Film Hub Wales (FHW), led by Chapter and part of the part of the BFI Film Audience Network, has announced support for 10 new projects. Thanks to National Lottery funding they will bring more films, to more people, at more cinemas and film festivals across Wales.
On Tuesday (10th September), the BFI revealed the programme for the UK’s greatest ever season celebrating the film musical, at an all-singing, all-dancing event at BFI Southbank with special guests including actors Petula Clark and Clarke Peters and
Patricia Ward Kelly, wife and biographer of Hollywood legend Gene Kelly. BFI Musicals will celebrate the greatest stars including Gene Kelly, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland and Doris Day, and spotlight the directors and composers whose creativity was the driving force behind countless beloved musicals; from the virtuoso choreographer and director Bob Fosse (Cabaret, Sweet Charity) to the late great composer Michel Legrand (Yentl, Les demoiselles de Rochefort). The programme will also shine a light on the musicals which engage with socio-political themes, such as racism or the horrors of the Depression, as well as celebrate the films which provide audiences with escapism from political uncertainty and troubled times; from the Golden Age of Hollywood’s box office boom during WW2 and in the post-war years, to the phenomenal successes of the latest musical films like The Lion King (Jon Favreau, 2019), which has already surpassed $1.5 billion globally. From singalong screenings to Q&As and immersive events for the whole family, BFI Musicals is guaranteed to have the UK singing and dancing in the aisles this autumn.
Head Curator of the BFI National Archive, and BFI Musicals Programmer Robin Baker tonight revealed that the programme would span the length and breadth of the UK, with nationwide re-releases of Ken Russell’s rock opera Tommy (1975), starring Roger Daltrey, Ann-Margret, Elton John, Oliver Reed and Tina Turner, and of Jacques Demy’s Palme d’Or-winning The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) starring Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo. Alongside the previously announced BFI re-release of Singin’ in the Rain (Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen, 1952), these re-releases will screen at venues across the UK, alongside a touring programme of 12 musicals presented by the ICO (Independent Cinema Office) and a major series of special events programmed in partnership with the BFI Film Audience Network (BFI FAN). Highlights of the UK-wide BFI FAN programme will include the Wizard of Oz(Victor Fleming, 1939) in Belfast Cathedral; an immersive screening of Brigadoon (Vincente Minnelli, 1954) in Edinburgh; Reframing Streisand, a UK-wide film tour celebrating the iconic star; a series of aquatic themed musicals in and around Belfast harbour; and a Russian musicals season in London, Bristol and Nottingham. The full UK-wide programme will be revealed soon.
Special guests from the world of film, TV and musical theatre will take part in events throughout the season, with full line-ups being announced by individual cinemas soon. Guests confirmed for BFI Southbank so far include:
While the movie musical never truly went away, the last few years have seen a major resurgence in the popularity of the genre, with La La Land (Damien Chazelle, 2016), The Greatest Showman (Michael Gracey, 2017) and Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again (Ol Parker, 2018) taking a combined global box office of more than $1.25 billion, emulating the Golden Age of Hollywood, when MGM musicals ruled the box office. Meanwhile, Rupert Goold’s forthcoming biopic Judy (2019) starring Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland, and TV series Fosse/Verdon, which immortalises director and master choreographer Bob Fosse and Tony Award-winning actor and dancer Gwen Verdon also point to a renewed interest in the life and work of musical icons. As well as the recent success of the movie musical, theatre audiences continue to lap up musicals on stage, with revenue from the genre in London’s West End increasing year on year by 15.4% in 2018 to just shy of £504 million. With stage successes being regularly developed into feature films – such as Tom Hooper’s much talked-about Cats (2019) and next year’s adaptations of Lin Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights and British hit Everyone’s Talking About Jamie – it’s clear that the movie musical is here to stay.
BFI Musicals will explore the reasons for the current success of the movie musical, including the notion that it is the best form of escapism from the troubled times we are living in. The season will celebrate the greatest stars, directors, composers and choreographers, and look at the stories of the Hollywood, British and international musical. The season will also look to confirm the musical as a genre which, hidden beneath the glitz and glamour, speaks to audiences
about profoundly serious subjects, from the hardship of the Depression and the insidiousness of racism to the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Robin Baker, Head Curator, BFI National Archive and BFI Musicals Programmer said:
“Welcome to the new golden age of the movie musical. Audiences flock to musicals in troubled times – from Busby Berkeley’s spectacular routines during the Depression to the masterpieces of MGM’s Freed Unit during WW2 – so it’s no surprise that the big screen musical is currently enjoying a major revival. We’re delighted to be bringing both classic musicals and rarities to cinemas across the UK in Britain’s biggest ever celebration of the musical. So, time to leave your woes behind and immerse yourself in the emotional, hairs-on-the-back-of-your-arms-raising joy brought to you on the big screen by Barbra Streisand, Gene Kelly, Doris Day, Bob Fosse, Judy Garland, Beyoncé and an all-singing, all-dancing cast of thousands.”
BFI MUSICALS THE GREATEST SHOW ON SCREEN will be in cinemas and venues across the UK from October 2019 to January 2020 and will celebrate the joyful, emotional, shared experience of watching film musicals; with the biggest stars, the most iconic scenes and the best-loved song and dance numbers on the big screen where they belong. BFI MUSICALS will include:
Visit www.bfi.org.uk/musicals for more information and www.bfimusicals.co.uk for full UK-wide listings
The training, launched at the start of World Autism Awareness Month, was developed by people with autism and industry experts. In becoming ‘autism friendly’, cinema staff are trained on how to make small adjustments to the environment that create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for people with autism.
Autism friendly screenings are intended to open up cinemas and cinema-going to people with autism, and may help people with autism transition into attending traditional screenings.
The launch coincides with research from Dimensions highlighting the pivotal role of autism friendly screenings in helping people with autism feel valued and included in society.
Elements of a traditional cinema screening can discourage visits from people with autism, 80% of whom have felt excluded from their local community. Their top concerns include too much noise, having to sit through adverts and trailers, and worrying about being judged by others.
The training tackles this with guidance on how to make small adjustments, such as altering the volume and lighting levels. As a result, people who go to autism friendly screenings feel more valued and understood (33%) and more connected to their community (27%).
Crucially, breaking down barriers to inclusion and communication, four in ten people with autism (41%) say that autism friendly screenings give them a reason to leave the house.
Since Dimensions first launched its autism friendly cinemas initiative eight years ago, there have been over 400,000 visits to over 350 autism friendly cinema sites (out of over 1,000 cinema sites in the UK*).
Yet with a quarter of people with autism (24%) having never attended an autism friendly screening, there is an urgent need for more cinemas to participate to ensure this opportunity is available across the country.
Sarah Clarke, Campaign Manager at Dimensions, said:
“Most people don’t have to think twice about going to the cinema, but if you have autism it can be a stressful experience. With 80% having felt excluded from society, we know how important autism friendly environments are in tackling this issue.
“We’ve been campaigning for years for more autism friendly environments and we’ve seen first-hand how successful these initiatives can be. But there is still a lot of work to be done.
“We found that over 90% of people with autism would go to the cinema more if there were more autism friendly opportunities. With our new training, we’re calling on every cinema in the UK to become autism friendly, to ensure current and potential guests feel welcome and valued, and – in turn – help make society more inclusive.”
Lauren, 18, has autism and helped produce the training. She said:
“Film is a real passion of mine and I am proud to have helped develop this training with Dimensions. Autism friendly cinema screenings help people feel more relaxed and confident, so you can fully immerse yourself in the film without worrying about being judged.
“It also means so much to families and friends, who can relax and spend quality time together instead of feeling like they have to stay home. It’s so important that there are more autism friendly environments across the UK so everyone can benefit.”
Phil Clapp, Chief Executive of the UK Cinema Association, said:
“The positive response in recent years from audiences to autism friendly screenings has seen more and more UK cinemas look to offer these shows, with these becoming a regular feature of programming at many sites. At the same time, there is also increasing interest in offering a broader range of content, for example for older audiences.
“In partnership with Dimensions and the BFI Film Audience Network, the UK Cinema Association has over the last six months worked to create a written training guide and video for cinemas and their staff, all with the aim of helping to deliver even more high-quality autism friendly screenings for local communities and audiences.”
Toki Allison, BFI Film Audience Network Access Officer at Film Hub Wales, said:
“This has been a really important collaboration for us, as we are working to ensure that cinema is accessible to everyone. There is a space for many different types of cinema and its transformative power should be available to influence anyone who has an interest in seeing films, whatever their needs or behaviours. Many FAN members have been screening autism friendly screenings regularly for their communities and we’re keen to ensure this trend continues and grows.”
The initiative is part of a wider Dimensions campaign to create more autism friendly environments around the UK. Dimensions has also launched a range of free training resources for libraries, museums and Belong by GAME stores to encourage a widespread perception change and ensure more public spaces across the UK are autism friendly.
For more information and booking details, visit the Dimensions wefan Canolfan Ffilm Cymru.
Film Hub Wales (FHW), with Chapter as Hub Lead Organisation, are set to bring more fantastic films, to more people, in more places across Wales this year, through a series of new projects delivered by Welsh cinemas and film festivals.
Working in partnership with exhibitors across the nation, events will explore globally significant issues from climate change, to exclusion and discrimination.
The FHW audience development programme is designed to support innovative and adventurous cultural film programming Wales-wide, enabling exhibitors to make bold choices, bringing the very best British and international films to all audiences.
Hana Lewis, Strategic Manager or Film Hub Wales explains:
“It’s an exciting time to visit your local cinema, or film festival, with cinema admissions at their highest since the 1970s1. As we become increasingly conscious of societal, political and even planetary changes, film offers a world of enlightening stories, right on our doorsteps. Thanks to our creative network of exhibitors in Wales, we’re able to launch our first programme of film events for 2019, where new voices will be heard, global issues explored and community spaces formed.”
Cefnogir y prosiectau gan Ganolfan Fflm Cymru, rhan o Rwydwaith Cynulleidfa Ffilm BFI gan ddefnyddio cyllid gan y Loteri Cenedlaethol i sicrhau bod y dewis mwyaf o sinema ar gael i bawb ar draws y DU.
De Cymru
Gentle / Radical (June 2019 – March 2020)
Gentle/Radical ensure that the voices of those most marginalised, are heard through the presentation of powerful cinema. Going Deeper, Going Local is the first project to launch at their new base in Wyndham Street Community Hub, Riverside, Cardiff. Reaching out to minority ethnic audiences encompassing BAME women, BAME elders, BAME youth in both hyper-localised settings and across Cardiff, the project will explore how audiences are impacted by issues such as climate change, migration, colonialism, patriarchy and other experiences of exclusion and discrimination.
Formed in 2017, Gentle/Radical is a grassroots cultural organisation and platform for radical thinking, creative practice and social change. They are currently running an online fundraiser to house their new cultural and community hub: localgiving.org/appeal/gentle-radical-wyndham-centre/
www.facebook.com/gentleradical/
Gogledd Cymru
Off Y Grid (May 2019 – April 2020)
Established in 2016. Off Y Grid (OYG) is a partnership between seven cinemas in North Wales who are working collectively to promote British independent and international film, including home-grown Welsh content. The project is designed to reduce rural isolation through affordable, connected events, generating anticipation around film releases in North Wales.
In 2019, Off Y Grid will celebrate a number of key themes including Visit Wales’ Year of Discovery, the latest Welsh film releases and youth-led activities. They will build on the success of the pop-up cinema in Portmeirion, where audiences have no regular cinema provision and support a number of new collaborations in the North, such as Wicked Wales and Cell B around youth-led cinema.
Off Y Grid venues include Galeri, Caernarfon; Pontio, Bangor; CELLB, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Neuadd Dwyfor in Pwllheli, Dragon Theatre in Barmouth, TAPE in Old Colwyn and Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda.
73 Degree Community (5th September – 12th December 2019)
Sinema 73’ is a new community-led Cinema Club hosted in partnership with Ty Pawb in Wrexham. It has been established as an accessible club for film lovers in an area of North East Wales, where access to regular British and International cinema is otherwise limited. Every other Thursday from September to Christmas, Sinema 73 will screen a different film with a fun activity afterwards, from Q&As to live music performances. The programme is curated by a committee of dedicated film experts and members of local community groups. It features collaborative Black and non-Black POC focused screenings with Watch Africa and Cinema Golau.
www.facebook.com/73degreefilms
www.instagram.com/73degreefilms/
Dragon Theatre Barmouth: (21st June 2019 – March 2020)
Working with Gwynedd Arts as co-funders, Dragon Theatre will be organising a series of non-mainstream film and cross-arts events in Barmouth, drawing in new members of the community to enjoy their local cinema experience. Films such as Maiden, documenting the story of the first all-female Whitbread around the world Yacht race, will be explored with added value events for female audiences. Mainstream films will also be paired with B-movies to promote international cinema to the regular audience.
www.facebook.com/dragontheatre/
TAPE: (June 2019-December 2019)
TAPE will launch their first inclusion film festival in 2019, in partnership with Diverse Cyrmu. With specialists on the scientific model of disability, to neurodiverse filmmakers, the event will support new voices, training and supported employment across North Wales. TAPE will also run two special pop-up programmes including a Chapel of Horror weekend at Conwy Chapel and a series of screenings at Gaol Cell Cinema in Ruthin, in partnership with the local film archive.
TAPE is a community arts charity which specialisted in bespoke, inclusive, person-led support for people of all ages. Since 2008, TAPE’s work has helped significant numbers of people to move out of isolated circumstances, find friends, build confidence and skills, move off benefits, enter further and higher education and training, and find employment.
www.facebook.com/TAPECommunityMusicandFilm
West
Abertoir (19th – 24th November 2019)
The celebrated international horror film festival returns to Aberystwyth in November for six days of talks, guests, film with live commentary, educational presentations, Q&As with filmmakers, specially written articles, discussions, classic screenings and a selection of the newest films from major film festivals worldwide – all screening in Wales for the very first time. As the only UK representatives in the European Fantastic Film Festivals Federation, Abertoir attracts attendees from all parts of the UK to Wales each year. Highlights to look out for include a masterclass in practical special effects, in-depth career interviews with directors Norman J Warren and Gary Sherman, and a celebration of British actor Donald Pleasence in his centenary year.
Wales One World (WOW) (September 2019 – April 2020)
Through their Global-Rural project, WOW are exploring the impact of globalisation on rural societies. Their World and Independent cinema programme for audiences living in rural west Wales will support local adults and young people with learning disabilities, in addition to refugee families, people living in rural/farming communities and Welsh speaking communities. WOW work with a diverse range of community groups as part of a strategy to reach rural audiences and offer meeting ground for different groups to experience and discuss a variety of world cinema. The project aims to encourage debate and inspire communities by bringing rural audiences together to tackle isolation, foster common understanding and social cohesion.
www.wowfilmfestival.com/en/events
Ar draws Cymru
Watch Africa (October 2019 – July 2020)
Building on the first successful year of Watch Africa’s Film Club, which attracted over 300 people to screenings in both Wales and Africa, the Watch-Africa Festival are returning with a host of workshops, Q&As, masterclasses, live music and food across eight venues Wales wide. With African film accounting for just 2.56%2 of films screened across Wales, Watch Africa are working to improve the provision for African audiences in Wales by offering a regular film club, in addition to the main festival in October 2019.
www.facebook.com/WatchAfricaCymru/
National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales (NSSAW) (January – March 2020)
In partnership with The Welsh Books Council / Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru, NSSAW will create ‘Picturing Our Past / Fframio’n Gorffenol’, an enhanced e-book on the history of Wales on screen. It will be launched alongside a series of special screenings, celebrating Welsh heritage throughout Wales, linking recent Welsh releases to important Welsh films of the past.
Gwnaethpwyd yng Nghymru
Film Hub Wales celebrate Welsh stories, language and culture year-round through Made in Wales, a strategy designed to promote films with Welsh connections. Upcoming activities include:
Shorts Bank (June 2019 – March 2020)
Working with partners across the Welsh screen industry, FHW will develop a catalogue of short films Made in Wales, which will complement the existing catalogue of over 130 features. As this will be the first catalogue of its kind, the project will improve access for exhibitors to Welsh talent and make it easier to celebrate shorts filmmaking Made in Wales. The project will be searchable upon launch of the Hub’s new website in 2019.
www.filmhubwales.org/films/made-wales
Gwen (July – October 2019)
Following its release in July, Gwen is set to screen at eight cinemas across Wales this summer. Set in the stark beauty of 19th Century Snowdonia, during the industrial revolution, Gwen struggles with her mother’s mysterious illness, her father’s absence and a ruthless mining company encroaching on their land. A growing darkness begins to take grip of her home, and the suspicious local community turns on Gwen and her family. Screenings in Wales include:
Pontio, Bangor – 10th July
Chapter, Cardiff – 19th July
Showcase Nantgarw – 19th July
Aberystwyth Arts Centre – 19th July
Neaudd Dwyfor, Pwhelli – 19th July
Theatre Mwldan, Cardigan – 30th August
Theatre Colwyn – 2nd Sept
Sinema Sadwrn, Carmarthenshire – 2nd October
Further screenings to be announced.
www.bulldog-film.com/
Sinemaes (2nd – 10th August)
FHW are delighted to support Sinemaes in its fourth year at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, with a programme of archive film in partnership with The National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales. Events will feature a special celebration of pioneering Welsh filmmaker, Arthur Cheetham (1864 – 15 January 1937), with live accompaniment from Paul Shallcross and an introduction to reminiscence therapy through the National Library’s Living Memory project with FHW.
Phoenix Ton Pentre (July – November 2019)
“Revisiting the past to understand the present and contribute to future local awareness.”
For the third year, Phoenix Ton Pentre are developing their year-round audience for Welsh stories on screen. Pairing archive with new releases and sharing their memories of Welsh film through the ages, they will continue to make people aware of their Welsh Film Heritage.
www.facebook.com/The-Phoenix-Ton-Pentre
Wild Honey Pie! (14th June – 1st July)
A nationwide tour of Wales of the film Wild Honey Pie! and director Jamie Adams (+ cast). The roadshow will take place in key Welsh cinemas and exhibitors, spreading travel costs across the consortium, and enabling filmmaking talent to visit more communities.
Chapter, Cardiff – 14th, 15th and 16th June
Cinema & Co, Swansea – 20th June
Aberystwyth Arts Centre – 17th – 26th June
Savoy Cinema, Monmouth – 17th – 21st June
Galeri, Caernarfon – June TBC
pinpointpresents.com/wildhoneypie/cinema-listings/
The Dark Crystal at Cardiff Mini Film Festival (22nd and 23rd June)
Cardiff Mini Film Festival & Darkened Rooms present a special screening of The Dark Crystal in one of Cardiff’s most unique buildings, the Masonic Temple – followed by a Q&A with Welsh puppeteer Toby Philpott, also famously known for being half of Jabba the Hut. They’ll also be exploring Welsh culture further through a screening of Jon Jones’ latest release, Last Summer.
cardiffminifilmfestival.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/cardiffminifilm
Further projects will be announced during 2019. For more information, or tickets to events, please contact:
Megan David, Marketing Officer, on 02920 311 067 / megan@filmhubwales.org (rhan amser Mawrth-Iau)
Lisa Nesbitt, Swyddog Datblygu, ar 02920 311 067 lisa@filmhubwales.org,
Hana Lewis, Strategic Manager, on 02920 353 740 hana@filmhubwales.org,
DOWNLOAD THE PRESS RELEASE BELOW
2019 is the Year of Discovery, led by Visit Wales. Think adventure, culture, landscape and memorable experiences. Think cinema.
Film Hub Wales (FHW), with Chapter as Hub Lead Organisation, are working with Welsh venues to celebrate what makes Wales unique and to take audiences on a cinematic journey of discovery.
Throughout 2019, audiences can connect with Welsh culture and landscapes, from the sweeping hills of 19ed Century Snowdonia, in new release ‘Gwen,’ to an enhanced E-book on the history of Wales on screen. They’ll also get a chance to see some discovery themed favourites from Film Hub Wales’ specially curated programme pack
Mae Hana Lewis, Rheolwraig Strategol Canolfan Ffilm Cymru yn esbonio:
“Visit Wales’ themes of discovery, from journeys to adventure, culture and landscape lend themselves to the visual power and imagination of film. There are boundless possibilities for audiences to experience something new, whether they are discovering their local cinema for the first time, or re-connecting.
From film screenings at the congress of Celtic studies, to a tour of new Welsh release Gwen, which is bursting with vivid Welsh landscapes, we’ll be celebrating many of things that make Wales unique on screen.”
Philip Hoile, Head of Distribution, Bulldog Film Distribution added:
“We’re proud to have Gwen included in Year of Discovery. It’s a film showcasing the stark and stunning Snowdonian landscapes within its rich gothic atmosphere as well as presenting the story of a young girl during a complicated part of Welsh history that is ripe for discussion. We hope that many people will discover this fantastic film in Welsh cinemas across the rest of the year.”
The projects are supported by Film Hub Wales, part of the BFI Film Audience Network, using funds from the National Lottery to ensure the greatest choice of cinema is available to everyone across the UK.
De Cymru
September 2019 – April 2020
Through their Global-Rural project, WOW are exploring the impact of globalisation on rural societies along The Coastal Way[1]. They will be bringing Welsh made shorts, animations and archive films to audiences in rural West Wales.
Their world and Independent cinema programme for rural audiences will support local adults and young people with learning disabilities, in addition to refugee families, people living in rural/farming communities and Welsh speaking communities. WOW work with a diverse range of community groups as part of a strategy to reach rural audiences and offer meeting ground for different groups to experience and discuss a variety of world cinema. The project aims to encourage debate and inspire communities by bringing rural audiences together to tackle isolation, foster common understanding and social cohesion.
wowfilmfestival.com/en/events
twitter.com/wowfilm
facebook.com/WOWfilmfest/
12ed September
Ray and Liz, the debut film from award winning, Swansea based, photographer Richard Billingham, and Welsh Producer Jacqui Davies, will be screened at Pontardawe Arts Centre, in conversation with the filmmakers. Autobiographic in nature, Billingham, returns to the striking photographs of his family during Thatcher-era Britain and his upbringing on the outskirts of Birmingham.
npttheatres.co.uk/pontardawe/
facebook.com/PontardaweArtsCentre/
Gogledd Cymru
May 2019 – April 2020
Welcoming isolated audiences in to venues across the The North Wales Way throughout 2019, seven ‘Off Y Grid’ cinemas will celebrate Wales’ ancient language and landscapes.
Newly released Welsh folk tale, Gwen, set during the industrial revolution, will screen alongside a series of Welsh short films at the International Congress of Celtic Studies at Bangor University, Wales, on 22–26 July 2019. The conference represents an international gathering of scholars researching the languages, literatures and cultural traditions of the Celtic-speaking peoples, held once every four years. Newly released Welsh period film Last Summer is also currently screening in a number of venues.
From the slate mountains of Blaenau Ffestiniog to the beaches of Rhyl, Cell B and Wicked Wales will be reconnecting family audiences with well-known Welsh made programmes such as Superted FAN BFI a Gelert, including a collaborative ‘Films in the Forest’ event in October. New audiences will also discover cinema as Off Y Grid pops-up in unusual spaces and places.
Established in 2016. Off Y Grid (OYG) is a partnership between seven venues in North Wales who are working collectively to promote British independent and international film, including home-grown Welsh content. The project is designed to reduce rural isolation through affordable, connected events, generating anticipation around film releases in North Wales. Off Y Grid venues include Galeri, Caernarfon; Pontio, Bangor; CELLB, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Neuadd Dwyfor ym Mhwllheli, Dragon Theatre in Barmouth, TAPE in Old Colwyn and Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda.
twitter.com/offygrid
facebook.com/offygrid
Promotional trailer: https://vimeo.com/223606421
June 2019-December 2019
TAPE will launch their first inclusion film festival in old Colwyn during 2019, combining the beauty of the North Wales way with local filmmaking culture, for visitors. The event will support new voices from across communities and incorporate signposting towards training and employment across North Wales. This includes the premiere of Paul & the Undersea Critters, a debut live action, animated, short from local Welsh animator Shane Howard.
TAPE will also celebrate some of North Wales’ historic architecture, with special pop-up screenings including a Chapel of Horror weekend at Conwy Chapel and a series of screenings at their Gaol Cell Cinema in Ruthin, in partnership with the Denbighshire Archive Service.
TAPE is a community arts charity which specialises in bespoke, inclusive, person-led support for people of all ages. Since 2008, TAPE’s work has helped significant numbers of people to move out of isolated circumstances, find friends, build confidence and skills, move off benefits, enter further and higher education and training, and find employment.
tapemusicandfilm.co.uk/
twitter.com/tapeartscentre
acebook.com/TAPECommunityMusicandFilm
West
19ed – 24ed November 2019
| As the only UK representatives in the European Fantastic Film Festivals Federation and a firm favourite on Wales’ cultural calendar, Abertoir attracts tourists from across the UK to the West coast of Wales each November. Audiences can engage with talks, guests, film with live commentary, educational presentations, Q&As with filmmakers, specially written articles, discussions, classic screenings and a selection of the newest films from major film festivals worldwide – all screening in Wales for the very first time, against the picturesque coastal landscape of Aberystwyth.
Highlights to look out for include a masterclass in practical special effects, in-depth career interviews with directors Norman J Warren and Gary Sherman, and a celebration of British actor Donald Pleasence in his centenary year. abertoir.co.uk/
|
Ar draws Cymru
July – October 2019
In celebration of the release of Welsh folk tale, Gwen, which is full of brooding Welsh landscapes during the industrial revolution, we will be offering specially commissioned programme notes by poet and cultural critic Ben Gwalchmai. 16 venues across Wales will screen the film from July onwards. Topics will cover Welsh culture ancient and new; Cumbric & Cymraeg, contemporary tenant farmers, rewilding and the changing colours of the quarries and mountains. Screenings in Wales include:
Further screenings to be announced.
www.gwenfilm.com
January – March 2020
In partnership with The Welsh Books Council / Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru and Thud Media, NSSAW will create ‘Picturing Our Past / Fframio’n Gorffennol’, an enhanced e-book enabling audiences to discover the history of Wales on screen. Celebrating both culture and landscapes, it will be launched alongside a series of special screenings, celebrating Welsh heritage throughout Wales, linking recent Welsh releases to important Welsh films of the past. Pivotal films such as ‘Y Chwarelwr’ and ‘Un Bore Mercher’ will explore Wales’ ancient language and community on screen, alongside archive film treasures recently unearthed through the BFI’s Unlocking Film Heritage project.
library.wales/
twitter.com/NSSAW
June 2019 – March 2020
Working with partners across the Welsh screen industry, FHW will develop a catalogue of short films Made in Wales, which will complement the existing catalogue of over 130 features. As this will be the first catalogue of its kind, the project will improve access for exhibitors to Welsh talent and make it easier to celebrate shorts filmmaking Made in Wales and enable audiences to discover Welsh culture, language and landscapes through short filmmaking. The project will be searchable upon launch of the Hub’s new website in 2019.
filmhubwales.org/films/made-wales
July – November 2019
“Revisiting the past to understand the present and contribute to future local awareness. “
Phoenix Ton Pentre are developing local audiences for Welsh stories on screen, exploring the sweeping summer landscapes of Pembrokeshire through Jon Jones’ new release Last Summer and revisiting the urban streets of Swansea in cult classic, Twin Town. Films will be screened with archive shorts, connecting landscape to memories of Welsh heritage through the ages.
facebook.com/The-Phoenix-Ton-Pentre
Further projects will be announced during 2019. Please note that films are subject to change.
For images please copy and paste the following link into your browser:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YvOGdfNhcgy_6NTbccQC9mfD0B1WseJd?usp=sharing
For more information, or tickets to events, please contact:
Megan David, Marketing Officer, on 02920 311 067 / megan@filmhubwales.org (rhan amser Mawrth-Iau)
Lisa Nesbitt, Development Officer, on 02920 311 067 / lisa@filmhubwales.org,
Hana Lewis, Strategic Manager, on 02920 353 740 hana@filmhubwales.org,
NOTES TO EDITORS:
ABOUT FILM HUB WALES:
Film Hub Wales aims to bring more films, to more people, in more places around Wales. Along with its independent member venues, FHW regularly develops inventive ways for people in Wales to go to the cinema.
Film Hub Wales (FHW) is one of eight UK wide ‘hubs’ funded by the BFI (British Film Institute) to form the Film Audience Network (FAN), with Chapter appointed as the Film Hub Lead Organisation (FHLO) in Wales. We aim to develop the exhibition sector through dedicated research, training and audience development project support. Since Film Hub Wales set up in 2013, we’ve supported over 195 exciting cinema projects, reaching over 420,000 audience members.
In partnership with our member cinemas, arts centres, community venues, societies, festivals and wider film practitioners, FHW aims to celebrate and support the vibrant cultural film sector here in Wales, working together to expand and increase choice for audiences, regardless of where they live.
filmhubwales.org
twitter.com/FilmHubWales
facebook.com/filmhubwales
ABOUT THE BFI
Y BFI yw’r prif gorff ar gyfer ffilm yn y DU gyda’r uchelgais i greu amgylchedd ffilm lewyrchus lle gall arloesedd, cyfle a chreadigrwydd ffynnu trwy:
Mae’r BFI yn gorff hyd braich y Llywodraeth ac yn dosbarthu arian y Loteri ar gyfer ffilm. Mae’r BFI yn gwasanaethu rôl gyhoeddus sy’n ymdrin ag agweddau diwylliannol, creadigol ac economaidd ffilm yn y DU. Mae’n cyflawni’r rôl hon:
Wedi'i sefydlu ym 1933, mae'r BFI yn elusen gofrestredig a lywodraethir gan Siarter Frenhinol.
The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Josh Berger CBE.
Mae Canolfan Ffilm Cymru yn brif bartner canolfan ffilm yn Rhwydwaith Cynulleidfa Ffilm BFI.
Mae Rhwydwaith Cynulleidfaoedd Ffilm BFI (FAN) yn fenter arloesol sy’n rhoi cyfle i gynulleidfaoedd ledled y DU weld ystod ehangach o ffilmiau mewn lleoliad sinema. I wneuthurwyr ffilm, mae cael ffilmiau ar sgriniau sinema yn fusnes cystadleuol iawn, yn enwedig ar gyfer ffilmiau arbenigol sy’n cynnwys ffilmiau archif, dogfennol, annibynnol ac iaith dramor.
Gyda £12miliwn o arian y Loteri dros bedair blynedd (2018-22) mae FAN BFI yn gweithio gydag arddangoswyr sinema, gwyliau ffilm, addysgwyr, cymdeithasau ffilm, lleoliadau cymunedol, archifau ffilm a sefydliadau eraill yn eu rhanbarthau neu eu cenhedloedd i hybu cynulleidfaoedd ar gyfer ffilm ar draws y Deyrnas Unedig.
The film hub partners which drive audience engagement across the UK comprise: Broadway Cinema, Nottingham with Flatpack, Birmingham; Chapter, Cardiff;; Film London; Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast; Glasgow Film; the Independent Cinema Office (for the South East); Showroom Sheffield in partnership with HOME, Manchester & Tyneside Cinema; and Watershed, Bristol.
The Wales Way is a new family of three national routes that lead you into the heart of real Wales:
[1] See end notes for definition of Visit Wales’ The Wales Way.
2019 is the Year of Discovery, led by Visit Wales. Think adventure, culture, landscape and memorable experiences. Think cinema.
Film Hub Wales (FHW), with Chapter as Hub Lead Organisation, are working with Welsh venues to celebrate what makes Wales unique and to take audiences on a cinematic journey of discovery.
Throughout 2019, audiences can connect with Welsh culture and landscapes, from the sweeping hills of 19ed Century Snowdonia, in new release ‘Gwen,’ to an enhanced E-book on the history of Wales on screen. They’ll also get a chance to see some discovery themed favourites from Film Hub Wales’ specially curated programme pack
Mae Hana Lewis, Rheolwraig Strategol Canolfan Ffilm Cymru yn esbonio:
Visit Wales’ themes of discovery, from journeys to adventure, culture and landscape lend themselves to the visual power and imagination of film. There are boundless possibilities for audiences to experience something new, whether they are discovering their local cinema for the first time, or re-connecting.
From film screenings at the congress of Celtic studies, to a tour of new Welsh release Gwen, which is bursting with vivid Welsh landscapes, we’ll be celebrating many of things that make Wales unique on screen.
Philip Hoile, Head of Distribution, Bulldog Film Distribution added:
“We’re proud to have Gwen included in Year of Discovery. It’s a film showcasing the stark and stunning Snowdonian landscapes within its rich gothic atmosphere as well as presenting the story of a young girl during a complicated part of Welsh history that is ripe for discussion. We hope that many people will discover this fantastic film in Welsh cinemas across the rest of the year.”
The projects are supported by Film Hub Wales, part of the BFI Film Audience Network, using funds from the National Lottery to ensure the greatest choice of cinema is available to everyone across the UK.
Download the Full Press Release:
Film Hub Wales (FHW), with Chapter as Hub Lead Organisation, are working with cinemas and film festivals across Wales to explore critically important themes of development, peace building and reconciliation on screen in 2019, during the United Nation’s International Year of Indigenous languages (IYIL2019).
Mae ieithoedd yn chwarae rhan hanfodol ym mywydau beunyddiol pobl, nid yn unig fel offeryn ar gyfer cyfathrebu, addysg, integreiddio a datblygu cymdeithasol ond hefyd fel ystorfa ar gyfer hunaniaeth unigryw, hanes diwylliannol, traddodiadau a’r cof pob unigolyn. Er gwaethaf eu gwerth aruthrol, mae ieithoedd ledled y byd yn parhau i ddiflannu ar raddfa frawychus.
In celebration of IY2019, Welsh exhibitors have developed film programmes that raise the international profile of the Welsh language, along with the languages of some of the largest international communities that form audiences in Wales.
Hana Lewis, Film Hub Wales’ Strategic Manager explains:
“There are many multi-cultural communities in Wales, speaking a variety of Indigenous languages from Polish to Chinese, African dialects, or the Welsh language itself. Film is an ideal tool to raise awareness of those communities who protect and preserve those languages. It is also essential that we appreciate the important cultural contribution these languages make worldwide.
With over 15 film releases weekly and 54% of those releases originating from outside of the USA or UK, there are many cultures and unseen voices to discover. We are excited to support our partners in Wales as they celebrate languages spoken both locally and across the world.”
Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of Unesco added during the global launch event of IYIL2019 on 27 January 2019 in Paris at Unesco:
“This International Year will provide an opportunity to strengthen our efforts with regard to culture, information and communication (..). We must go further in the promotion of multilingualism in the media and in online content.”
Emyr Williams, Cinema Coordinator at Pontio Bangor adds:
“When thinking about a project to work on for IYIL there was a desire to do something quite different. Much of the regular film programming work here in Pontio is done in order to normalise the Welsh language, have Welsh language films slot into the wider programme, have events and talks in Welsh in the same way as we would have with an English director touring independent cinemas, so initially I was resistant to highlighting this ‘language’ issue with regards to cinema. Then I thought about Paul Eastwood’s recent short film/artwork DYFODIAITH and knew that programming this was the obvious answer to my worries about artificially highlighting the language. Paul’s work is cinematic and very accessible and most importantly is concerned with the whole question of ‘indigenous’ language – its existence, how it evolves and how it survives. Giving up half an hour of your time to step onto a strange isolated island where your normal everyday language has mutated into something unfamiliar and wonderful is an excellent way to celebrate IYIL.”
The projects are supported by Film Hub Wales, part of the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) using funds from the National Lottery to ensure the greatest choice of cinema is available to everyone across the UK
TOKYO TALES
Pontio (Bangor) 13th – 19th June
Discover the cinema of two master Japanese filmmakers Yasujiro Ozu and Hirokazu Kore-Eda with a short season of classics at Pontio, Bangor. Following the release of Oscar nominated Shoplifters, there is a chance to see Kore-eda’s remastered debut, Maborosi. Ozu’s Tokyo Story also is regularly voted among the best films ever made and an Autumn Afternoon, his final film in colour.
Dyfodiath
Pontio (Bangor) 23rd July
Imagine a future world and society where Welsh and the other Brythonic languages have survived and developed in splendid isolation. Dyfodiath’s imagery forces us to contemplate our reaction to this possible future for our language. A bold, brilliant and accessible work of cinematic art will be presented with Q&A with Paul Eastwood and Llyr Titus along with a special printed booklet containing new writings about the work. Audiences can also enjoy new Welsh release, Gwen with a selection of Welsh language shorts.
pontio.co.uk/Online/
twitter.com/PontioTweets
facebook.com/PontioBangor/
Off Y Grid
(22-26th July)
Newly released Welsh folk tale, Gwen, which has its preview at Pontio on the 10th July in partnership with Bafta Cymru, will screen alongside a series of Welsh short films at the International Congress of Celtic Studies at Bangor University. The conference represents an international gathering of scholars researching the languages, literatures and cultural traditions of the Celtic-speaking peoples, held once every four years.
(26th September TBC)
Off Y Grid venues will screen up to 10 multilingual films such as Gadael Lenin, in connection with European Language Day; The Council of Europe’s initiative designed to encourage 800 million European’s across 47 states to discover more languages at any age alongside their studies.
Established in 2016. Off Y Grid is a partnership between seven venues in North Wales who are working collectively to promote British independent and international film, including home-grown Welsh content. The project is designed to reduce rural isolation through affordable, connected events, generating anticipation around film releases in North Wales. Off Y Grid venues include Galeri, Caernarfon; Pontio, Bangor; CELLB, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Neuadd Dwyfor ym Mhwllheli, Dragon Theatre in Barmouth, TAPE in Old Colwyn and Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda.
twitter.com/offygrid
facebook.com/offygrid
Watch Africa
(25th July TBC)
Discover Kinyarwanda, the dialect of the Rwanda-Rundi language spoken by at least 12 million people in Rwanda at this screening of Sacred Water at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. The film explores the evolution of Kunyaza, a culture of feminine pleasure, where female orgasm is a matter of honor for men. British born author and historian of Nigerian descent; Habeeb Aikande, who has six published books on race, sex & relationships, and Islam will lead a Q&A around the importance of culture in shaping family and community structures especially in areas of sexuality and rights of passage.
(25th July)
1958 Arabic crime drama, Cairo Station (Bab el Hadid) will be screened at the Gates Arts Centre in Cardiff. Banned for 12 years in his own country, Youssef Chahine’s searing depiction of sexual obsession will be accessible to local audiences with a special Q&A, which explores the political and social changes taking place in Egypt at the time of the film’s production.
The screenings are part of Watch Africa’s Film Club, improving the provision for African audiences in Wales in addition to the annual festival in October 2019.
watch-africa.co.uk
facebook.com/WatchAfricaCymru/
Snowcat Cinema at Penarth Pier Pavillion
(Dates TBC)
Snowcat will be exploring different indigenous languages through four distinct film events.
The Edge Of The Knife (SGaawaay K’uuna 2018) is the 19th century story of two families on their annual fishing retreat in the far removed island of Haida Gwaii, a remote archipelago of Canada. Haida has been spoken for at least 14,000 years but is no only known to be used by 20 individuals.
Set among the pastoral Gaddi community in Himachal Pradesh and made in the Gaddi dialect is The Gold Laden Sheep & The Sacred Mountain (2018). The film tells the s adventures of elderly shepherd and his assistant who live on a remote unknown mountain. When news spreads of a plane crash, along with stories about the gold and silver aboard the aircraft, they set out on a life-altering journey.
Combining ancient Armenian, Azerbaijani FAN BFI a Georgian dialects, The Colour Of Pomegranates is a super-stylized, surreal biographical drama made in the Soviet Union in 1969. It follows Armenian troubadour Sayat Nova, whose life is depicted through non-narrative amalgamations of poetic images and language.
snowcatcinema.co.uk/
twitter.com/SnowcatCinema
facebook.com/snowcatcinema/
Gentle/Radical
(June 2019 – March 2020)
Gentle/Radical ensure that the voices of those most marginalised, are heard through the presentation of powerful cinema. Going Deeper, Going Local is the first project to launch at their new base at the Wyndham Street Centre community hub, in Riverside, Cardiff. Reaching out to minority ethnic audiences encompassing BAME women, BAME elders and BAME youth in both hyper-localised settings and across Cardiff, the project will explore how audiences are impacted by issues such as climate change, migration, housing, food justice, colonialism, and other experiences of structural oppression and injustice.
As part of Going Deeper, Going Local, in particular they are looking forward to screening Merata: How Mum Decolonised The Screen. Pioneering Maori filmmaker Merata Mita is the subject of this documentary, made by her son, Heperi Mita, a film that is a brilliant insight into the indigenous politics of New Zealand, and a portrait of a radical, trailblazing campaigner for indigenous and women’s rights.
Formed in 2017, Gentle/Radical is a grassroots cultural organisation and platform for radical thinking, creative practice and social change. They are currently running an online fundraiser to house their new cultural and community hub.
twitter.com/gentle_hq
.facebook.com/gentleradical/
gentleradical.org/
Phoenix Ton Pentre
(July – November 2019)
“Revisiting the past to understand the present and contribute to future local awareness.”
Phoenix Ton Pentre are developing local audiences for Welsh stories on screen, exploring the sweeping summer landscapes of Pembrokeshire through Jon Jones’ new release Last Summer and revisiting the urban streets of Swansea in cult classic, Twin Town. Films will be screened with archive shorts, connecting landscape to memories of Welsh heritage through the ages.
facebook.com/The-Phoenix-Ton-Pentre
Cymdeithas Ffilm Y Fenni
(4th December 20219)
The longest running film society in Wales have shown films from around the world, to audiences in Abergavenny, since 1978. New drama; Birds of Passage (Pájaros de verano), in the Wayuu or Goajiro language, is set during the marijuana bonanza, a violent decade that saw the origins of drug trafficking in columbia. It follows Rapayet and his indigenous family fight to control the business that ends up destroying their lives and culture. Wayuu is spoken by 305,000 indigenous Wayuu people in northwestern Venezuela and northeastern Colombia on the Guajira Peninsula.
abergavennyfilmsociety.com/index.html
The Italian Film Festival
(14th – 17th November)
The Italian Film Festival Cardiff brings to the screens of Wales a dynamic and diverse portrait of contemporary Italy with its beauty, complexity and contradictions. The selection of cutting edge films feature all genres of Italian cinematography with a strong emphasis on new narrative forms and independent productions. During the past three years the Festival has become a lively space for directors, actors and producers from both sides of the Channel. The Italian Film Festival Cardiff aspires to be a part of Wales’ increasingly international artistic profile.
iffc.wales/
twitter.com/_IFFC
facebook.com/ItalianFilmFestivalCardiff/
Chapter, Caerdydd
(23rd August +Q&A, 30th August and 5th September)
Chapter, Cardiff are offering a special screening of Bait, set in a Cornish fishing village where the way of life is threatened. Offering many parallels to Welsh life, the screening on the 23rd August will include Q&A from the film’s Director, Mark Jenkin and Welsh musician Gwenno Saunders who recently released her first album in Cornish. The music, which features in Bait, is sung in the Kerneweg language, offering opportunity to explore the cultural connections between Wales and Cornwall.
(2nd – 8th August)
From the Director of the lunchbox, Photograph follows a struggling street photographer Rafi works day and night to pay off an old family debt. Pressured to marry by his grandmother, he convinces a shy stranger to pose as his fiancée. The pair develop a connection that transforms them in ways they could not expect. Beautifully shot on the streets of Mumbai with Hindi and Gujarati dialects.
https://www.chapter.org/
https://www.facebook.com/chapterarts
https://twitter.com/chaptertweets
National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales (NSSAW)
(January – March 2020)
In partnership with The Welsh Books Council / Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru and Thud Media, NSSAW are starting development of ‘Picturing Our Past / Fframio’n Gorffennol’, an enhanced e-book enabling audiences to discover the history of Wales on screen. It will be launched alongside a series of screenings, celebrating Welsh heritage and language throughout Wales, linking recent Welsh releases to important Welsh films of the past. Pivotal films such as ‘Y Chwarelwr’ and ‘Un Bore Mercher’ will explore Wales’ ancient language and community on screen, alongside archive film treasures recently unearthed through the BFI’s Unlocking Film Heritage project.
library.wales/
twitter.com/NSSAW
Shorts Bank
(June 2019 – March 2020)
Working with partners across the Welsh screen industry, FHW will develop a catalogue of short films Made in Wales, which will complement the existing catalogue of over 130 features. As this will be the first catalogue of its kind, the project will improve access for exhibitors to Welsh talent and make it easier to celebrate shorts filmmaking Made in Wales and enable audiences to discover Welsh culture and language through short filmmaking. The project will be searchable upon launch of the Hub’s new website in 2019.
filmhubwales.org/films/made-wales
For images please copy and paste the following link into your browser
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1AY5m3uOVEvBt3pXh8UNueE00IqwJHPJl
For more information, or tickets to events, please contact:
The venues will work together to promote films screenings at all eleven sites, giving rural audiences the best chance to find out what’s happening in their town or village.
Coordinated by the Memo Arts Centre in Barry, the largest independent cinema in the Vale of Glamorgan, the project will launch with a series of special ice-breakers film screenings across the cinema network in early 2019.
Vale Venues and the Memo will present a brand-new film festival that celebrates film under the theme ‘Discovery’, which will include screenings and film events. Spanning from the Summer to Christmas 2019, the new film festival will be the first of its kind in the county.
Hana Lewis, strategic manager at Film Hub Wales explains:
“Cinema is vibrant in the Vale, with a variety of experienced organisations offering imaginative film activities for local audiences. There is huge potential to harness this within a film festival that brings isolated audiences together to celebrate their communities and find out what’s happening in their area year-round.”
Kate Long, General Manager at the Memo Arts Centre adds:
“We are excited to be working collectively with our partner cinemas to develop our partnerships, and are looking forward to presenting a film festival featuring a wide range of films for audiences across the Vale. We see the partnership as a great opportunity to encouraging cinema audiences to visit all our cinemas to see what we have on offer. We want to bring the best of films to the Vale, including cinema classics, British independents, shorts, animations, documentaries, international film, and even some homegrown Welsh content. The Vale Venue CineFest19 will showcase cinema in adventurous places, create more family friendly events, engage with schools and provide more opportunities for inter-generational, dementia friendly and relaxed film events.”
Venues involved in the project also include Barn At West Farm, Colwinston Community Cinema, Cowbridge Big Screen, Dinas Powys Community Cinema, Llancarfan Community Cinema. Memo Arts Centre, Peterston Village Hall, Snowcat Cinema at Penarth Pier Pavilion, St Donats Arts Centre, Sully Community Cinema and Ystradowen Community & Sports Association.
Nicola Summer Smith, Creative Rural Communities:
“We identified the social value of community cinemas for the Vale and helped support them in their early days. It’s been great to see how these cinemas have developed to serve their own communities, and how new cinemas are still being formed. This scheme will mean that they can now come together to share skills, knowledge and promotion and to have a place where they can continue to learn from each other.”
For more information about Vale Venues screenings and venues head over to their Tudalen Facebook or check the Barry Memo page.
The film programme brought to you, is supported by the BFI, with National Lottery Funding as part of the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN), creating opportunities for audiences to see and enjoy a broader range of films.
For more information and images, please contact jennifer@filmhubwales.org or Gemma Jones gemmajones@barrymemo.co.uk.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
ABOUT FILM HUB WALES:
Film Hub Wales aims to bring more films, to more people, in more places around Wales. Along with its independent member venues, FHW regularly develops inventive ways for people in Wales to go to the cinema.
Film Hub Wales (FHW) is one of eight UK wide ‘hubs’ funded by the BFI (British Film Institute) to form the Film Audience Network (FAN), with Chapter appointed as the Film Hub Lead Organisation (FHLO) in Wales. We aim to develop the exhibition sector through dedicated research, training and audience development project support. Since Film Hub Wales set up in 2013, we’ve supported over 160 exciting cinema projects, reaching over 302,500 audience members.
In partnership with our member cinemas, arts centres, community venues, societies, festivals and wider film practitioners, FHW aims to celebrate and support the vibrant cultural film sector here in Wales, working together to expand and increase choice for audiences, regardless of where they live.
filmhubwales.org
twitter.com/FilmHubWales
facebook.com/filmhubwales
ABOUT THE BFI:
Y BFI yw’r prif gorff ar gyfer ffilm yn y DU gyda’r uchelgais i greu amgylchedd ffilm lewyrchus lle gall arloesedd, cyfle a chreadigrwydd ffynnu trwy:
Mae’r BFI yn gorff hyd braich y Llywodraeth ac yn dosbarthu arian y Loteri ar gyfer ffilm. Mae’r BFI yn gwasanaethu rôl gyhoeddus sy’n ymdrin ag agweddau diwylliannol, creadigol ac economaidd ffilm yn y DU. Mae’n cyflawni’r rôl hon:
Wedi'i sefydlu ym 1933, mae'r BFI yn elusen gofrestredig a lywodraethir gan Siarter Frenhinol.
The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Josh Berger CBE.
ABOUT THE BFI FILM AUDIENCE NETWORK:
Mae Canolfan Ffilm Cymru yn brif bartner canolfan ffilm yn Rhwydwaith Cynulleidfa Ffilm BFI.
Mae Rhwydwaith Cynulleidfaoedd Ffilm BFI (FAN) yn fenter arloesol sy’n rhoi cyfle i gynulleidfaoedd ledled y DU weld ystod ehangach o ffilmiau mewn lleoliad sinema. I wneuthurwyr ffilm, mae cael ffilmiau ar sgriniau sinema yn fusnes cystadleuol iawn, yn enwedig ar gyfer ffilmiau arbenigol sy’n cynnwys ffilmiau archif, dogfennol, annibynnol ac iaith dramor.
Gyda £12miliwn o arian y Loteri dros bedair blynedd (2018-22) mae FAN BFI yn gweithio gydag arddangoswyr sinema, gwyliau ffilm, addysgwyr, cymdeithasau ffilm, lleoliadau cymunedol, archifau ffilm a sefydliadau eraill yn eu rhanbarthau neu eu cenhedloedd i hybu cynulleidfaoedd ar gyfer ffilm ar draws y Deyrnas Unedig.
The film hub partners which drive audience engagement across the UK comprise: Broadway Cinema, Nottingham with Flatpack, Birmingham; Chapter, Cardiff; Film London; Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast; GlasgowFilm; the Independent Cinema Office (for the South East); Showroom Sheffield in partnership with HOME, Manchester &Tyneside Cinema; and Watershed, Bristol.
ABOUT MEMO ARTS CENTRE, BARRY:
The Memo Arts Centre, as a Registered Charity (CIO), is a mixed arts venue and the only digital cinema in Barry. In 2016, the 4k digital cinema and programme was launched, following a grant from Art Council Wales (ACW) and match-funding from the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
The Memo prides itself on offering a local and independent alternative to the multiplexes, and curates a cinema, live broadcast and special event programme internally, promoting mainstream, British independents, documentaries and, where possible, Welsh film and archive film titles.
The Memo’s annual footfall is approximately 110,000 visitors, and 64% of earned income is generated through charitable activities, cinema and live event ticket sales, hospitality, hires and facilities programme, with the remainder made up by revenue funding from Barry Town Council, Film Hub Wales and Ffilm Cymru Wales.
In 2017 Blaenau Ffestiniog suffered severe Winter weather, which caused a burst in the cinema heating system. Unbeknown to the staff, the leak infected the original 1900’s woodwork and created dry rot in the cinema space. The insurance company claim was rejected and the temporary closure has affected the business, which relies on screenings as their main aspect of income generation.
Rhys Ifans, the star of films such as Notting Hill, Mr.Nice, The Boat That Rocked and the Welsh classic comedy Twin Town, made two videos, one in English and one in Welsh, calling for support for the cinema:
“Hello, just a quick message, to ask and to urge, all of you to support in whichever way you can the campaign, to save the CellB cinema, in Blaenau Ffestiniog, and to insure, that this extraordinary facility, run by the amazing Gwallgofiaid will be with us in Wales and with Blaenau Ffestiniog for decade upon decade to come. Thank you very much ta-ra.”
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You can watch the video here:
Michael Sheen also backed the campaign on Twitter. Michael appeared in films such as Frost/Nixon, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, ac Apostle, the 2018 Netflix period horror film from Welsh writer and director Gareth Evans set on a remote Welsh island:
“The first cinema in over 40 years in Blaenau Ffestiniog, now run by a social enterprise @CeLLBlaenau needs our help to stay open! If you can, please donate £6, the cost of a child’s ticket and let’s keep films running for another 40 years.”
You can view the tweet here:
The cinema at Cellb is run by Gwallgofiaid, a not-for-profit social enterprise that has been providing creative training for the young people of Blaenau Ffestiniog and the county of Gwynedd since 2003. It is located in one of Gwynedd’s most low-income areas and is the first cinema in the area since the 1950s. The cinema, which is located in the old police station, opened in 2016 and in its first year had 12,000 people through the doors. They now need support in order to ensure the cinema’s future.
Rhys Roberts of Cellb says:
“We need a cinema at the heart for the community and as a resource for the young to develop their horizons and to flower.”
Audiences are also supporting the cinema, including the local pensioners forum, who are hosting a screening of The First Grader on the 7th December, with proceeds going towards the campaign.
The cinema is an active member of Film Hub Wales, part of the British Film Institute’s Film Audience Network (BFI FAN), which is brought to you as part of the new BFI 2022 strategy, thanks to funding from the National Lottery for eight BFI FAN Hubs across the UK.
Mae Hana Lewis, Rheolwraig Strategol Canolfan Ffilm Cymru yn esbonio:
“Since the beginning of their journey CellB have always been bursting with ideas. From dementia friendly screenings to new advertising models. They’re also a proactive member of our pioneering network of cinemas in North Wales: Off Y Grid. The cinema is unique, retaining many original features from it’s time as the town police station. The cells are now often full of materials used by young people in Blaenau to create film projects. The cinema is a crucial resource in the community, with audiences having to travel over 30 minutes to the next nearest cinema.”
The company are asking for donations via a Crowdfunder page, with rewards including free cinema tickets, a plaque with your name on a cinema seat, a gold spot advert before film screenings, a lifetime Golden Ticket to every event at CellB. There is less than 2 weeks left to donate, with over £2500 more to raise. You can view the Crowdfunder page here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/sinemablaenau
Cellb also produced a video explaining about the Crowdfunding campaign, which you can view here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygJW_mvwZoE
For enquiries please contact Rhys Roberts at rhys@cellb.org 01766832001, or Lisa Nesbitt at lisa@filmhubwales.org
ABOUT CELLB
CellB is an independent cinema, venue and community training space. The cinema offers film screenings, live performances, pensioners screenings, dementia friendly screenings and works with young programmers. The venue is also available for private hire for community events, children’s parties and educational and professional film making activities.
The cinema is run by Gwallgofiaid, a not-for-profit organisation. In 2009, they worked alongside pupils from Ysgol Molewyn to create Picz, a monthly cinema night for youths. On the back of the success of these nights the Art Council of Wales, Magnox and a company bank investment, funded Blaenau Ffestiniog’s first cinema in 40 years.
https://twitter.com/cellblaenau
https://www.facebook.com/CellBlaenau/
ABOUT FILM HUB WALES
Film Hub Wales aims to bring more films, to more people, in more places around Wales. Along with its independent member venues, FHW regularly develops inventive ways for people in Wales to go to the cinema.
Film Hub Wales (FHW) is one of eight UK wide ‘hubs’ funded by the BFI (British Film Institute) to form the Film Audience Network (FAN), with Chapter appointed as the Film Hub Lead Organisation (FHLO) in Wales. We aim to develop the exhibition sector through dedicated research, training and audience development project support. Since Film Hub Wales set up in 2013, we’ve supported over 180 exciting cinema projects, reaching over 308,000 audience members.
In partnership with our member cinemas, arts centres, community venues, societies, festivals and wider film practitioners, FHW aims to celebrate and support the vibrant cultural film sector here in Wales, working together to expand and increase choice for audiences, regardless of where they live.
filmhubwales.org
twitter.com/FilmHubWales
facebook.com/filmhubwales
ABOUT THE BFI
Y BFI yw’r prif gorff ar gyfer ffilm yn y DU gyda’r uchelgais i greu amgylchedd ffilm lewyrchus lle gall arloesedd, cyfle a chreadigrwydd ffynnu trwy:
Mae’r BFI yn gorff hyd braich y Llywodraeth ac yn dosbarthu arian y Loteri ar gyfer ffilm. Mae’r BFI yn gwasanaethu rôl gyhoeddus sy’n ymdrin ag agweddau diwylliannol, creadigol ac economaidd ffilm yn y DU. Mae’n cyflawni’r rôl hon:
Wedi'i sefydlu ym 1933, mae'r BFI yn elusen gofrestredig a lywodraethir gan Siarter Frenhinol.
The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Josh Berger CBE.
ABOUT THE BFI FILM AUDIENCE NETWORK
Mae Canolfan Ffilm Cymru yn brif bartner canolfan ffilm yn Rhwydwaith Cynulleidfa Ffilm BFI.
Mae Rhwydwaith Cynulleidfaoedd Ffilm BFI (FAN) yn fenter arloesol sy’n rhoi cyfle i gynulleidfaoedd ledled y DU weld ystod ehangach o ffilmiau mewn lleoliad sinema. I wneuthurwyr ffilm, mae cael ffilmiau ar sgriniau sinema yn fusnes cystadleuol iawn, yn enwedig ar gyfer ffilmiau arbenigol sy’n cynnwys ffilmiau archif, dogfennol, annibynnol ac iaith dramor.
Gyda £12miliwn o arian y Loteri dros bedair blynedd (2018-22) mae FAN BFI yn gweithio gydag arddangoswyr sinema, gwyliau ffilm, addysgwyr, cymdeithasau ffilm, lleoliadau cymunedol, archifau ffilm a sefydliadau eraill yn eu rhanbarthau neu eu cenhedloedd i hybu cynulleidfaoedd ar gyfer ffilm ar draws y Deyrnas Unedig.
The film hub partners which drive audience engagement across the UK comprise: Broadway Cinema, Nottingham with Flatpack, Birmingham; Chapter, Cardiff;; Film London; Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast; Glasgow Film; the Independent Cinema Office (for the South East); Showroom Sheffield in partnership with HOME, Manchester & Tyneside Cinema; and Watershed, Bristol.
END
The BFI Film Audience Network (FAN), led by Film Hub Wales, is launching inclusivecinema.org, the UK’s first website dedicated to the evolution of diverse film culture.The accessible website is designed to help cinema audiences, who might find cinema access tricky, or may not feel represented by the big screen. It will enable screen exhibitors, from cinemas, to film festivals and community halls, to create welcoming spaces, with skilled staff that are more approachable for diverse film communities.
During its launch phase, exhibitors can find over 300 resources, including how-to-guides and first-hand stories to support audiences that identify with: migration, autism and neurodiversity, dementia, mental health, ethnicity, LGBTQ+, D/deaf or hard of hearing, visual impairment, disability, rural, women, young people, and lower-income. The website is a developing resource.
The site was created in response to a BFI FAN survey in 2017, across the 1500+ membership. Despite many operators running far-reaching and impactful access projects, many members felt there were barriers; from limited knowledge of partners, to programming, funds, staff confidence, a lack of time and lack of equipment or space.
The site showcases the wealth of knowledge already existing across UK screens and within BFI FAN, which celebrates its fifth birthday in 2018. It also benefits from collaborations with specialist organisations, such as the UK Cinema Association, Alzheimer’s Society, The New Black Film Collective, Scottish Queer International Film Festival, FAN BFI a Oska Bright Film Festival. Over 150 key contacts can be found on the site.
inclusivecinema.org is designed to give the user an accessible experience. It aims to achieve Level AA conformance to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 throughout the site and AAA where possible.
Inclusive Cinema is led by Film Hub Wales (FHW) as part of the FAN UK-wide strategy to improve diversity and inclusion for all. The BFI FAN network of eight strategic partners is supported by the BFI with National Lottery funding to and enable new opportunities for audiences to see and enjoy a broader range of films.
Toki Allison, Film Audience Network Access Officer explains:
“The Inclusive Cinema project asks exhibitors to get into a dialogue with audiences through networking and training. We believe that the thriving indie cinema sector can position itself as a leader in this field. So much incredible work is already being done with audiences across the UK. Programmers are working closely with grassroots communities. From Glasgow Film Theatre’s Access Film Club, which offers relaxed screenings to support those with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and learning disabilities, to Gentle/Radical Film Club, who work with migrant, refugee communities and women of colour in Cardiff.”
Hana Lewis, Film Hub Wales Strategic Manager says:
“Film exhibition specialists told us that there wasn’t one central space to learn about, or grow their awareness of inclusivity and the additional needs of audiences, meaning that excellent projects were happening but provision was fragmented and duplicated across the UK.
Inclusivecinema.org is a significant step on our journey to address this. Work began several years ago, with a simple round-table discussion of how we might work together to support film audiences living with dementia. This conversation opened a door and fundamentally changed the way we work.”
Priscilla Igwe, Director of The New Black Film Collective says:
“Inclusive Cinema is vital and extremely necessary. Finally, there is a resource supporting BAME exhibitors, educators and programmers – tapping into what’s out there, connecting organisations and building confidence. I look forward to accessing this portal, hearing new voices and having important peer-to-peer discussions about developing cinema for diverse audiences.”
Film Hub Wales (FHW), with Chapter as Hub Lead Organisation, will keep audiences feeling cosy this autumn, with more fantastic films, for more people, in more places across Wales this autumn. A diverse series of new brosiectau have been announced with Welsh cinemas, community spaces and film festivals.
Mae Hana Lewis, Rheolwraig Strategol Canolfan Ffilm Cymru yn esbonio:
“Film Hub Wales’ audience development scheme is designed to support innovative film programming, allowing us to see the most adventurous and inspiring stories from across the world, on our local cinema screens. This autumn, we’re working with expert exhibitors to bring the very best British and international films to Wales, from year of the sea, to Wales’ oldest animation and films for families whose health often prevents a trip to the cinema.”
The film programme is brought to you supported by the BFI with National Lottery Funding as part of the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) creating opportunities for audiences to see and enjoy a broader range of films.
DRAGON THEATRE/THEATR Y DDRAIG CULTURAL SCREENINGS PROJECT
Dragon Theatre/Theatr Y Ddraig are running seven special screenings and events from August 2018 – March 2019, bringing the best of British and international new independent releases, cult films and live screenings, to Barmouth. The venue will collaborate with new partners, using the arts as a platform to respond to the needs of the community. Screenings will be promoted by newly trained staff, as part of a wider year-round cross arts initiative with Gwynedd Council. A new YouTube channel and online reviews will support with promotion of events to the mainstream audience. The first event was a dog-friendly screening of ‘Isle of Dogs’ on August 17.
NATIONAL SCREEN AND SOUND ARCHIVE OF WALES REMINISCENCE PROJECT
The National Library of Wales and the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales (NSSAW) are set to work with Welsh care homes, hospitals, community spaces and independent film venues to open up Wales’ screen heritage to intergenerational audiences. This includes older audiences and those living with dementia utilising the potential of the graphic and audio-visual collections to unlock memories and facilitate reminiscence therapy. Dates to be confirmed.
NSSAW are also set to launch Wales on Film, a curated DVD pack for teachers and young people studying the Welsh Baccalaureate. Six special collections of themed archive film will be featured on Hwb, Welsh Government’s digital learning platform, sharing decades of hidden Welsh stories with young audiences for years to come.
WICKED WALES YOUNG PEOPLE OUTREACH PROJECT
Wicked Wales are developing a range of activities with the aim to increase film culture among young people in North Wales.
Over the school holidays they have been running a summer film camp, where young people can learn about filmmaking and film programming, which includes making the Wicked Wales International Film Festival trailer. This includes programming, marketing and event management training for the new Wicked Wales young programmers, who will become volunteers at Rhyl Wicked Cinema FAN BFI a Wicked Wales International Film Festival. Young programmers were also busy sharing their skills with younger pupils at Prestatyn High School as part of the Welsh Government School Holiday Enrichment Programme ‘SHEP’ making films in two hours using phones
Wicked Wales will also create new links with schools. The annual Wicked Wales International Film Festival is set to take place on September 14-21. Showreels of international shorts are set to be created by young programmers and screened at Rhyl Wicked Cinema on September 18 & 19 and as part of the festival, which will be attended by various Welsh schools. After the festival these showreels will be sent to participating schools to enable youth led film reviews. On September 21 Wicked Wales International Film Festival will screen the international film ‘Nika‘, about a young female racing driver, at Prestatyn High School, with a Q&A with lead actress Ylenia Mahnic.
They are also set to work with Welsh language schools, including, including Ysgol Y Llys primary school and developing new links with Ysgol Glan Clwyd, with the aim of identifying new Welsh-speaking young programmers and developing a programme of Welsh-language films.
They will continue to work with children at Tir Morfa, a school for children with additional needs. 50% of money taken from their July screening will be given to the ReACTions school enterprise group to invest in film equipment. This will be followed by an autumn screening, which will be chosen and marketed by ReACTions.
They will also continue to screen films programmed by the young programmers at Rhyl Wicked Cinema, as well as British and foreign independent releases, to be reviewed by the young programmers, opening them up to films that they might not be familiar with such as Bicycle Thieves on August 18.
WALES ONE WORLD FILM FESTIVAL RURAL OUTREACH PROJECT
Wales One World Film Festival (WOW) are extending their work across Wales through a series of international film screenings and discussions for audiences in West Wales, designed to bring rural audiences together and grow new audiences for the WOW Film Festival, with the aim to tackle isolation, foster common understanding, social cohesion, debate and to inspire sustainable communities.
SINEMA SADWRN DOCUMENTARY PROJECT
Sinema Sadwrn, recently nominated in the Best New Society category at Cinema For All’s Film Society of the Year awards, will screen three documentaries later this year showcasing different aspects of life in rural Wales. The films on show will be Gideon Koppel’s acclaimed ‘Sleep Furiously’, a love-letter to community of Trefeurig; ‘A Good Bitch’ by Rhys Edwards, about a north-Wales farming family and their working dogs; and 'Dial-A-Ride’, from Superfolk Films, an uplifting and touching portrait of life on a community bus service in the Brecon Beacons.
LATCH SCREENINGS AT PONTARDAWE ARTS CENTRE PROJECT
Canolfan y Celfyddydau, Pontardawe and the children’s cancer charity LATCH have teamed up to provide free screenings for families, to support children living with cancer. Events are taking place throughout the summer, offering an exclusive opportunity for families to catch-up and take a break with a day out to the cinema.
YEAR OF THE SEA CINEMA EVENTS
Working alongside Visit Wales’ Find Your Epic programme, which celebrates Welsh Government’s Year of the Sea, venues will be using the big screen to promote Wales as a 21st century coastal destination, from lakesides to riverbanks, bays to beaches. Film Hub Wales trawled through an Ocean-sized list of films to curate some of our favourite sea-themed films, from contemporary to cult, and the best of Welsh cinema. Theatr Gwaun screened ‘The Island and the Whales’ on Aug 17 as part of the Land Of The Sea event in Fishguard and Goodwick.
JERRY THE TYKE TOUR
Screenings of Jerry the Tyke animated shorts are introduced to a modern audience in a zany production with an electrifying musical score, composed and played live by Simon Lovatt. Wales’ oldest animated cartoon character gets up to mischief as Lovatt’s musical trickery combine to make an exciting, fast moving and hilarious show. Produced by Arad Goch Theatre Company who present theatre for families and young audiences all over Wales and abroad and screened with the cooperation of the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales, British Pathé and the support of Film Hub Wales. The tour began at the National Eisteddfod FAN BFI a Chapter in August.
War and Peace.
Resource with curriculum-related activities available as a PDF download from – HWB
