Locally-produced film to premiere across the region.
Arts Connect Cinema Network is launching a new scheme to support young people in finding out more about the film industry and productions within the West Midlands. The scheme launches on 6th July with venues showing locally-produced feature film Here and Now at The Lighthouse Wolverhampton, The Hive Shewsbury and mac Birmingham – where there will be a Q&A with the Director Lisle Turner.
Shot in Hereford and Birmingham, the coming of age film explores the story of Grace, a girl from Birmingham forced to spend time in Hereford as her parents work on their marriage. Here she meets country boy Say and an unlikely friendship begins to unfold.
Shown across the Cinema Network, which was established by Arts Connect to support film centres across the West Midlands in working with children and young people, the screening is the first event aimed at bridging the gap between industry professionals and young people. In addition, Arts Connect Film Ambassadors will be blogging, reviewing and sharing their views on the film.
Rebecca Hardy, Arts Connect Film & Digital Programme Developer said: “The screenings across the Cinema Network as well as the Q&A with the film’s director are a great opportunity for our Film Ambassadors and young people across the West Midlands to really get a sense of what is involved in producing a film in our region as well as to offer their thoughts and reviews.”
Here and Now is officially launched on the 4th July and is available for download and viewing at 9 cinemas across the UK – three of which are part of Arts Connect’s Cinema Network. Film screenings take place at: mac Birmingham – 12pm followed by Q&A with the director; Light House in Wolverhampton – 2pm; The Hive in Shrewsbury – 4pm.The Court Yard in Hereford will be also be showing the film at 6pm.
The Cinema Network are talking directly with filmmakers, producers, production companies and distributors to ensure a wider range of films are available for young people to access and in turn support local talent to showcase and share their work.
Arts Connect West Midlands is one of ten Bridge organisations, funded by Arts Council England to connect children and young people with great arts and cultural experiences through projects like the Cinema Network and Film Ambassador programme. Film Ambassador meetings are taking place at The Light House, mac, The Hive, Artrix, Bromsgrove and Wem Town Hall, Shropshire on a monthly basis.
The Film Ambassador meetings are free to attend and open to young people aged 14-19. Full dates and details can be found on www.artsconnectwm.co.uk or on the Film Ambassadors facebook page: www.facebook.com/filmambassadors.
