Bolton Station Community Partnership teamed up with the Bolton Film Festival to show a two-day programme of short films on the 29 and 30 of September which were put together for us by the Bolton Film Festival Director Adrian Barber. These were advertised as part of the full festival programme and was mostly funded through the CrossCountry Community Engagement Fund.
The films were attended by festival goers, members of the Bolton Station Community Partnership, members of the wider community and support groups including Stand Up Sisters, a women's empowerment group. Attendees also included several film makers who were very complimentary about the screenings. One lady who produced a very powerful environmental animated film was so engaged by the gallery and community room, she wanted to come back and build a series of artworks in the gallery and have a live cellist playing the soundtrack to the film as a performance piece. On the first day we were also visited by many media students from the University of Salford who really enjoyed the space.
Since then, the Bolton Station Community Partnership have screened another film made by a local amateur film maker. Due to demand from this another film made by the Octagon Theatre is scheduled for the 24 November. It is all about the diverse communities who live in Bolton and is expected to attract audiences again.
There are plans to run a series of workshops for people who are looking to gain skills and knowledge in film making. They will be taught how to use a camera, how to edit and present their films and will be working across the town. Professional film makers including the Film Festival Director will be involved in delivering these workshops. It is hoped the workshops will act as a springboard for participants to pursue either a career in film making or encourage them into Further and Higher education.
With the equipment and facilities, the Bolton Station Community Partnership now have, they will be able to maintain ongoing opportunities for people to learn about film making and enjoy watching films in the gallery too. Links with the Bolton Film Festival will continue.