New funding to restart independent exhibitionLaunching the Film Exhibition Fund for 2021-2022
New funding launched to help local film organisations and audiences reconnect with independent cinema.
As film exhibitors and audiences look ahead to venues reopening in the coming months, we’re pleased to launch a new funding opportunity to help restart independent, grassroots film culture. The Film Exhibition Fund will champion British, international and independent cinema, celebrate the power of communal viewing experiences, and grow film audiences across the North of England.
Support of up to £10,000 is available and the fund is open to a variety of organisation screening film in the region. Screening programmes supported in this round of funding will take place between June 2021 – March 2022.
While the prospect of reopening is encouraging, we recognise that there’s still considerable uncertainty facing audiences and exhibitors alike. That’s why we’ve worked to make this round of the Film Exhibition Fund as flexible as possible to reflect the changing needs of a changing industry.
Applications can be submitted at any time up until 17 January 2022, allowing organisations to develop plans at their own pace. Funding can support a range of costs, including staffing, programming and marketing expenses for traditional screenings as well as hybrid and online events. We’ve also updated the application and assessment process to make it easier for organisations to showcase their plans, and our team is available for one-to-one surgeries to discuss projects prior to submitting an application.
Find out more about the fund
We're excited to see previous recipients of National Lottery grants from the Film Exhibition Fund working to develop events and audiences across the North right now. Projects to look out for include:
- Abandon Normal Devices Festival, who are set to hold a festival of new cinema, digital culture and art exploring the Manchester Ship Canal and River Mersey from 27 May – 11 July;
- The Dukes Cinema, who are developing Widescreen – a community inclusion project in collaboration with local groups across Lancaster;
- South Asian Film Festival Up North, who are currently hosting monthly screenings and special events on the Love LIFF at Home platform.
Other funding opportunities are currently available through Film Hub North, including our Propeller Awards microgrant scheme and our Bursary Awards for exhibitor training and professional development.
Beyond this, we've got further funding coming up with our year-round Engine Awards and our New Directions fund for archive film launching soon. Watch this space.
Photos: The Dukes Cinema (Jess Turton), Love LIFF at Home.
