Maximising the Potential of Film and Cinema in Cities

Thu Oct 21 2021 at 09:30 am to 01:30 pm

Watershed | Bristol

Film2021
Publisher/HostFilm2021
Maximising the Potential of Film and Cinema in Cities
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THURSDAY 21 OCTOBER 2021, 09:30 — 13:30
WATERSHED | FREE
Booking opens on 4 October.
These linked sessions within the Festival of the Future City examine the current status of film and cinema in Bristol and the value of the moving image to cities generally.
Not only did the cinema start and evolve in cities but cinema and film remain an integral part of city life, living, leisure and learning. Bristol is a city where cinema remains particularly prominent. It has an important history of film making (this year Bristol is marking the centenary of the death of William Friese-Greene with Film2021); it is a city known for excellence in film presentation; production of new film and television content is booming and since 2017 it has been an internationally recognised UNESCO City of Film. There’s much to celebrate and more to come: 40 years of Watershed, the centenary of the BBC and the 40th anniversary of Channel 4 all in 2022, for example.
At the same time, the past 18 months have seen cinemas challenged like never before; some have been forced to shut and there will be many wider problems caused by the pandemic. What is the current state of exhibition and film and tv production in the city? What can be done to build on what is here already? How can the industry – in all forms – become more sustainable? How should cities make the most of film exhibition and production? And how do we all take advantage of the opportunities ahead?
The programme
09:30 – 09:35: Introduction
09:35 – 10:30: Bristol and Film
Speakers address the importance of film and media to Bristol’s life, work and economy and their visions for the future. Includes the presentation of the first of three new films made especially for the festival.
10:30 – 10:50: Bristol, Friese-Greene and City of Film
Following readings from Sian Norris and Mani Kidston, two of the commissioned authors for the Bristol Film2021 book Opening Up the Magic Box, historian and film-maker Peter Domankiewicz talks about Friese-Greene in Bristol and his importance today.
10:50 – 11:05: Bristol on Film
Following the presentation of the second new film made specially for the festival, Malaika Kegode and Stephen Lightbown read from their new essays for the Film 2021 book.
11:05 – 11:30: Break / networking
11:30 – 11:55: The Importance of Film and Cinemas to Cities
Karen Merkel (UK National Commission for UNESCO) and Natalie Moore (Bristol UNESCO City of Film) discuss cities, cinema, film and why Bristol’s UNESCO City of Film status is so important for the city.
11:55 – 12:40: Making Film Sustainable
Panellists debate the future challenges and solutions to making the industry, film-making and exhibition sustainable. Includes first showing of the third new film commissioned by Bristol Film2021.
12:40 – 13:30: The Future for Film, Cinema and Bristol
There are great opportunities ahead – pandemic notwithstanding – for Bristol, cinema and film. From new film-making and exhibition opportunities to marking significant anniversaries (Watershed’s 40th, the BBC’s centenary and Channel 4’s 40th anniversary all in 2022), we discuss what the future may hold in 2023 and beyond. Writer and poet Edson Burton closes the event with a reading from his new essay.
This programme is presented as part of Opening Up the Magic Box, a heritage element of Film2021 which marks the centenary of the death of Bristol-born film pioneer William Friese-Greene and the 125th anniversary of the first public cinema screening in Bristol, which took place at the Tivoli on 8 June 1896, as well as celebrating Bristol – a UNESCO City of Film since 2017.
Further details on the website. https://www.bristolideas.co.uk/attend/how-do-we-maximise-the-potential-of-film-and-cinema-in-cities/
Illustration: Willem Hampson
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, Bristol, United Kingdom

Tickets

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