If cinema is a mirror of the world, what happens to that reflection when the world is constantly changing?

Join some of the most inspiring voices in repertory and archive film exhibition and distribution to explore ways of connecting with a new wave of cinema goers. This event is free and open to FAN Member organisations and archive practitioners.

Expect insights about navigating the presentation of sensitive or challenging materials; join in a discussion with the BFI National Archive about how UK wide film exhibitors might play a bigger role in opening up the archive from film on film to lesser-known materials; get insights into the world of restorations and find out what is coming up from some of the UK’s leading rep distributors.

Full Programme:

Opening up the Archive 11:00 – 12:00 Cinema 3

One of the ambitions for the BFI’s Screen Culture 2033 strategy is for the BFI National Archive to be the most open moving-image collection in the world. This discussion will focus on how UK film exhibitors can play a key role in making this a reality whether that’s through screening film on film, accessing collections or lesser-known archive materials on digital formats. This session will address some of the challenges as well as begin a dialogue on how we might work collectively to tackle issues such as resources, expertise and training needed to make this happen.

Guest speakers:

Nicky Williams (Heritage Programme Manager - BFI National Archive), Robin Baker (Head of Cultural Partnerships - BFI National Archive), Stacey Anderson (Media Archivist - The Box) and Zahra Khanum (Discovery Media Assistant – The Box)

Hosted by Cinema Rediscovered Founder and Watershed Curator Mark Cosgrove.

To screen or not to screen 12:10 – 13:10 Cinema 3

If films present a mirror to the world, what happens when that world is constantly changing its opinion of what is acceptable in terms of representation, language and ideas fit to be seen on screen. Does the behaviour and beliefs of those who made the films of the past implicate the programmer for selecting their film? For those working within film culture the past is a constantly shifting landscape of morals, standards and red lines. This panel will carry some practical examples of best practice in contextualising archive materials that are challenging but also open up a broader discussion about how curators and the organisations they work in are navigating whether to screen or not screen certain films and what that means to film culture now and in the future. The panel will also touch on how other sectors artforms have created mechanisms to engage with such issues.

Guest speakers:

Anna Bogutskaya (author, critic, film programmer), Karen Alexander (writer/curator), Cinema Rediscovered Founder, Watershed Cinema Curator Mark Cosgrove and Duncan Carston (Projects and Business Manager at Independent Cinema Office.)

Hosted by Hugh Odling-Smee (Film Hub NI Manager, QFT)

A FAN event presented with Film Hub NI, archive champion on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.

Note: there will also be a public discussion exploring the ethical and moral questions opened up by the inclusion of Chinatown in this year’s discussion The Chinatown Dilemma on Fri 26 July 19:30.

Networking Lunch 13:10 – 14:00 Waterside 1 and 2

Sponsored by StudioCanal and Park Circus

Restore me, please? 14:00 – 15:00 Cinema 3

We know that films come with complex individual rights histories and that the source materials available all play a role in what gets restored and what doesn’t. We also know that anniversaries and seasonal moments are a popular way to focus audience attention on re-releases but are there more strategic, cultural and creative considerations that might lead to films being restored and re-released? And is access considered as part of the process of deciding what gets restored?

How might festivals, cinemas, academics and filmmakers play a more active part in influencing what gets restored and in engaging audiences in the conversation at an earlier stage? We will look at some of the choices behind recent and upcoming restorations and hear more about the rationale behind them.

Guest speakers:

Candy Vincent-Smith (StudioCanal), Shivendra Singh Dungarpur (Film Heritage Foundation) via zoom, Dennis Doros (Milestone Film & Video Co-founder) via zoom and Dr. Matthew Barrington (film curator and researcher)

Hosted by film curator Mosa Mpetha.

Restored & Rediscovered slate presentation 15:15 – 16:15 Cinema 3

A look at some of the forthcoming restorations and re-releases coming up in the months ahead. Join in our Restored & Rediscovered slate presentation hosted by film critic Neil Ramjee to hear more about campaign plans, the context of re-issues and connecting with audiences. Expect presentations from leading distribution and sales companies such as Park Circus, StudioCanal, Curzon and BFI distribution as well as more specialised distribution outfits to be confirmed.

Link to Full Line Up (PFD)

Reframing Film Sessions attendees are also invited to the Cinema Rediscovered Opening Keynoteby Christina Newland 16:30 – 17:30 Cinema 1, as well as Cinema Rediscovered Opening Drinks at 17:30, sponsored by 6 O'Clock Gin.

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