Film Society of the Year Awards 2011
The 2011 Film Society of the Year Awards took place at the Ciné Lumière, London on the 17th September.
The awards were presented by Togo Igawa, the prolific UK-based Japanese actor and star of the French hit film Le Herisson. In his address, Togo commented on the similarities between his approach to finding audiences, and that of film societies: ‘My personal aim is ‘not to expect audiences to come to you, but to go and find your own audience’. That is why I am here today and I would like to encourage film societies’ most important maxim - ‘embrace local community’.’
The Engholm Prize for Film Society of the Year for the most vigorous and dynamic organisation was awarded to Swindon Film Society for excellence across the board. Swindon Film Society have made a recent deliberate move from being an inwardly-focused film society to an outwardly-focused community provider; partnering with a wide range of community arts and action groups to provide a resource for all. They have also helped other local communities develop their own screening groups - helping to make sure much of their region can access Cinema for All.
For his dedication to the film society movement, the Roebuck Cup was awarded to John Salisbury. John’s indefatigable contributions have undoubtedly made BFFS and the sector wiser, healthier and a good deal more aware of their significance and potential.
The Film Society of the Year Awards were sponsored by non-theatrical licensing specialists, the Motion Picture Licensing Company (MPLC). In his address, Bruce Lawrence, UK Licensing Manager acknowledged the importance of film societies and community cinemas to the film industry, ‘Many film society members volunteer their time to help bring enjoyment to many others. New or little-known directors have the chance to showcase their work to a wider audience, gaining valuable experience, exposure and insight via the dedicated support of the film clubs and film societies in the UK. Long may this continue for the future.’
In recognition of the work these volunteers do in their communities, non-theatrical distributors Filmbank this year presented 3 organisations with cash prizes through the Filmbank Audience Award. Majella Griffin, General Manager said, ‘We are delighted to recognise the valuable work that BFFS members do to enhance their communities through film with our new annual Audience Award.’
Award host BFFS Vice-Chair Guy Thomas said ‘UK film societies and community cinemas have been doing some amazing things this year and it is important to be able to recognise their work with the 42nd annual Film Society of the Year Award ceremony. BFFS is honoured to be able to continue this tradition, through which we reward the volunteers who work tirelessly to bring cinema to their communities.’
This year’s award for Best Student Society was sponsored by Sheffield Hallam University. Prizes were kindly donated by CineMoi, Little White Lies, Arrow Films, Wallflower Press, Filmbank and MPLC.
See the pictures from the weekend
You are welcome to use the pictures in any of your publicity but please credit them to Ivan Lieman Photography. If you appear in any local publications please send a link to the story to Bryony Forde
