Funding joy for cinema group
Screen boost after windfall for Strathearn Arts
Those behind a community cinema group are celebrating a funding boost just in time for Christmas.
Film Hub Scotland this week announced Strathearn Arts has received £5130 from the British Film Institute’s (BFI) FAN Film Exhibition Fund.
The money is sourced from the National Lottery and is distributed by the BFI and Screen Scotland.
Strathearn Arts is one of 31 projects to receive a share of £ 220,000 set aside to support the British film industry.
Phil Mestecky is the development manager with the charity, which is based on Crieff’s Comrie Street.
He said: “With this support, we aim to build on our existing film programme and re-engage with our core audiences which we have not been able to serve during the pandemic.
“We also will use these funds to broaden the range and diversity of films that we can show and appeal to new audiences.”
Strathearn Arts’ goals in the coming year include expanding what is described as its “niche” offering – such as foreign language and art-house films – appealing to familyfriendly audiences, developing an ‘event cinema’ offering in collaboration with other local groups and promoting accessibility and diversity through the content it offers.
Arts programme co-ordinator Angela Lennon added: “This all comes at the perfect time for us as we now have our new cinema equipment installed.
“This will mean that not only will our audiences be able to see a wider range of films, they will also enjoy them in even better quality than ever.”
Sambrooke Scott, head of audience development at Screen Scotland, said: “Cinemas remain a vital cultural force – a place where audiences can safely lose themselves in great films on the big screen.
“Thanks to the imagination and passion of Scottish exhibitors, supported by FEF, these projects will engage audiences, providing much-needed escapism, engagement and connection.
“Alongside the Independent Cinema Recovery and Resilience Fund this support will help exhibitors through these challenging times and ensure the cinema experience remains accessible to communities across Scotland.”
Ben Luxford is head of UK audiences at the BFI.
He said: “This year has shown the absolute importance and need of programming beyond the mainstream.
“We’re pleased to be able to support exhibitors in Scotland continue to do that through this vital National Lottery funding.”