On Tuesday 19 March we were delighted to be at Stratford East Picturehouse for our latest Exhibitors' Breakfast, this time focused on the Spotlight project, supporting programmers and screening activity in the underserved Newham and Barking and Dagenham areas.

After an opening from Head of Cinema & Operations, Chandler Thonber, Spotlight and Young Audiences Manager Moira McVean kicked off the morning with an overview of the project and the various challenges and successes it has seen so far. "We chose Barking & Dagenham because there's only one cinema there, and we wanted to support the communities to have greater access to screen culture."

Moira welcomed Katja Rosenberg - Director, Art Catcher and Spotlight community programming partner. from for a pre-recorded zoom interview on their community cinema projects-
"You need to really get to know your area and understand its people. Get a rapport with the people and understand exactly what they need and want."

The morning then moved onto a focus on Spotlight Events by Film London Lodestars The New Black Film Collective, delivered by managing Director Priscilla Igwe - “We exist to create and cultivate a vibrant Black ecosystem in the UK film and TV sector by championing Black-led film production”

We are proud to support next week’s TNB XPO 2024, which gives Black creatives and industry professionals a chance to exchange ideas, fill gaps in recruiting and develop a genuinely inclusive filmmaking ecosystem. More info and free tickets are available here.

We were glad to welcome Kashif Shirazi of Film Bank Media to discuss the wealth of screening support they can provide for community cinemas.

The morning came to a close with a presentation from Duncan Carson, Projects and Business Manager of the Independent Cinema Office to discuss their new training course Revisiting Your Cinema Business Model.

Exhibitors' Breakfasts will return in the coming months, we hope to see you at the next one!