Film Feels is an annual season of film screenings featuring events that respond to a theme developed collaboratively by exhibitors across the UK. Last summer saw a range of organisations offer their own takes on cinematic Obsession and included events exploring cautionary tales of amour fou and programmes dedicated to eccentric stories of diehard fandom.

Film Feels Connected is a new season, running from July to August, that celebrates the magic of shared film culture beyond the confines of the screening room. While Covid-19 has curtailed in-person events, exhibitors’ have turned their inventiveness to the online sphere and found new ways of bringing audiences together. Film Feels Connected will support organisations to host and promote special online events through a dedicated micro-grant scheme and a public-facing website showcasing the season. Funding is available for a range of online audience engagement activity - you can experiment with hosting a watch party, exclusive preview or a Q&A with a special guest, or you might want to set up a VOD partnership with an online provider or rights holder.

Funding of up to £1,500 is available through Film Feels Connected and can be put towards marketing, tech or guest speaker costs to enhance your event. Apply by Friday, 3 July.

Our colleagues at Film Hub Midlands are managing Film Feels Connected on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network. Visit their website via the link below for more information on the programme, a list of best practice resources for online film exhibition and details on how to apply.