Film Forres is using Film Hub Scotland Spotlight funding to screen movies in Altyre, Dyke and rafford

A LOCAL film club will be on the move this autumn thanks to funding from a national cinema hub.

Representatives from the British Film Institute (BFI) and Film Hub Scotland (FHS) dropped into Forres Town Hall to discuss sponsoring Film Forres screenings in four village halls.

Film Forres development manager Ruth Whitfield and chairman Bob Kenny are planning the tour with FHS’ ‘Spotlight’ project coordinator, Gražina Ščučkaitė.

Ruth explained: “Gražina - who works at Eden Court and in Cromarty - was tasked with promoting community cinema throughout the Highlands and Moray. We’ve been working closely with her, resulting in sponsorship for Film Forres Mobile to offer four of Moray’s village halls two films per year for two years.

“The venues are the Altyre Club Room, Dyke Village Hall, Fornighty Village Hall and Rafford Village Hall.

“The hall committees are excited to be part of this unique project.”

Gražina, Ann Griffiths from FHS’s major funder BFI, and FHS manager Nicola Kettlewood enjoyed a tour of Film Forres’ facilities.

The volunteers set up the main hall as it is Saturday night screenings, offering refreshments and demonstrating the service they offer our community.

The Film Forres Mobile project will start when the clocks go back in the autumn to ensure darkness in the halls.

”Each of the halls are exploring films with a theme,” said Ruth. “Rafford Village Hall is considering showing the documentary 'Six Inches of Soil’ - an inspiring story of British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food to heal the soil, benefit our health and provide for local communities. They will hold a discussion panel afterwards.

“The hall will also be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025 so may connect one of their films to their community.”

Filmmaker and Film Forres vice chairman Tim Flood and secretary Brian Hill will transport and operate the club’s projector, screen and sound system to each village hall.

In 2022/23, Film Forres conducted a mobile cinema pilot project in eight local halls for free using funding from the Berry Burn wind farm Community Fund.

”Screening in village halls across our area brings families, friends, neighbours and colleagues together to enjoy a shared experience,” explained Ruth.

“Film Forres Mobile can be used to fundraise, educate and entertain.

”Funding ensures delivery of the pilot programme from initial liaison, administration, licensing, technical support, transport, insurance and maintenance.”

For more information visit https://www.filmforres.co.uk/