Mournes community groups enjoy free film and networking workshop in Newcastle
There was a tremendous turn out from local groups in the Newry Mourne and Down district to take part in Film Hub NI (FHNI) recent ‘In the Spotlight’ day at Newcastle Community Cinema.
Representatives from Down Arts Centre; Creative Village Dundrum; Rostrevor Aurora Cinema; Light Theatre Company; Moneydarragh Hub; Newcastle Community Cinema; Core Collective / Made in Mourne; Atomictv and the newly formed Rath Cinema Club from Rathfriland were keen to explore what the Spotlight programme could do for their organisations.
This was the first workshop session which FHNI hosted as part of the British Film Institute (BFI) Spotlight programme in conjunction with Newcastle Community Cinema.
It aimed to develop and deliver more independent cinema across the Newry and Mourne area in the next three years.
Rob Manley, FHNI Spotlight Facilitator said: “We were absolutely delighted with the turnout for our first ‘In the Spotlight’ workshop which we held in Newcastle this time.
“We welcomed participants from all aspects of community life with a love of films for our day of networking and free training.
“Hugh Odling-Smee and Sara Gunn-Smith from FHNI joined me to provide an insight into cinema exhibition and what the Spotlight programme can provide in way of support, mentoring and financial assistance over the next three years for local communities interested in showing films in their local areas.
“And it provided the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals interested in developing cinema exhibition across the district.
“Following an informal networking lunch, the team ran through the basics of film screenings including information on licensing, technical requirements, event management and audience development.”
Hugh Odling-Smee, Manager, Film Hub NI, said: “Our Spotlight programme offers film lovers the opportunity to be part of Film Hub NI.
“The community cinema is free to set up and to screen films they love in their own communities.
“We have 60 local film hub members in Northern Ireland and hope through this Spotlight programme to encourage more people in the News and Mourne area to engage with us and attract new audiences for independent cinema.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Spotlight programme and screening films in the Newry and Mournes, drop Rob Manley an email in the first instance on:
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