Support for new releases

See the titles receiving backing from the Film Audience Network this year

Published: 27 Sep 2018

Introducing the four new releases receiving support from the Film Audience Network in 2018/2019.


Following an open call to distributors, filmmakers and industry figures, the Film Audience Network has announced the first four films it will back as part of its strategy to support challenging, creatively accomplished new releases. The selections are: Utøya - July 22, a gripping, meticulously researched recreation of the 2011 terrorist attacks in Oslo; Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Palme d’Or-winning story of an unconventional family - Shoplifters; Korean auteur Lee Chang-don’s thriller Burning, adapted from a short story by Haruki Murakami; and Happy as Lazzaro, a time-hopping, genre-flouting folk tale of class struggle, corruption and innocence in rural Italy.
As part of its expanded commitment to new releases, the Film Audience Network will be providing one venue in the North year-round support to screen the 2018/2019 selections and will be partnering with regional marketers to help drive young audiences to participating venues throughout the region. Square Chapel Arts Centre, the North's selected venue for 2018/2019, attended an audience development workshop hosted by Film Hub South West on 20 September that brought together marketers and venues from across the UK, as well as the Film Hub North team, to kick-start a strategy for growing audiences for this year’s titles.
We’re now inviting Members from throughout the North to programme the selected films, expand the range of releases available to their communities and benefit from additional marketing and event support provided by the Film Audience Network.

The Slate



  • Utøya - July 22 (Dir. Erik Poppe | Norway), released 26 October 2018
  • Shoplifters (Dir. Hirokazu Kore-eda | Japan), released 23 November 2018
  • Burning (Dir. Lee Chang-dong | South Korea), released 1 February 2019
  • Happy as Lazzaro (Dir. Alice Rohrwacher | Italy), released 15 March 2019

Download the 2018/2019 slate document


Get involved



Venues who programme the 2018/2019 releases can expect to receive a marketing pack full of assets, inspiration for events and strategies to reach audiences aged 16-30, and support from a regional marketer who will be working on a targeted release campaign across the North.
In addition, exhibitors can pitch for campaign funding to support grassroots marketing and events activity that will enhance the releases' impact in their venue.
To apply for campaign funding, contact our colleagues at Film Hub South West with details of your idea: fannewreleases@watershed.co.uk.
For more information, visit: https://fannewreleases.co.uk.
Next Article
in News Category: Opportunity