For a full information pack about OPEN CINEMA, please click here
Watch a 3 minute film about OPEN CINEMA, broadcast on Channel 4 in January 2010, and again in June 2011
WHAT IS OPEN CINEMA?
OPEN CINEMA is a nationwide network of film clubs programmed by and for homeless and socially excluded people. Each week participants watch the best in classic and contemporary cinema and work with professional filmmakers to create films of their own. Open Cinema is unique in providing participants the chance to programme films they would like to see, meet the professional filmmakers that inspire them, and make films based on their own ideas and experiences.
WHO COMES TO OPEN CINEMA?
OPEN CINEMA is open to all individuals experiencing homelessness or exclusion of any kind. The current age range of members varies between 16-85, and includes rough sleepers, individuals recovering from drug and alcohol dependence, displaced people in temporary accommodation, ex-service personnel and migrant workers.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
OPEN CINEMA is free to attend. Participants simply follow posters and flyers at their local support service, and start participating in the activities they find there. Open Cinema seasons run quarterly, with four 12-week seasons per year. Seasons are themed by genre or issue, which participants help choose, together with further world, independent, documentary or classic titles. Features are usually accompanied by a short film. The weekly events often see local and acclaimed filmmakers presenting their work and speaking with the audience about their films, the filmmaking process, and leading discussion on the issues raised.
WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR OPEN CINEMA?
People suffering from homelessness and deprivation urgently need the benefits of culture, as well as information and food. Entertainment and culture are another kind of nourishment, and have been shown by research to measurably contribute to the mental health and wellbeing of socially marginalised people.
Our work is supported by research carried out by Broadway, one of London’s leading homelessness charities, together with Westminster Primary Care Trust. It revealed that taking part in social and cultural activities provided significant benefits to mental health. These included the alleviation of isolation, the reduction of anxiety and depression, and the promotion of relaxation and healthy sleep patterns. A study conducted by the Salvation Army found that 51% of their clients spent most of their time alone, lacking support networks and beneficial relationships.
OPEN CINEMA offers an attractive and safe alternative to the streets, and to the dangers of dependencies and criminal pathways, every week. The regularity of the service is itself an important source of stability for those often without any other form of routine. Since 2005, Open Cinema has seen more than 4,000 admissions through its doors.
A creative outlet and the means for self-expression have been shown to build self-confidence and a sense of purpose, and to improve the overall quality of life for isolated people. Open Cinema offers the chance for people to become comfortable being part of a positive and creative community; to be given ownership of exciting and important media and cultural tools; and all in a service which offers them a say in how it develops.
OPEN CINEMA is at the forefront of a growing movement of cultural outreach in the non-profit sector. We provide for - and focus public attention on - the complex needs of excluded individuals in a society yet to achieve the fairness it strives for.
SUPPORT
OPEN CINEMA has received generous support from leading organisations including NESTA, Homeless Link, NHS Choices, the Metropolitan Police, Crisis, St. Mungo’s, the Media Trust, and Business in the Community; and support from the UK film industry's Channel 4 Britdoc, Current TV, and Shooting People. Endorsements from leading figures in the UK film industry are too numerous to list, with visits to Open Cinemas from major international filmmakers such as Lee Hall (Billy Elliot), Dario Marianelli (Atonement), Mike Leigh (Happy Go Lucky), Beeban Kidron (Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason), and Mike Hodges (Flash Gordon).
OUR STRATEGY AND COMMITMENTS
We are continuously improving the services we provide and finding new ways to work with organisations to reach people in need.
We are committed to:
- reducing deprivation and improving quality of life for any individual or community in need
- providing relevant education and training in filmmaking and related arts
- creating sustainable systems and constant service refinement
- improving quality of service through ongoing consultation with social sector management
- socially responsible procurement and delivery through equality and diversity
- working in open and creative partnerships
NATIONAL PILOT
OPEN CINEMA has now concluded and is evaluating a pilot network of venues in four regions of England. Since October 2010 we have commenced offering the service to support agencies in the homelessness sector and other social sectors.
For more information about how your organisation can become part of the Open Cinema network, please contact us or download our information pack.
If you are interested in volunteering for Open Cinema, please visit our volunteers page.
Thank you.
OPEN CINEMA
10-16 Scrutton St
London EC2A 4RU
United Kingdom
info@opencinema.net
t. +44 (0)207 247 5069