Last month, Olivia James a freelance community cinema worker attended Sea Change Film Festival Development Lab in the Isle of Tiree, Scotland with Film Hub Midlands bursary support
Olivia reports that "The Lab is an opportunity for women in film (both exhibition and production) to connect, reflect and share"
Report written by Olivia James
Hot on the heels of BFI FAN CON in Belfast I was back in the air being thrust into a week of talking, listening and learning at Sea Change Development Lab in the Isle of Tiree, Inner Hebrides, Scotland (followed by a weekend of wonderful film watching).
The Lab is an opportunity for women in film (both exhibition and production) to connect, reflect and share. For some who shared previous experiences this opportunity has proven to be life changing, for others it’s given them a much needed clarity going forwards. I’d applied and been accepted a couple of times before but each time I was unable to go - usually because of work commitments that had cropped up. This time I was definitely going!
The experience was so much more than the 2 day lab itself; wildlife, nature, a tiny plane, sea swimming and of course, brilliant conversations with awesome women. Sharing experiences and, more often, problems was a really valuable way of not feeling alone and working towards solutions. It’s an intense couple of days - you’re with strangers talking about yourself, which is a challenge in itself and you’re also sharing accommodation with many of these strangers. But they quickly become friends, confidantes and a warm hug of support.
The culmination is being able to experience the Sea Change Film Festival and to see the talents of many of the other participants through their work onscreen. A mix of short films, animations, features and live events you get a 360 experience and there’s always something to see (and the cakes on offer are obviously top notch).
I would encourage any woman working in production, animation or exhibition to apply for the opportunity in the future. Removing yourself from your comfort zone and/or your everyday life is a great way to refresh and return to ‘normal’ life rejuvenate. And you may even find yourself face to face with a Seal or Golden Eagle…
Without the bursary I absolutely would not have been able to afford the lab as a freelancer with uncertain and non-secure work. I’m so grateful for the support and encouragement from Film Hub Midlands to continue to develop professionally and personally.
Inspired to attend a film festival? You can find all you need to know about applying for a bursary to attend vital events for industry progression here