Film Camp has been bringing the Midlands film community together each year for nearly a decade, collectively exploring new approaches to programming and audience development. Expect bold thinking, lively discussions, and best-practice sharing.

Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or just starting out, Film Camp is open to all.

SCHEDULE

From 10:30:
Registration (Arena Bar)

11:30-13:00 Workshop (Cinema):
Collaborative Cinema: Building Stronger Communities
Every arts and community organisation faces familiar challenges: funding pressures, limited time and capacity, and the ongoing task of reaching audiences. Yet these spaces are also home to some of the most creative, resourceful and dynamic people and communities - full of the energy needed to imagine new ways forward.

This session recognises the realities of those barriers while exploring how your existing skills, curiosity and connections can open up new possibilities for community cinema. Alongside practical tips and case studies, you’ll hear from Juwairiyyah Wali (Radical Exhibition Collective) about navigating the ups and downs of cinema exhibition while staying true to the values that shape their work.

We'll also screen documentary short Rebels With Projectors, offering inspiration from grassroots film exhibition in action.

This session is led by Cinema For All, the national organisation that supports and develops community cinema all across the UK. As a charity they offer training, equipment hire, a library of films on their Booking Scheme and free support and advice for volunteer-led cinemas.

13:00-13:30:
Film Bingo (Cinema)
Join Sarah Hamilton Baker for a special game of film bingo with prizes.

13:30-14:45 Lunch (Deloitte Room):
Networking Play Space
Back by popular demand, the Play Space is the networking event where work and play collide. Leave the business cards behind and get ready to make new connections through creativity.

14:45-16:15 Workshop (Pinsent Mason 1):
Show Me the Money: Fundraising for Film Exhibition
Where does the money come from - and what kind of organisation do you need to be to access it? This session is a practical guide to fundraising for small organisations, constituted groups and charities, with a focus on the realities of grassroots film exhibition.

We’ll unpack:

• the different routes available - from public funding and trusts to partnerships and sponsorship
• the often-confusing question of structure: when do you need to formalise, and what are funders actually looking for?

Drawing on real examples and lived experience, our speaker Karen Daw will break down how to build a strong case for support, shape a compelling proposal, and avoid some of the common pitfalls along the way. Whether you’re setting up a film society, growing a community project, or figuring out your next step, this is a chance to demystify the process, ask questions, and leave with practical tools you can actually use.

14:45-16:15 Workshop (Pinsent Mason 2):
Old Film, New Audiences
How do we bridge the gap between archival collections and contemporary viewers? Join the June Givanni Pan-African Cinema Archive (JGPACA) and Cinema Rediscovered to explore the practicalities and creative challenges of archival film exhibition.

We will discuss:

• Pathways to bring rediscovered cinema to the big screen for a new generation
• How to engage with their archive as a programming resource with June Givanni (JGPACA)
• How to successfully engage new audiences with Nathan Hardie (Cinema Rediscovered)

From 16:15:
Networking Drinks (Arena Bar)
Wrap up the day with a well-earned drink with your fellow Film Campers. Swap ideas, share war stories, or just kick back after a packed day. This is your chance to chat, connect and raise a glass to great cinema. See you at the bar!