Film Forres launches new programme of screenings for children on Friday and adults on Saturday nights
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A LOCAL cinema club has launched its new programme alongside ideas for more community projects.
Film Forres chairman Bob Kenny and development manager Ruth Whitfield are looking forward to welcoming more audiences to screenings at Forres Town Hall - as well as collaborating with other groups including Forres Area Business Association, Visit Moray Speyside and the Moray Operatic and Dramatic Society in upcoming months.
Mr Kenny said: “We are determined to continue our guiding principle of good value and so family screenings are on the first and third Fridays of the month for just £1 entry. Where else can families enjoy a night with a tuck shop offering free fruit donated by Forres Tesco!”
Film Forres Presents caters for an adult audience on the second Saturday of each month.
“We have healthy numbers attending those nights too,” said Mr Kenny.
“They are a great opportunity to meet up with friends and bring your own drink and nibbles. Reservable tables are available as well as seats on the upstairs balcony. Many attendees come along 30 minutes before the films start to chat and we encourage them to stay on for a while afterwards!”
Screenings are determined by the selection available from licenser Filmbankmedia.
Ms Whitfield said: “Choosing films isn’t as easy as it sounds! We have to wait until they’re available so rather than list a whole year’s programme, we wait to see what’s to be released in the near future, keeping our listings flexible.
“We have a reputation for showing mainstream, life-affirming films but we try to find a balance. We also ask our audiences what they would like to see.”
“Some groups organise their own film nights - it’s very good value” added Mr Kenny. “We’re keen to see more people and businesses use this service for special occasions, birthday parties and celebrations. They simply contact Ruth at admin@filmforres.co.uk.”
Film Forres Presents is always open to suggestions - following its last two screenings with subtitles, positive feedback means it will continue for every film now.
Film Forres is branching out - its mobile cinema service consists of a mobile screen, projector and speakers.
“We’ve screened features in eight village halls in the area so far,” said Ms Whitfield, “and have two more to go on this tour.”
On Thursday, September 28, Film Forres along with Forres Area Business Association screened the Moray Firth Partnership documentary ‘Climate Change and The Moray Firth’.
On Saturday, November 11, Film Forres is partnering with Visit Moray Speyside ahead of WinterFest from November 23 to January 24. The first event will take place at the Town Hall - a sing-a-long version of ‘The Greatest Showman’ in collaboration with Moray Operatic and Dramatic Society. Fancy dress is encouraged. Tickets are on sale now from https://tinyurl.com/3zfc9xdv
A Film Forres screening at the Tolbooth of The Snowman and The Snowman and the Snowdog will be shown after the switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights on December 2.
“We are keen to use the Tolbooth more, having screened the Shooglenifty documentary there in May,” said Mr Kenny. “A long-held vision has been to create a membership-based film club for enthusiasts who enjoy different and unique genres of cinema such as film noir, science fiction and foreign films. We hope to create a monthly club at a smaller Forres venue, perhaps there.”
Finally, Film Forres is grateful to funders including Berry Burn Community Fund, Visit Moray Speyside, The Newbold Legacy Trust and The Robertson Trust’s Wee Grants for financial support.
“Newbold have made a substantial contribution to cover the cost of our development manager’s post for another two years,” said Mr Kenny. “Film Forres would be unsustainable without Ruth in her professional role.”
For more information, visit www.filmforres.co.uk or the Film Forres Facebook page.
