Ross-shire in big screen community cinema project spotlight

ROSS-SHIRE communities keen to bring the magic of big screen cinema to town halls, churches and libraries are being put in the spotlight.

A new project to boost community cinema screenings throughout the Highlands has already borne fruit in Easter Ross with hopes high other areas could also benefit.

Spotlight, a partnership between Eden Court Highlands and Film Hub Scotland, aims to develop film audiences by supporting groups and organisations to screen a diverse range of cinema.

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Funded by the BFI National Lottery, the project is building a network of groups who are hosting film screenings for audiences of all ages, making films more accessible to those who may not normally get the chance to see them.

Both new and pre-existing community groups will be supported with the skills and equipment to start their own film screenings. The project is currently working with groups including Evanton Community Trust. Cinema Nairn, Film Forres and Strathnairn Community Cinema.

In a bid to find out more about what film fans want, the initiative is seeking residents across the Highlands and Moray to share their cinema-going habits by completing a short survey, with a prize of £50 in John Lewis vouchers for one lucky participant. To be in with a chance, complete the survey at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CinemaSpotlight

Gražina Ščučkaitė, Spotlight project coordinator, said: “There is nothing quite like the unique experience of togetherness that comes with watching a film on a big screen with strangers. Spotlight will support organisations and communities to engage audiences in bringing more people to the cinema in a range of venues. Ultimately, the project will establish on-going film screenings that are accessible, affordable and inclusive for all.”

Gabrielle Buist, Evanton Community Cinema, said: “Evanton Community Trust has had a community cinema on our wish list for a while. Thanks to support from Spotlight Coordinator Gražina and Film Hub Scotland this dream finally came true last year.

"It has been such an easy and fun partnership. Together with a team of volunteers we have now put on four films for the community, with an ever increasing turnout.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the support offered by Spotlight can contact Gražina Ščučkaitė at grazina@filmhubscotland.com.

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