Big-hearted response to big-screen film festival
Organisers of Campbeltown’s own ‘Cans Film Festival’ have been overwhelmed by the generosity of all involved, writes Fiona Ross.
The charity event was launched by Campbeltown Picture House two years ago to boost Kintyre Food Bank’s reserves and has returned this month after Covid cancellations.
The premise of the festival, with its name inspired by the world-famous Cannes Film Festival, is simple – instead of paying for a ticket with money, cinemagoers exchange items for the food bank for a seat.
Cinema manager Ellen Mainwood said: ‘We’re bowled over by how generous everyone who has come along has been, the ticket ‘price’ is one item for the food bank, but most people have brought several items. Given the rising cost of living, people have been exceptionally generous.’
A spokesperson for the food bank said: ‘We’re delighted with the amount of donations we’ve received; we’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who attended.’ The Picture House is hosting four screenings for the festival this year, including The Greatest Showman and the Wizard of Oz, which each were enjoyed by approximately 50 cinema-goers.
More than 100 tickets have already been sold for Encanto on Saturday March 19 at 2pm, and Dirty Dancing on Saturday March 26 at 7.30pm is proving popular too.
Ellen added: ‘Our gratitude also goes to CalMac Ferries Community Fund which has sponsored this event.’ The Cans Film Festival is one of 59 charity initiatives across Scotland to receive an award of up to £2,000 in the most recent round of the CalMac Community Fund.
The ferry company’s fund aims to benefit the lives of people living across the ferry network by helping groups working to provide community services to achieve their goals.
The latest round of the fund, delivered in partnership with Foundation Scotland, welcomed applications from west coast community groups addressing mental health, improved wellbeing and social isolation, including encouraging re-engagement with community activity.