Cineworld are delighted to invite film fans to experience the4DX version of Wonka which will feature an all new special limited edition chocolate scent sure to transport viewers into Wonka’s world.
As an added bonus to celebrate the release of Wonka starring Timothée Chalamet, Cineworld is offering 4DX customers a sweet deal with a free chocolate scented scratch-and-sniff Wonka poster inspired by the unique limited chocolate smell experienced in 4DX.
The enchanting tale focuses on the origins of Roald Dahl’s iconic character, Willy Wonka, and boasts a star-studded cast including Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson and Olivia Colman.
Only at Cineworld in the UK and Ireland, the 35 4DX sites offer film fans an exhilarating experience that dives into the magical adventure like never before.
It’s not just the sweet smell of chocolate which will enliven the senses, as 4DX has effects like snow, wind and water timed to enhance the scenes playing out on screen so you feel like you’re discovering the magic of chocolate right along with Wonka and his friends. With musical numbers galore and magical elements in abundance, the 4DX seats will roll, sway and shake so it’s like you’re right there dancing, jumping and swimming along.
Casey Cohen, Head of Marketing at Cineworld Cinemas, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome movie lovers across the country to watch one of the most eagerly anticipated releases of the year.
“Wonka in 4DX is a treat for all the senses – the chocolate and candy scents will transport you into the world of Wonka while the dynamic 4DX effects for the film including snow, wind and water will make you feel like you’re living the adventure. As Wonka himself says, prepare to be amazed…!”
Cineworld is giving film fanatics across the nation the opportunity to watch the star-studded blockbuster in 4DX as well as additional formats with tickets now available from the Cineworld website or the Cineworld app.
Music fans will be thrilled to discover that they can enjoy the much-anticipated RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ on the big screen from 1st December.
With just weeks to go until the world premiere of the film on 30 November, tickets are now on sale at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni – with prices starting from just £14.99 when booked online.
RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ will be arriving at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni on Friday 1 December, with multiple screenings showing throughout the month.
Having started the first leg of her tour in Europe earlier this year, Beyonce played five sold-out gigs at Tottenham Stadium, London, in May and June.
Those who missed out on tickets – which ranged from £55 to £2,400 for VIP experiences – or fans who want to relive the experience can now catch a piece of the action at Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni for a fraction of the price.
A combination of documentary and live footage from the show, RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ will give members of the BeyHive a chance to live and breathe the entire journey of the Renaissance World Tour from the best seat in the house.
Tapping into the anticipated Beyonce mania, Vue Edinburgh Ocean and Vue Edinburgh Omni will be offering limited edition merchandise.
Beyonce’s Renaissance album topped the charts this summer, garnering critical acclaim and saw the mega-star break the record for the most Grammys ever won.
Robert Smith, General Manager for Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: ‘Following on from the success of Taylor Swift’s concert film, which is still screening at Vue, it looks as if the success of Beyonce’s album and tour are going to be continued with the release ofRENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ.
‘It’s been brilliant to see the growing buzz since the film’s announcement and we’re thrilled to be welcoming Beyonce to Vue venues in Edinburgh this December for what will no doubt be a must-see for music fans.’
Based on the incredible, and poignant, true story of British World War II Royal Navy veteran Bernard Jordan – played by Sir Michael Caine – who in June 2014 “broke out” of his nursing home to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in Normandy, The Great Escaper has been released at the cinema.
Ahead of the general release, several premières have taken place around the country – including in Scotland – and volunteers from the Edinburgh & The Lothians Branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity attended the screening by Edinburgh’s Army at The Fringe.
SSAFA Caseworkers Fran Good and Mags Granger, and Branch Chairman Walter Gallacher, were moved by the film, which co-stars the late Glenda Jackson in her last role as Bernard’s wife Irene.
No spoilers, but some thoughts on the film from SSAFA volunteers:
Mags commented that the film: “… is a humorous but moving reminder that life is more than the person you see in front of you.
“It really is a must-see film for all those who care passionately about others and the role we play in extending a hand of support and friendship to those who need us most.”
Walter added:“It’s as if the film was made for SSAFA and similar organisations and the people who work for us and volunteer with us and for all those we help.”
The Great Escaper – directed by Oliver Parker, whose credits include various adaptations of Oscar Wilde works, Johnny English Reborn, and Dad’s Army – is now on general release.
SSAFA was granted access to Oliver to interview him about the film. To watch the interview, visit vimeo.com/870713127.
In that submission, we stated the following regarding our Grant in Aid budget from the Scottish Government for 2023/24:
“While we welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision in February 2023 to reverse the 10% cut to our Grant in Aid Budget which was originally announced in December 2022, it should be noted that the £6.6m this cut related to has not yet been confirmed in Creative Scotland’s budget.”
We are extremely disappointed to report that the £6.6m budget has not been included in the Autumn Budget Revisions.
This has been confirmed in writing by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Angus Robertson, in a letter to our Chief Executive, Iain Munro on 20 September.
This relates to Grant-in Aid funding that we receive from the Scottish Government and that we use to support 119 cultural organisations across Scotland through Regular Funding.
Given the extensive messaging and advocacy regarding the pressures on culture budgets and risks to the culture sector that we, and many others have been making, this is a concerning development.
To address this reduction, the Creative Scotland Board agreed on 27 September, to use £6.6m of our National Lottery reserves to prevent us having to pass it on to the Regularly Funded Organisations, especially given the next payments are due in 2 weeks’ time.
Whilst the unprecedented pressures on public finances are understood, we are disappointed that the Scottish Government has taken this decision. However, Creative Scotland is acting swiftly and pragmatically to help stabilise the situation in the short term.
This step of using our National Lottery reserves in this way will only happen once. The budget for 2024/25 will not be decided by the Scottish Government for some months yet but should the Scottish Government choose to sustain this reduction, we will require to pass it on to the sector.
Creative Scotland appeared before the Culture Committee at the Scottish Parliament on yesterday (Thursday 28 September) to give evidence as part of the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into culture budgets in Scotland.
David Watt, chief executive of Culture & Business Scotland, said: “At a time when Scottish Government ministers repeatedly speak about the importance and value of culture to our society and economy, the reinstatement of the £6.6M cut to Creative Scotland’s annual budget for the current year is unfathomable.
““Just yesterday (Thursday September 28), I, alongside other cultural representatives, gave budget evidence to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee to hopefully ensure that this shortsighted budget decision does not extend into the 2024-25 budget for culture settlement.
“Investment in culture is essential for society, local communities, tourism, the economy and Scotland’s international reputation. The ongoing challenges of the legacy impact of Covid, Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis, are very real, with many arts and culture organisations operating on a knifes edge.
“These issues are exacerbated as the majority have a lack of unrestricted reserves and continue to struggle to build these up due to slow growth in ticket sales and increased overheads due to high energy prices.
“A reduction in public funding will rapidly increase the firefighting our culture organisations and venues are facing against challenge after challenge. If this budget pattern continues, with little opportunity to ensure future sustainability, there will be an inevitable shrinkage of the culture sector, and the economic and social impact of this will be significant for us all.”
As part of the Autumn budget review, the Scottish Government has re-instated a 10% cut to Creative Scotland’s 2023-24 annual budget (totaling approximately £6.6m), which following mass campaigning from the cultural sector, was overturned earlier this year (writes SMIA Interim CEO and Creative Director ROBIN KILPATRICK).
As the organisation which exists to strengthen, empower and unite Scotland’s music industry – representing a diverse membership of over 4,000 people working across all music genres and industry subsectors – we’re compelled to highlight the devastating impact of this decision; not just to music and culture, but to Scottish society at large.
The cut directly relates to the funding allocated to support Creative Scotland’s Regular Funding Network, comprising 119 cross-artform organisations (RFOs) that are structurally integral to both supporting and delivering Scotland’s cultural output. The SMIA is one of them.
In the short-term (for the rest of this financial year), Creative Scotland has had to divert to utilising National Lottery reserves to plug the gap and prevent the cuts from being passed on to members of the RFO network.
If this hadn’t been the case, in two weeks’ time when the next RFO funding payments are due, each of the 119 organisations would, in effect, have received a ~40% cut to projected funding.
In the SMIA’s case, this would have been two weeks ahead of the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award Ceremony, and would have put the delivery of Scotland’s national music prize at significant risk.
The cut would have again been replicated in January at the next (and final) RFO payment for this financial year, which in the case of many organisations, would have meant the end. Whilst immediate disaster has been avoided, the use of Creative Scotland reserves at this stage means that they are now significantly depleted for what was their intended purpose.
Last month, Creative Scotland highlighted that over 500 cultural organisations stated their intention to apply for Multi-year funding; a new funding scheme that will replace the current Regular Funding one. From the intentions to apply, the indicative annual request was in excess of £113m – far exceeding what Creative Scotland expects to have available.
Inevitably, this means that Creative Scotland will not be able to support as many organisations on a multi-year basis as they currently do, and the application process will be highly competitive. Causalities are expected and imminent. Cultural organisations across all art forms are worried about their future, and the reserves that Creative Scotland has had to use now means that there’s far less available transitional funding for unsuccessful applicants.
Whilst the future for Scottish culture was looking bleak, there was at least some hope that organisations that are unsuccessful in securing Multi-year Funding would have some time to remain operational, pivot their business model and potentially find an alternative way forward. With Creative Scotland’s reserves now depleted, many unsuccessful organisations will soon vanish from the fabric of our cultural landscape, and with them, many creative opportunities and a significant part of our cultural identity as we know it today.
RFOs have been on stand-still funding since 2018. In the face of high inflation, rising interest rates, cost of living challenges, issues around staff retention and recruitment, the impact of Brexit, the legacy of Covid and a whole myriad of broader problems currently facing our sector, for Creative Scotland’s budget cut to have been re-instated, the future of music and culture in Scotland is now at significant and immediate risk. The foundations upon which it supported are being eroded at an increasingly alarming rate, and unless intervention is made by the Scottish Government, it will have impacts for decades to come.
Outwith the significant economic contribution that music makes to Scotland’s economy (£581m through music tourism alone in 2022, as noted in UK Music’s ‘Here, There And Everywhere’ report – and this is only based on events with 1500+ capacity), it’s important to remember that the value generated by the sector far extends an economic one.
With the Scottish Government has stated that they’re committed to building a well-being economy – which serves and prioritises the collective well-being of current and future generations – it’s fundamental to highlight just how intrinsic music and culture are to achieving that vision.
Culture is our identity; it’s how we see ourselves, how we see our place in the world and how we relate to others. It’s the stories of life in Scotland, and it underpins mental well-being – both collectively and individually – in many different ways. The silences that echoed across 2020 as live music vanished from our lives serve as a firm reminder of this. Unless intervention is made now, we’ll be lucky if there are whispers in the years to come.
We urge the Scottish Government to recognise the desperate situation of a vitally important sector; economically, socially and culturally. It’s essential that Creative Scotland has the resources to both support and preserve it.
Robert Kilpatrick – Interim CEO and Creative Director, Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA)
CAMPAIGN FOR THE ARTS
The Scottish Government is breaking its promise on arts funding.
In February, thousands joined our campaign against plans for a £6.6 million cut to Creative Scotland, the public body responsible for investing in Scottish arts and culture. Ministers responded by abandoning the cut and instead heralded a “£6.6 million uplift … supporting the arts and cultural sector at this challenging time”.
But seven months on, the £6.6 million pledged to Creative Scotland hasn’t been delivered. And now the Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has told them that it won’t be.
This extraordinary short-changing of Scottish culture midway through the year has forced Creative Scotland to raid its limited reserves as a one-off, emergency measure. Otherwise, regularly funded arts organisations in Scotland would have seen their funding cut by as much as 40% as soon as next month.
This is absolutely no way to treat Scotland’s arts and culture, let alone in a perfect storm of economic pressures and post-pandemic challenges. This ‘U-turn on a U-turn’ puts treasured venues and companies, thousands of jobs and access to Scottish culture at risk.
We urge the Culture Secretary Angus Robertson to:
Honour the Scottish Government’s commitment in February to provide “an uplift of £6.6 million for Creative Scotland for 2023-24″.
Scrap any proposal to cut Creative Scotland funding from the 2023-24 Autumn Budget Revision.
Commit to maintaining and increasing investment in arts and culture from 2024-5, for the benefit of everybody in Scotland.
The SNP’s 2021 manifesto said “culture is central to who we are as a nation”, and that “the pandemic has demonstrated more than ever how vital it is to our wellbeing, mental health and sense of belonging”.5
But Scotland’s cultural sector has not fully recovered from the pandemic, during which it was one of the hardest-hit sectors. For many, incomes have fallen and reserves have dried up. Now, in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, costs are rising and uncertainty is rife. This is not the time to cut vital, core funding on which artists and organisations depend.
Economic pressures have already led to the permanent closure of the Filmhouse cinemas in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, the Blue Arrow Jazz Club in Glasgow and the Nevis Ensemble, which worked across the country. We cannot afford to lose any more arts organisations – or the benefits they bring to our lives, communities and society
Creative Scotland’s 120 Regularly Funded Organisations (RFOs) directly employ 5,000 workers, support 25,500 individual artists and provide millions of opportunities for people across Scotland to engage with the arts and culture.
Of these, Edinburgh-based arts organisations include:
(Organisation – Art form– Average annual grant)
Arika – Multi – £200,000
Arts and Business Scotland – Creative Industries – £200,000
Work to embed film and screen education within the Scottish schools’ curriculum took a step forward today with the launch of new funding from Screen Scotland.
Available to early years, primary and secondary schools, the new Schools Screen Education Fund has been created to support programmes of work with the potential to develop increased understanding of the potential of screen education and support the provision of screen education and the new curriculum in a school setting.
Schools can apply for grants up to £5000 to test an element of the draft Film and Screen curriculum with classes from Early Years to S3, or to design and deliver screen education projects for schools.
Also going live today, is Screen Scotland’s refreshed Screen Education Fund which offers grants of between £500 – £20,000 to projects that support the provision of screen education in a variety of formal, informal and non-formal settings – schools, colleges, universities, cinemas, film festivals, libraries, media access centres and Local Authorities – aimed at developing increased understanding of the potential of screen education.
Fi Milligan-Rennie, Head of Education – Screen at Screen Scotland said: “Developing Film and Screen as an expressive art focuses on enabling pupils to make a film, rather than solely study the history or theory of film.
“This is core to Screen Scotland’s work to widen participation in film and screen production, cultivate a skilled screen workforce and develop the screen professionals needed to carry forward Scotland’s film culture.
“At the same time, the values and benefits of film and screen education reach far beyond careers. Engagement in film and screen activity strengthens fusion skills, supports attainment in other subjects and improves health and wellbeing. Film and Screen is the dominant language of our culture and Screen Scotland is committed to ensuring the democracy of opportunity to learn that language.”
The launch took place in tandem with Screen Scotland’s Screen Educators in Residence Programme. Over the past months, Screen Educators have been deep at work in primary and secondary schools in Argyll and Bute, Dundee, Edinburgh, Inverness and Shetland, testing the draft curriculum; trialling new learning and hands-on opportunities to develop students understanding, appreciation and practical knowledge of film and screen production.
Get ready to dance the night away at Cineworld with Barbie in 4DX! For one week only you can immerse yourself in Barbie Land with this multisensory cinematic experience across 35 Cineworld locations in the UK and Ireland. Tickets are now on sale for the 4DX release date TODAY – Friday, Sep 15.
Barbie is a dazzling and empowering tale for all ages with its inspiring storyline, incredible fashion, and unforgettable characters. Now, thanks to Cineworld’s state-of-the-art 4DX technology, viewers can be transported into the enchanting world of Barbie in the most immersive way imaginable.
What is 4DX, you ask? It’s a cutting-edge, multisensory experience which feels like a cinematic roller coaster with moving seats and 20 stimulating effects. Think: Beach. With water effects.
Barbies and Kens can also expect:
Motion Seats: Feel the excitement as your seats twist, sway, heave, shake and vibrate in sync with the on-screen action, whether Barbie is riding her dream car or dancing the night away.
Environmental Effects: Engage your senses and experience the magic as bubbles, misty smoke, gentle breezes, even captivating scents seamlessly blend into the cinematic adventure.
Lighting Effects: Synchronized lighting that transforms the atmosphere of the movie, immersing you in a giant blowout party where dazzling lights will leave you positively electrified.
The phenomenal success of Barbenheimer (Barbie and Oppenheimer), both released on July 21, saw a record breaking week for Cineworld which had its ‘best week ever!’ welcoming over 1.7 million guests over a 7 day period, making it the busiest in the exhibitor’s history. Cineworld came out on top as the number 1 exhibitor in the UK overall in terms of box office market share.
Customers are advised to book their Barbie 4DX tickets in advance to avoid disappointment at cineworld.com/4DX or using the Cineworld app.
Casey Cohen, Head of Marketingat Cineworld said: “Barbie has been the buzzworthy blockbuster of the year, and we’re tickled pink to welcome all of those who want to embark on an electrifying 4DX adventure with Barbie and Ken.
“Get ready for a rollercoaster of sensations, where your seats sway and your senses sway with them, propelling you headfirst into Barbie’s whimsical world. Whether it’s your Barbie movie debut or a thrilling reunion, this exhilarating format will have you bouncing in your seat with delight. We promise, it will be the best day ever!”
To mark 83 years since his very first appearance in DC’s Detective Comics back in 1939, Vue is celebrating the iconic superhero Batman by bringing some of the most iconic films back to the big screen this Batman Day this Saturday (16 September).
Throughout the day, Vue Edinburgh Omni and Ocean Terminal will be allowing comic book fans to enjoy three films featuring the caped crusader and his gang of infamous rogues in some of their most beloved and acclaimed moments.
With Michael Keaton donning the famous cowl, Tim Burton’s Batman from 1989 brought the world of Gotham City to life with thrilling action pieces, an iconic score from Danny Elfman and a comically wicked turn from actor Jack Nicholson, who played his iconic archnemesis The Joker.
In 2009, director Christopher Nolan took the helm with The Dark Knight, portraying the DC superhero in his most daring and dramatic role yet, leading to one of the most entertaining blockbusters to date, complete with award-winning performances and jaw-dropping set pieces.
With Christian Bale grappling the dual role of Batman / Bruce Wayne against a very different take on the clown prince of crime, Heath Ledger’s legendary performance as The Joker which saw the actor win an post-humous Academy Award.
Finally, Gothamites can revel in the more recent capers that put DC’s fictional city in Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix in a much grittier and personal take on the infamous Batman villain. Watch the warped world of the man who would put a smile on people’s faces, for better or worse, become the iconic big screen baddie we know and hate to love.
All three of these epic Batman blockbusters also return to the big screen as part of Warners Bros 75th anniversary, which Vue has marked by rescreening a number of the production company’s most iconic films, including the The Lord of the RingsTrilogy and sci-fi film Interstellar, all of which will be screening at Vue venues later this year.
Robert Lea, Head of Screen Content at Vue Entertainment, said: ‘Some of the most recognisable big screen moments of all time come from the adventures of Batman in his many blockbusters, so we’re thrilled to offer film fans to chance to catch some of his greatest adventures this Batman Day.
‘Our Back on the Big Screen releases have been proving incredibly popular with film fans looking to rewatch their favourites or even see classics for the first time – and we’re hugely excited to bring Batman back at Vue this September.’
Super Saver Tickets available online from just £4.99 at selected venues. Book now at myvue.com
Screen Education Edinburgh is delighted to announce two exciting opportunities aimed at young people passionate about film
BFI Film Academy Short Course for Edinburgh and South East Scotland, delivered by Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE), and the SEE Young Filmmakers Hub
The BFI Film Academy Short Course for Edinburgh and South East Scotland, delivered by Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE), and SEE Young Filmmakers Hub are both projects designed to help aspiring young filmmakers gain practical knowledge and experience, while highlighting the various pathways into the screen industries.
These courses seek to empower learners to pursue their passion for filmmaking, inspiring them to future careers and success within the screen industries
BFI Film Academy Short Course 2023 for Edinburgh and South East Scotland, delivered by Screen Education Edinburgh:
The BFI Film Academy Short Courses offer opportunities for ambitious 16 to 19-year-olds to get to know more about film and how to forge a career in the screen industries. Delivered by Screen Education Edinburgh and supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, and Screen Scotland, this introductory, hands-on course builds knowledge and skills and shows the different pathways into the industry.
BFI Film Academy Short Courses take place across the UK for talented and committed young people aged 16-19, and they have proven to have an excellent track record of inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and crew.
Participants of the Course will make short films, learn from top talent working in the industry through masterclasses, and acquire the necessary knowledge and experience to build a career within the screen industries.
Not only does this course provide practical filmmaking experience, but also instils confidence, develops teamwork skills and creates a sense of being a part of a community of aspiring screen industry professionals. Along with filmmaking experience, these soft skills are crucial in finding success within the industry.
‘Prior to the BFI, I really lacked in confidence with film equipment and experience on set, and now I feel comfortable vocalising what I need done and know how to achieve it.
‘My biggest achievement on the course was when we were filming, my teammates and I worked well together, communicating and asking each other for help and advise.
‘This cemented the fact that I want film to be my chosen career and that I have new found skills. The course has given me a realistic understanding, as well as an appreciation of the film industry – inspiring me to make films of my own.’ – BFI Film Academy Short Course Participant 2022
Subject to successful completion of required assessments, this course can award learners the Preparing to Work in the Film Industry qualification, an NCFE Level 2 award. This qualification will benefit their professional development, whether through further film education courses or entering the industry.
This course is open to young people aged 16-19 years old, living in the Edinburgh, Clackmannanshire, East Lothian, Falkirk, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, Stirling and West Lothian areas. No prior experience is required.
The deadline for applications is the 24th of September 2023, at 5pm.
Sessions will take place from 11am to 6pm, while shooting days will last from 10am to 6pm. The sessions taking place on the 24th of October and 14th of November will be online, from 6pm to 8pm.
The course fee is £25; however, for those unable to pay this, we still encourage applying. Bursaries will be available for those who require assistance with fees or travel costs.
We understand that people have different accessibility needs, and that some communicate better through different mediums. Therefore, there is an option to submit a video application, rather than a written online form; further details regarding this can be found here.
In addition, we will be holding an open day for applicants at SEE on the 9th of September, 10am – 1pm. During this drop-in session, we will be on hand to help with the application process, as well as answer any questions.
SEE Young Filmmakers Hub:
Supported by the Sean Connery Foundation, the SEE Young Filmmakers Hub offers young people the opportunity to learn more about the art of filmmaking, regardless of their circumstances. Aimed at those aged 12-18 living in Edinburgh, learners will gain experience of working in a variety of filmmaking roles.
From sound and lighting design to cinematography and directing, this practical course provides valuable hands-on training in all aspects of filmmaking, allowing young people the chance to discover new interests and strengths.
Working in groups learners will be tasked with developing, shooting and editing their very own narrative short film. Through this course, we seek to empower young people to create their own ideas and tell stories that are meaningful to them, gaining self-confidence and fostering good teamwork skills.
‘My long term goal is to get into the film industry. I haven’t decided exactly what I want to do but I think I have a clearer idea after this course.
‘It feels like a very effective introduction to film as you gain an understanding of a wide range of different aspects of film, such as directing as well as sound and editing, rather than just one. I gained a lot of confidence with the technical side of filmmaking.’ – Participant Young Filmmakers Hub
The next stage of the Young Filmmakers Hub will take place from September/October to December 2023. Young people aged 12-15 years old living in Edinburgh are eligible to apply. More information and an application form can be found at https://www.screen-ed.org/yfh.
Learners will be split into groups based on age, with the course running on the following dates:
Group 1 (12-14): starting 21st September and continuing every Thursday
Group 2 (14-15): starting 19th September and continuing every Tuesday
Group 3 (16-18): starting 6th September and continuing every Wednesday
SEE is dedicated to making filmmaking accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels. The Hub is free, and no previous filmmaking experience is necessary; the only requirement is a love for films, and a desire to make your own.
Upon completion of this course, learners will be invited to enrol in more year-round filmmaking activities here at SEE. We are committed to providing ongoing support and development, nurturing the talents of aspiring filmmakers and empowering them to pursue their passion further.
The short film in partnership with Scottish spiking charity Spike Aware UK will screen at The Old Well Cinema in Moffat this month
21st August 2023, Scotland: Today film production company Delilah Films announces the premiere of its debut short film Spiked will take place in Scotland on Wednesday 23rd August at The Old Well Theatre in Moffat. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
When single-mum Becky suspects she’s been spiked, she seeks frenemy police officer Andrea’s help in getting tested. Spiked is a short film set in the North-East of England.
Spiked was co-created by Delilah Films’ founder Phoebe Lorenz and BBC New Creative Emma Zadow. The film was created with support from Scottish charity Spike Aware UK, and in association with Northern Fortress Films.
It was directed by Alex Shipman (Female, Fifty and Fighting: Bam Bam).
Spiked has already been selected for numerous BIFA-qualifying festivals including Women X and Sunderland Shorts Film Festival 2023.
Spike Aware UK is a registered Scottish charity covering England, Scotland, Wales & NI, and is a group who want to raise awareness of young people having their drinks drugged or spiked at social events.
It is the first registered charity and support network for victims of drink and needle spiking in the UK, and it organises, cooperates, supports and campaigns locally and nationally to spread awareness.
The event will also screen short film A Victim’s Story made by local filmmaker Rachael Ovens, and Still (also directed by Alex Shipman), an experimental documentary using real testimonies from women about their experiences in night clubs, visualised through an interpretive dance piece.
Phoebe Lorenz, founder of Delilah Films, says, “Having the premiere of this film in Scotland, timed just at the end of Edinburgh Film Festival, is a testament to our phenomenal partners at Spike Aware UK.
“The team behind Spiked want this film to make as big of an impact as possible for victims of spiking and to raise awareness of the issue, and we are really looking forward to the event.”
Colin Mackie, founder of Spike Aware UK, says, “We at Spike Aware UK are delighted to have played a part in bringing Spiked to the screen.
“We have been impressed by the professionalism and the enthusiasm of all involved in the project and hope this production will help highlight what is a growing problem.”
Spiked’s creator and founder of Delilah Films Phoebe Lorenz is a British-German actor, writer and producer. She co-wrote/produced award-winning film I’m Still Ethanin 2020 with Freida Films’ Amelia O’Loughlin and starring BIFA-Winning actor Dave Johns (I, Daniel Blake).
Co-creator of Spiked Emma Zadow is an actor, writer and BBC New Creative. Her short film JIGGING, commissioned by BBC Arts & Screen South, won Best Short and Best Actress at Seattle Independent, Sydney Australian, Hong Kong Indie, Hollywood Boulevard and Red Moon Film Festivals.
Alex Shipman is a Director and DOP across documentary and fiction content. She works as a DOP for EPK/Behind the scenes content on Warner Brothers and Lucas film productions. As a director her short films have been selected for Cannes Film Festival (as part of the Straight 8 Challenge) and her last short film about women’s experience in nightclubs screened at the BFI Future Film Festival.
Northern Fortress Films was founded by Louisa Rose Mackleston in January 2021. Louisa is a Director, Writer & Producer from Bradford. Her production company aims to convey socially conscious stories through factual and narrative formats and has received funding from organisations such as UNESCO, the NHS & Bradford Council.
Edinburgh International Film Festival, this year hosted by the Edinburgh International Festival, has announced more information about guests involved in its Encounters discussion sessions, along with details about this year’s Curate-It programme:
Encounters
A chance for audiences to go deeper into the EIFF programme in a series of creative conversations with filmmakers and guests. Taking the talk beyond the post-screening Q&A, the Festival is proud to present a series of generous and expansive discussions about some of the ideas bubbling away in this year’s film selection.
Each session will feature BSL interpretation, and tickets are priced as Pay What You Can, £6 / £4 / £2.
Visit eif.co.uk/edfilmest for speaker biographies and full details of contributors.
Encounter 1: Casual Intimacy
Sunday 20 August 14:15-15:45 Everyman 3 [BSL]
What does it take to make a film about somebody else, or about your own lived experience? How much can you really know about a person or character through the act of filming them? The panel of creatives from across film, literature and performance will explore crafting intimacy in storytelling.
Speakers will include the co-directors of queer revenge thriller Femme, Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, writer and performer Colm McCready (whose show Scaredy Fat is playing at this year’s Fringe), author Kirsty Logan (The Unfamiliar: A Memoir of Queer Motherhood) and filmmaker Ella Glendining (Is There Anybody Out There?)
Encounter 2: Creative Survival
Monday 21 August 16:30-18:00 Everyman 3 [BSL]
Survival as an artist is a question of resilience. How do we make work without sacrificing ourselves or others? A panel of multidisciplinary creatives convenes to discuss how to keep on making art when everything seems stacked against artists.
Author and critic Katie Goh (The End), author and agency founder Nikesh Shukla (The Good Immigrant, Brown Baby), author and filmmaker Guy Gunaratne (Mister Mister), author and screenwriter Huw Lemmey (Ungentle, Bad Gays) and filmmaker Paris Zarcilla (Raging Grace).
Encounter 3: Defining Belonging
Tuesday 22 August 16:30-18:00 Everyman 3 [BSL]
The sense (or absence) of belonging permeates this year’s most powerful works. How do we shape stories about fitting in, or standing out? Babak Jalali, director of Fremont, the EIFF Closing Night film, joins author Heather Parry (Orpheus Builds a Girl, This Is My Body, Given For You) and writer and editor Anahit Behrooz (BFFs) to discuss how the exploration of belonging has informed their work, and what makes these stories feel so universal.
Curate-It online film programmes
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) and Curate-It have once again partnered to showcase the work of new curators based in Scotland. Curate-It is an innovative new digital training application developed, with support from Screen Scotland, to provide users with the information and skills needed to implement their own film screening events.
The platform has been designed to actively ensure that knowledge of film curation is easily accessible within the digital space and is focused on providing access to curatorial talent from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the film sector.
As part of this year’s edition, Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) and Curate-It offered two fellowships to early career curators and programmers working in Scotland. Beulah Ezeugo and Zainab Ashraf have undertaken the Curate-It course and are each presenting a programme of events.
no gaze or hand can hold you there
From 19:00 Friday 18 August
Curator Beulah Ezeugo presents a programme that centres on 20th-century photography through the black gaze. The selected films invite audiences to examine the importance of visual agency and how the ability to represent oneself can become means for salvation, for revelation, for pleasure, for exposure, or for emergence.
Heritage Withheld.
From 19:00 Monday 21 August
Curator Zainab Ashraf invites viewers to look at the importance of heritage.Juxtaposing work from filmmakers working in Scotland and Palestine, the programme explores forms of resilience where an aspect of heritage is withheld.
Each Curate-It programme will be available for audiences to watch for free for 72 hours on Curate-It’s VoD platform Screen-it.
Curate-It Project Director, Justine Atkinson said: “Itis always such a privilege to guide and witness curatorial ideas take form and flourish, and I’m so delighted this was once again possible through the EIFF x Curate-It collaboration.
“The programmesthat Beulah and Zainab curated allow audiences to navigate interesting and poignant subject matter through distinctively formed cinematic journeys. We are so looking forward to sharing them with you all’’.
The 2023 EIFF & Curate-It Curatorial Fellowship is supported through the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund. View the full programme detailshere.
Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from Friday 18 to Wednesday 23 August.
