Opening Our Doors - Film Hub Wales | Canolfan Ffilm Cymru

#OpeningOurDoors

Back in 2016 Film Hub Wales organised two new training days called Opening Doors. They were packed full of innovation projects, interactive games, film ideas and resources designed to help venues reach diverse audience groups. Find out more here. Building on this Film Hub Wales led by FAN Access Officer Toki Allison has been touring these development sessions across the UK.

Opening Our Doors: Inclusive Cinema is a day of interactive workshops, lively discussions, and case studies by experts and FAN members for FAN members, that aims to boost exhibitor confidence in being more inclusive, as well as provide a network of colleagues to bounce ideas off. Participants leave with a set of actions to trial, and a network of support from peers and experts. In this safe space, we explore our fears and dispel the myths holding us back from working with diverse communities.

Exhibitors should leave with:

Greater awareness of the challenges faced by minority audiences
Increased confidence to approach and work with minority groups
Contacts and connections with regional groups to help with guidance and audience development
Practical resources including title lists of films, templates and assets
Access to an online forum to continue inclusive cinema discussions

Find videos of talks, resources, and how-to guides on the Inclusive Cinema website.

OPENING OUR DOORS: INCLUSIVE CINEMA – GLASGOW – Thu 17 January 2019

Working closely with Film Hub Scotland, and forming part of their Amplify programme, an Opening our Doors day was delivered in January 2019 to support members of the network in understanding and engaging with diverse communities including low-income, Black, NBPOC, and disabled groups. The event also referenced programming, and marketing for diverse audiences.

Facilitators & speakers:

Myriam Mouflih, Programme Coordinator at Africa in Motion
Umulkhayr Mohamed, Project Coordinator at Anim18
Jo Taylor, Film Marketing & Distribution Specialist
Helen Wright, Co-founder and Coordinator of Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF)

OPENING OUR DOORS: INCLUSIVE CINEMA – DERBY – Tue 10 July 2018

Following on from the series of development days, Opening our Doors: Inclusive Cinema, Derby QUAD championed accessible cinema, and delivered a half-day event of interactive workshops, lively discussions, and case studies. Leaders in the provision of dementia and d/Deaf-friendly cinema gave talks, and participants found out how QUAD support their d/Deaf audiences, and visitors with autism spectrum conditions.

Facilitators & speakers:

Olivia James, Dementia-Friendly Activities Coordinator at Ludlow Assembly Rooms and Community Cinema Coordinator at Black Country Touring
Abbie Canning, Q-Club Programme Curator at Derby QUAD
Jodie Wilkinson, Public Engagement Coordinator at Glasgow Film Theatre

OPENING OUR DOORS: INCLUSIVE CINEMA – LONDON – January 30, 2018

Facilitators & speakers:

Jo Verrent, Senior Producer at Unlimited
Priscilla Igwe, MD at The New Black Film Collective, with Rachel Jones, CODA, and Adewale Shodeinde, Committee member at 888 Film Club
Helen Wright, Co-founder and Coordinator at Scottish Queer International Film Festival, with Muffin Hix, Fringe Festival, and Theresa Heath, Wotever DIY
Sarah Watson, Chair at Carousel, and Lizzie Banks, Producer at Oska Bright Film Festival

OPENING OUR DOORS: INCLUSIVE CINEMA – NOTTINGHAM – February 22, 2018

Facilitators & speakers:

Jo Verrent, Senior Producer at Unlimited
Priscilla Igwe, MD at The New Black Film Collective
Helen Wright, Co-founder and Coordinator at Scottish Queer International Film Festival
Sarah Watson, Chair at Carousel, and Lizzie Banks, Producer at Oska Bright Film Festival

OPENING OUR DOORS: INCLUSIVE CINEMA – BELFAST – March 9, 2018

Facilitators & speakers:

Priscilla Igwe, MD at The New Black Film Collective

Helen Wright, Co-founder and Coordinator at Scottish Queer International Film Festival

Lizzie Banks, Producer at Oska Bright Film Festival

Bursaries

Bursaries are available from Film Hub Wales to support attendance for Welsh members. Please contact your local film hub to see if you are eligible to apply for a bursary in your region.