies, community cinemas and other organisations interested in the community exhibition provision. The aim of these has been to provide opportunities for both established and embryonic enterprises to discuss needs, share experience, and discover what support is available to their ventures.

First was a visit to Solihull at the invitation of the Solihull Film Society and funded by Screen WM, and a week later the event in Ely was held with funding from Screen East. The facilitated events were attended by about 50 delegates and brought together established film societies and community cinemas, potential new start-ups, venues, local authority organisers and equipment suppliers, and filmmakers.

After introductions, presentations were given covering RSA activities, BFFS, its Regional Groups and what they offer, and how the BFFS regional support framework operates. A screening of the BFFS Scotland-produced Cinema for All DVD once again proved an invaluable tool in demonstrating how film societies operate.

Main topics of discussion during the panel sessions were: film licensing eg commercial v non-commercial, certification, making the most of membership, finances and funding opportunities in the West Midlands and East of England, partnership between film societies, filmmakers and venues, equipment needs and availability, audience development, the value of social events, the importance of viewing opportunities to programmers, and other current issues and hot topics in the non-theatrical arena.

The networking days were well-received with a unanimous demand for similar events in the near future. Thanks to Louisa Dempsey of Screen WM and Martin Ayres of Screen East, and BFFS volunteers for their time and effort to make these events such a success, and to all delegates who gave up their Saturday to attend.

As a result of the meetings two virtual networks of interested organisations and individuals have been set up to continue the exchange of news and ideas, one for the West Midlands and one for the East of England.

To get involved with either of these new Networks please contact Ros Hill on 0114 2210314 or email info@bffs.org.uk