About Us
We are passionate about the past, present and future of cultural cinema and believe that the shared experience of cultural cinema can change lives and communities for the better. We work collaboratively with our members to develop a thriving and inclusive film sector enabling more people to show, watch, and make films where they are.
Film Hub South West is the driving force behind a growing network of over 130 cinemas, film festivals, cross-arts venues and other film exhibition organisations. Our region covers Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, West of England, Hampshire, The Isle of Wight and The Isles of Scilly.
Meet The Film Hub South West Team
- We support exhibitors to show films across the region…
Whether you’re new to film exhibition, or you’re an established film venue or festival, we’re here to help. Membership is free and offers a range of benefits, including access to training, financial support, film programmes/seasons, members only industry newsletters, resources and networking opportunities.
- Our members are at the heart of our approach…
There are plenty of opportunities for our members to come together to help shape our approach. In addition to quarterly Film Hub meet-ups, members can participate in themed sessions addressing specific regional challenges, join our monthly Members’ Meet-ups, request one-to-ones with members of the Film Hub team and take part in an annual members’ survey. All members are invited to take part in our annual Members Advisory Forum in early September, a collective space for our growing and increasingly diverse membership to inform our strategic plans for the year ahead.
- We work collaboratively with partners…
We collaborate closely with strategic partners across the region and BFI FAN including Into Film, the Independent Cinema Office, the UK Cinema Association and Cinema For All working collectively towards a thriving and inclusive film sector. Get in touch with the Film Hub team if you are interested in partnering up with us.
- We support South West talent to make films…
As of 2018, thanks to National Lottery funding, Film Hub South West is also home to BFI NETWORK South West Talent Executive Nadia Attia, as part of the national BFI NETWORK scheme which nurtures and champions the UK’s most exciting and breakthrough filmmaking talent with a package of production funding, training and mentoring. We support writers, directors and producers at the start of their careers with original stories to tell and inspired approaches to their craft. Find out more about how we support filmmaking in the region.
- We support programming across the UK…
In addition to our work across the region, since 2023, Film Hub South West also leads on Cross FAN Programming in collaboration with and on behalf of the wider BFI Film Audience Network co-ordinated by Producer Ti Singh.
With support from the National Lottery, working closely with BFI and FAN partners, a themed programme takes place each year across the UK. To date, these have included Cinema Unbound: The Creative Worlds of Powell + Pressburger (2023) and Art of Action (2024.)
Producer Ti Singh also oversee Booking Now – a monthly newsletter which keeps all FAN members up to date on films, events, tours and added value opportunities such as talent available for booking.
Film Hub South West is led by internationally renowned cultural cinema Watershed based in Bristol UNESCO City of Film and supported by funds from the National Lottery. We are part of the BFI Film Audience Network (BFI FAN), a unique collaboration of eight Film Hubs managed by leading film organisations across the UK (of which Watershed is one).
You can find out more about the BFI Film Audience Network and the different projects led by regional Film Hubs across the UK to support different strands of activity here. The BFI Film Audience Network is at the heart of the BFI’s latest strategy BFI Screen Culture 2033 which seeks to ensure the greatest choice of film is available for everyone.
Film Hub South West is home to two BFI NETWORK Talent Executives who nurture the South West’s new wave of filmmaking talent. Supporting writers, directors, and producers at the start of their careers who have original stories to tell and inspired approaches to their craft. Discover more about BFI NETWORK South West here.
We are committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about what information we hold about you – read Watershed’s Privacy Policy here.
Join the Hub
Not a member yet? Access a range of benefits absolutely free
We welcome feedback
Across our various roles as BFI FAN Film Hub Lead organisation, Watershed is committed to maintaining positive relationships with the people and communities we work with whether they are grant recipients, partners, freelance practitioners, external stakeholders or others. We welcome feedback, positive and/or negative on your experience of working with us. When we are not as good as we should be, we want to know about it so that we can put things right. Most of the time, concerns can be dealt with through informal discussions with the people involved directly.
This is the approach that we encourage as a first step because, in most cases, matters can then be resolved quickly and straightforwardly. However, if this is not appropriate for any reason, you are welcome to contact Head of Film Maddy Probst at maddy.p@watershed.co.uk.
We also have a structured process for handling complaints.
Sign up for the South West Film Hub mailing list
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You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any of our emails.
For more details, review our privacy policy.
More from Film Hub South West
Art of Action
A open fund available to BFI FAN Members for Art of Action exhibition activity from October 2024.
FAN Film Exhibition Fund
Apply for awards of up to £10,000 per year to create opportunities for people to engage with UK independent and international film and the wider moving image across the South West.
Audience Pitch Pot
This rolling fund offers access support of £100-£2000 towards cultural film events and audience development and engagement activity.
Watershed is the Lead Film Hub Organisation for Film Hub South West, part of the BFI Film Audience Network.
Watershed is a Registered Charity No. 284188 and a Social Enterprise
Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TX
Film Hub South West &
BFI NETWORK South West
are part of the BFI Film Audience Network, supported by The National Lottery.
