Film Hub Midlands was the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) lead on Major Programmes, whose aim was to deliver a cross-FAN, UK-wide programme of creative, accessible and culturally ambitious screenings and events to reach key target audiences.
This included the delivery of two annual cross-FAN programmes of screenings and events, Film Feels, which you can read about here, and Blockbuster, which was curated in response to the theme of the annual BFI ‘Blockbuster’ programme.
The aims of the cross-FAN Major Programmes was to:
- Increase audience engagement with film and deepen the quality of cultural experience
- Increase the confidence of FAN members to screen a wider range of films
- Boost the engagement of audiences aged 16-30
- Increase the diversity of FAN audiences
- Raise the profile of film as an art form and create a dialogue about its place in our cultural life
2022: BFI IN DREAMS ARE MONSTERS
Running from October to December 2022, IN DREAMS ARE MONSTERS was a major UK-wide film and events season, charting how the monsters of horror have evolved, made physical the anxieties of their times, and how we react when faced with the monster within. Cinemas, festivals and multi arts & media organisations were invited to present in-venue and hybrid seasons, events and screenings that celebrate this experimental and experiential genre.
In addition to our open call, 4 Horror Film Festivals were commissioned to deliver activities as part of the season: Grimmfest (Manchester), Abertoir (Aberystwyth), Mayhem (Nottingham) and Celluloid Screams (Sheffield). Major Programmes also commissioned the ICO to offer a touring menu of films for venues to take part in the season.
You can read about the In Dreams Are Monsters supported activities from our Midlands members here.
2021: BFI JAPAN
Running from October to December 2021, JAPAN was A UK-wide season celebrating Japanese cinema, from early silents to contemporary innovation, and everything in between. Originally due to take place in 2020 to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics, the season was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout 2020, a comprehensive programme of films was made available online via BFI Player, until restrictions were lifted and the season took place at BFI Southbank and in various venues across the UK.
In addition to the postponed events from 2020, Major Programmes also supported new activities through our 2021 open call for applications.
You can read about some of the UK-wide season's highlights here.
2019: BFI MUSICALS
From October 2019 to January 2020, BFI's Blockbuster season celebrated Musicals - the Greatest Show on Screen. FAN venues presented the finest films celebrating the spectacle of Musicals talent from Hollywood to the present day, at BFI Southbank and cinemas across the UK, online on BFI Player and with a wide range of UK partners.
Alongside UK-wide BFI releases, one-off special events and more, the ICO also ran a nationwide touring menu as part of BFI Musicals.
You can read about some of the season's commissions and special events here.
2018: BFI COMEDY GENIUS
Running from October 2018 to January 2019, the BFI's blockbuster season Comedy Genius was the UK's greatest ever celebration of film and TV comedy – bringing the gift of laughter just when we need it most. Comedy geniuses of the big and small screen made us laugh at BFI Southbank and cinemas across the UK, online on BFI Player and with a wide range of UK partners.
The ICO also ran a nationwide touring menu as part of BFI Musicals, highlighting early film comedy pioneers and innovators and world cinema classics as well as blockbuster talent from the 80s and beyond.
You can read about some of the UK-wide season's highlights here.