Screen Argyll – Bringing people together through film
Screen Argyll is here to support film exhibition in Argyll and the Isles by:
Organising a regular screen forum, join us monthly online or at the Oban Phoenix in March 2023, email info@screenargyll.co.uk for further information
Coordinating talent and training opportunities
Developing programmes that run across Argyll and the Isles, supporting venues with funding and audience development
Sharing programming and funding opportunities directly with venues in Argyll and the Isles
Developing and promoting film licensing discounts
Liaising with venues and key industry partners
Providing advice and support – if we are unable to answer a question, we can find the person that can!
From January to March this year, Screen Argyll have been working together with rural communities to bring cinema closer to home. Our project has enabled groups in Argyll and the Isles to provide screenings of films in a local setting by supporting them with licensing, equipment and enhancements. A range of films from around the world have been screened as well as more local content of Gaelic films which supported the work of Seachdain na Gàidhlig in February. Communities have come together through this project and provided warm, welcoming spaces to socialise and enjoy film together. Here are some snapshots from some of our groups.
BUTE
The Bute Film Club, has been in existence for over 20 years. Screenings take place in the Discovery Cinema which hires the venue and staff at an affordable rate on a Sunday evening when the cinema is not in use. We have been glad to support this well established group with screenings this season and providing help with licensing which will in turn help them provide more film opportunities in the future as they seek to show a wide range of films.
IONA
The beautiful new village hall on Iona has been hosting some great screenings this season and we have been able to support them with these thanks to our funding project CLLD. The feedback from this small, rural community has been fantastic and we are looking forward to working together more in the future.
“Community-building, fun and enjoyable.”
“I love film nights in the hall. It’s great to see relatively recent films sometimes but for me just as important as the choice of film is that it’s a relaxed way to socialise.”
ISLAY
Islay Gaelic Centre shared a number of Gaelic screenings during Seachdain na Gàidhlig. A fantastic week was had with screenings available for all different ages from toddlers at their Bogha-froise group enjoying Gleann na Mumain, Gaelic medium pupils engaging with the beautiful documentary Dùthchas as well as the older generation gathering to watch Rùn-dhiomhair Cheananais.
One volunteer commented on why she gives her time to help, “It gives the community a chance to get together and it is lovely to see and hear these older people interacting with younger people.”
JURA
With the Jura Hall in the midst of renovations, fellow Jura maker and do-er Amy Dunnachie and local musician Giles Perring have been putting on a 6 week Friday night film club through February and March. This has been done through support from Screen Argyll. They have provided an excellent program of films and made the space warm and inviting to all who have come along.
“ Last night’s film was the truly beautiful, moving and really relevant Limbo. It hit many thematic touchstones for me personally. Loved it. “
LUING
Luing Community Cinema is back up and running again. This project has helped them relaunch and provide a number screenings for the community on the Island of Luing with free icecream for all who attended. A small group of committed members have worked hard to provide this opportunity for the people and hope to continue with more films in the future at Toberonochy Village Hall.
MULL
Mull Film Club has enjoyed a mini-Season featuring five films from across the globe, running from January to April 2023. They partner with The Western Isles Hotel in Tobermory with films taking place in their lounge. This new venue has proved popular due to the super comfy sofas and luxurious setting, and a few have taken advantage of the dinner option before the film, as well as drinks from the well-stocked bar.
SEIL
Seil Community Cinema is a volunteer run community group which we have partnered with for their Winter season. The group have screened several films over this time in their community hall and have had great turnouts at these. The funding they have received through this project has given them a real boost and will help secure further screenings in the future too.
TIREE
Screen Tiree have provided a number of screenings throughout this season, utilising different spaces and opportunities for some of their films. Top Gun: Maverick was a great success as it was shown at Tiree Airport lounge, animated film Òran na Mara was shown coinciding with a Gaelic Cafe run by a local comann nam pàrant group and Nachos were served free along with a screening of Nacho Libre most recently. A fantastic core group of committee members work hard to make these happen and provide these opportunities for this small island community.
Interested in showing films to your community? Get in touch!
Regional Screen Scotland have produced a fantastic resource to help you get started:
Our next Argyll Exhibitors Forum will be held at the Oban Phoenix on the 21st March 2023, 1.30pm – 5pm
Email info @screenargyll.co.uk to register your interest.
‘We welcome support from Screen Argyll to deliver a programme to our local community. As a small community cinema the advice and practical assistance we have received from Screen Argyll in the past has been invaluable to us’
‘We have been very fortunate to have worked with Screen Argyll in our provision of a film programme in the Hall here for our local community. Their input, advice and curatorial assistance has been of the highest order and reflects their experience of community facing cultural activity and their knowledge of the field in which they work.’
Thanks to funding from Film Hub Scotland, Screen Scotland, Regional Screen Scotland and Scottish Government.
