To awards summary
2003 /4 FILM SOCIETY AWARDS
- presented in 2004
Film societies are crucial to film culture in Britain.
Many communities have lost their cinema (some indeed never had one) and with some exceptions, the new multiplexes being built do not extend the range of cinema experience. Indeed, research has shown that these screens rarely move beyond the Hollywood mainstream. Most of the interesting films that are reviewed in the press will never be shown outside London. Moreover, with only 40 (what used to be called) Regional Film Theatres (RFT) in the UK there is little opportunity to see those that do escape the metropolis. Therefore, it is the member societies of BFFS who provide the bulk of the access to cultural cinema - indeed often the only access to any sort of cinema.
Film societies form an affiliated 'chain' of some 200 occasional cinemas. They have a combined UK membership of over 27,000 showing something like 3,600 films per year to a combined total audience over 1 million, generating revenue of over £3m.
The film society movement is now almost 80 years old and we at BFFS-Cinema for All are dedicated to not only maintaining the movement's long and honourable tradition - but to building on it in a coherent way. No longer do we just show the landmarks of cinema on murky prints in uncomfortable halls - we now seek to provide a 'quality cinema experience'. It may not be your Odeon multiplex etc - but it is comfortable - but above all it is LOCAL. The role of culture in social and community regeneration and cohesion is now a given - and cinema is the most popular art medium; the most accessible (intellectually and physically) bar none and film societies, growing as they do out of their communities in response to community need are truly participative arts. That is why it is important to recognise the important role of the film society and their importance to film culture.
Our movement may be almost an octogenarian - but it is still a very vigorous and virile one, indeed is still having children.
Some might say that the current growth in film societies is incredible - it isn't. What it is, is clear evidence of the failure of the commercial sector to engage with - indeed even be interested in - our audience. The digital revolution has clearly provided a stimulus to growth, but it is much more a reflection of the needs of the audience. Film societies (community cinemas - which is what they are) or whatever we come to call them in the future, arise out of and in response to community need, we work in a market area that no-one else can. It might not be profitable but it is there - and it is not insignificant - over 1 million a year and growing. Lets hope that the vitality of our sector, and its vital contribution to access to specialised film will soon be recognised and properly funded and supported.
Times change and we have changed with them - but we must continue to do so. We are in the process of changing our name to more properly reflect what we do and who we represent. However, I do believe that the time is right for an evaluation of who and what we are, how and where we do what we do. We will be involving you in that debate.
The volunteers in film societies - trading on 'sweat equity' - do sterling work across the UK and the Film Society of the Year Awards (the film society 'Oscars') seek not only to recognise the fine work that you do but encourage and showcase 'best practise'.
58 Entries in 2004
Entries were slightly down on last year - at 58 across all categories- with the overall quality being excellent and many entries being simply outstanding - and that is reflected in the winners. Indeed, it was difficult not to be impressed by some of the applications themselves. However, the judges had to put that to one side and look at what the society had actually done. However, and there is no other way to say this - some applications were frankly bad, they hadn't really tried. They did not set out their stall well, they did not sell themselves. It is no longer sufficient merely to put in the form with a programme and ask to be considered where appropriate - although (again) we still had a couple of this type of entries this year.
What was exceptional is now the standard.
The work now being done by film societies in and for their communities is consistently excellent - and often remarkable. And frankly to stand a chance against such competition applicants should approach the matter seriously and it does require some effort if you are to be successful.
Each year I have said that the job of the judges was particularly difficult - and I have to say the same this year - as you will see in the awards made. The continuing quality of the work that all these excellent entries attest to is extremely encouraging and an eloquent demonstration to our funders (if they needed to ask) of the contribution made by the voluntary sector - a contribution that is otherwise unique and certainly irreplaceable. I would like to thank the judges for their time and commitment in taking on this task (- particularly as they will - as always - remain nameless)
Although the job of the judges was difficult they would want it to be more difficult, because they believe that there are still many societies out there who are not putting themselves forward - "we're not the Best Film Society, that's not us etc etc". Well as the shortlisted and winning societies will testify, they probably thought the same thing …. Therefore, we know that there is a great deal of original and innovative work going on out there and we encourage you all to enter. If you don't enter you won't win.
Prizes
The winners receive (to keep) specially commissioned glass plaques from Catrin Jones, one of the UK's leading Architectural Glass Artists. Those who are otherwise commended receive certificates.
So to the Awards. We asked applicants to address themselves to specific criteria for each category. Applicants were asked to make separate applications for each award category entered. All the short listed societies put a great deal of work into their applications - and it paid off. The winners without exception had thought about their applications and had prepared and submitted excellent entries - they provide a model of how an application should be submitted.
- David Phillips, (CEO BFFS - Cinema for All)
Summary - click any item for details:
|