Reflections of a BCT Volunteer
BCT were first introduced to Zoe in the summer of 2021. She is a filmmaker who was just completing her degree, and she wanted to gain more insight into how to engage with communities through film. We were delighted to welcome Zoe to volunteer for us, and she was a star, particularly with working remotely.
In November 2021 we were able to support Zoe to attend a Screening Day in Nottingham, where lots of films were shown for exhibitors to see and choose for their audiences. Read about her experiences below!
It was a cold, windy morning when I arrived at Broadway Cinema in Nottingham, and I felt grateful to be spending the day inside watching films.
I was invited to Screening Days in November on behalf of Black Country Touring. The event is hosted by the Independent Cinema Office and shows the most exciting new releases over the course of a weekend. Programmers can watch a whole host of independent films both online and in person and decide which films their audiences will love.
I have been volunteering for Black Country Touring since July 2021, and have absolutely loved it. I recently graduated university and have been a volunteer whilst also freelancing in unscripted television. As a volunteer I’ve had the opportunity to help host virtual screenings, write blog posts and facilitate events. When Black Country Touring asked if I wanted to attend Screening Days, I jumped at the chance. What better way to spend a day than at the cinema?
There were sixteen films being shown that day at Screening Days, divided into four blocks. The only challenge during the day was deciding which ones to pick. In the morning, I settled on Memoria and The Duke. Two wildly different films that I thoroughly enjoyed in very different ways.
During lunch, I had the opportunity to speak to other guests. We shared our thoughts on the films so far and considered which ones would work for different audiences. It was great to hear about all the fantastic community cinemas across the country, and the hard work that goes into curating a programme.
After lunch, I watched Murina and then The Murders of Oiso. When the fourth and final screening came to an end, I had some time to think about the films I had seen. The films were vastly different, and came from productions all across the world. There’s nothing quite like seeing films in the cinema. There are no distractions and you can truly sink into the world on the screen. I was able to lose myself in four completely different worlds all in the space of a day.
If you’re looking to programme your own screening events I would highly recommend Screening Days. It’s a chance to meet other people who love films, watch some up-and-coming releases and immerse yourself in an array of different world – a pretty perfect way to spend a day!
Volunteering for Black Country Touring has taught me so much about community-based art. Watching these films with programming in mind made me think more deeply about what films would appeal to different audiences. Volunteering is a chance to give something back to a cause you care about. From plays to podcasts, films screenings to art competitions, volunteers can help shape the projects that excite them. If you love the arts like I do, volunteering for BCT is a really rewarding experience.
If you enjoyed reading about Zoe’s experiences and you’re interested in volunteering with us, please drop us an email at hello@bctouring.co.uk