Why Films in Berwick?
After the demise of the Berwick Playhouse in 2005, the chances for local people to get to see films became limited, with no dedicated cinema between Edinburgh and Newcastle. Berwick Film Society was set up after film enthusiasts’ appetite was whetted by the first Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival. Its raison d’etre is to bring to Berwick and surrounding communities our own unique programme of movies from all over the world. We feel we can take audiences to places, cultures and filmic experiences that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to access. Coupled with the mainstream and classic programmes of films offered by The Maltings Arts Centre, between us we now offer a solid and appealing blend of films to please most tastes and ages.
Films shown locally provide an event for the community and encourage people to come out and meet up, without having to make a big journey. We welcome members from near and far – the more, the better! Joining the Film Society is the very best deal, at £28 for the full season of 9 films – around £3 per filmshow.
Finally, we confess to being hopelessly biased: we believe a strong programme of films can provoke discussion, offer insight, escape, inspiration, a mental and visual feast and — not least — a really good night out! In this time of everyone feeling the big pinch, popping out to see a film is a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy a few hours of escapism!
Who are we?
A modest handful of locally-based people with a huge passion for film. We come from professional backgrounds in project management, event organisation, film magazine editing and adult education. We organise filmshows for Berwick Film Society in a voluntary capacity, as do our stalwart team of volunteers who steward our filmnights and fulfil other tasks like projection assistance. We can always use more help! If you are interested in volunteering, contact us.
What kind of films do we show?
It’s increasingly difficult to box films into categories and perhaps we shouldn’t try. Broadly, we aim to include a range of films: from around the world, through vintage classics, to contemporary gems. We are not a commercial cinema, blockbusters are not our remit (and new releases are not immediately available to Film Societies). We pledge to bring some cracking and memorable movies to our audiences: from quirky, to controversial to downright masterpieces.
Argue that you can watch movies at home if you like, but you can’t beat seeing a great film on the Big Screen! Besides, it’s a night out and a change of scene plus a chance to mix with other film-goers if you feel like socialising.
Screening Sherlock Jr
In September 2009, Berwick Film Society presented a Silent Film Classic screening of Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr. with live music accompaniment in joint collaboration with Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival. (Photo: Chris Lloyd)
Who decides the film programme?
A small panel of film enthusiasts with contrasting tastes who have experience of film festivals/events and film exhibition. We also take into account our members’ and audiences’ views on which types of films they most appreciate. Not all films are available on DVD to film societies as these are specially licensed and are released some months after the cinema release date.
What Are Our Goals?
Simply put, to bring film closer to local people. We already screen films in Wooler, lend our DVD projection equipment to The Maltings and run films for community groups in Northumberland and the Borders, plus we offer advice to new film societies and other film groups and will continue to provide this service.
How are we funded?
We got our film society off the ground through the kind support of Lottery Awards for All, the Community Foundation and Berwick Borough Council. But to keep showing films we are now entirely dependent upon the membership of our supporters. Thanks to each of them and keep up the support so we can keep bringing you great movies!
