Highland Screen Network
Purpose of the Highland Screen Network
The Highland Screen Network ran between 2022-2023. This development programme aimed to:
- map cinema clubs across the Highlands
- increase access to screen and cinema in the region, particularly in communities that were underserved
- support new and existing programmers to bring a wealth of film to their communities.
The project was supported by The Touring Network, in partnership with Regional Screen Scotland and Film Hub Scotland.
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0 cinema clubs
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90 community screenings
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1500 estimated audience members
Mapping cinema activity
Between September 2022 – March 2023 Highland Screen Network recorded:
- 126 community screenings across the Highland region with around 1,890 audience members participating
- 14 cinema clubs operating in: Applecross, Muir of Ord, Ullapool, Aultbea, Torridon, Kyle of Lochalsh, Skye/Portree, Bonar Bridge/Ardgay, Balintore, Nairn, Grantown, Kingussie, Halladale and Dornoch.
- Plans for a further six clubs to start up in winter 2023, as well as two ongoing cinema development projects in Tain and Invergordon.
Highlights from the programme included: films and documentaries with guest speakers at the incredible Skye Community Cinemas, film programmes and live streams in a former church in Aultbea, sold-out nights in several village halls, and a world cinema and ‘music in film’ season at Ullapool ferry terminal.
Increasing access to cinema
Over the course of the project, Co-ordinator Sophie Crabb worked with cinema groups in the region, offering help to start-up, support with fundraising, programming advice, training and development – everything from tracking down films to helping with technical and equipment challenges in rural areas.
A series of online get-togethers and an in-person gathering at Inverness Film Festival were also held.
In total, the Highland Screen Network project was in contact with over 60 individuals across the region, plus funders and film industry across the UK, raising the profile of potential for film in the region and helping start to negotiate more affordable film licences for community cinemas.
Supporting new programmers
Applecross Cinema Club
A new cinema club formed in late 2022 with ambition to show films over the winter in Applecross Village Hall. The new club was supported to find out what equipment was needed along with some fundraising help, leading to a new projector, screen and popcorn maker. Their first screening of The Banshees of Inisherin had a brilliant response, with further events planned.
Muir Movies
Within the Muir of Ord Hub, the 40-seat cinema was at that time not much used, but there was a desire to restart regular screenings. With some funding from Regional Screen Scotland, the Hub showed six films including Lewis-shot The Road Dance and a successful Christmas Screening of The Polar Express.
Skye Bridge Studios
Skye Bridge Studios launched Films on Sunday in Autumn 2022, bringing a wealth of French and world cinema to Kyle of Lochalsh.
Seaboard Centre
Highland Screen Network gave support to find out kit that was needed, plus pilot funding from Regional Screen Scotland enabled films to be reintroduced to the wonderful hall in Balintore, bringing cinema to the Seaboard villages.
Further information
For information on extending film choice, broadening audiences and enhancing opportunities for audiences, visit Film Hub Scotland.
For information on cinema development, cinema and film club operation, visit Regional Screen Scotland