Case Studies

Independent cinemas, film clubs and societies, and multi-arts venues have produced some of the most exciting cinema events, engaging with audiences across the broadest spectrum of the UK public. From R&D projects, piloting screenings for children with multi-sensory needs, to symposiums on LGBTQ+ film, to festivals raising awareness about living well with dementia, to film clubs led by Black, Asian and minority ethnic d/Deaf audiences, much of the Film Audience Network’s membership – large and small – have been bringing valuable film experiences and a slice of normal life to all people, whatever their protected characteristics.

Here, we share some best practice case studies, in an aim to engage more cinemas to take up inclusive cinema projects, collaborating with partners and specialist organisations to build a cine-literate and appreciative film culture.

If you’d like to submit your own case study, please download this Inclusive screening case study template and submit it to toki[at]filmhubwales.org, so we can share your experiences, too.

Inclusive Cinema – an overview
In conversation with Toki Allison, BFI FAN’s Inclusive Cinema project manager.
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Windrush Caribbean Film Festival
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Moving Portraits – What Does It Mean To Be Me?
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My Sound Cinema
The First Ever Audio Described Online Cinema
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Wicked Wales: Ffilm Ifanc Young Programmers
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Keswick Alhambra Young Programmers
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The Nerve Centre, Belfast – Ones to Watch Programme
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Storyhouse, Chester: Young Programmers
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Barbican Young Film Programmers
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Exeter Phoenix Young Audiences Panel
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Leeds Young Film – INDIs Young Programmers Group
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LesFlicks
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Rianne Pictures – Women X
Rianne Pictures share their advise on implementing the toolkit and how they're incorporating it into their 2021 festival edition.
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Document
Document is a human rights film festival that explores rights-based issues through the lens of non-fiction cinema. 
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Birds’ Eye View – Covid Community Fund
Ensuring that during a time of desperation for survival in the exhibition industry, that already marginalised communities do not continue to be neglected.
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Faded Neon Films
Production company which support underrepresented voices to tell bold cinematic stories and making filmmaking more accessible.
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Queer East Film Festival
An LGBTQ+ film festival aiming to showcase rarely seen queer cinema both from and about East and Southeast Asia and amplify the voices of Asian communities in the UK.
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We Are Parable – Momentum
A series of events dedicated to supporting Black filmmakers in the UK.
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No Barriers to Cinema: Young d/Deaf audiences
A doubleheader of educational special events from Into Film celebrating language, communication and d/Deaf cultural identity.
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Leigh Film Society Lockdown: Orange Bags of Cinema Sunshine
During the COVID lockdown Leigh Film Society delivered orange bags of DVD’s to vulnerable people in lockdown. Staying connected and providing cinema escapism in a bag.
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Leigh Film Society: Carers Film Club
A carers film club exclusively for individual carers groups providing cinema escapism and respite.
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Contact a Family Cymru: Supportive Environment Screenings
Supportive environment film events for children with disabilities and/or additional needs and their families.
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Eyes Wide Open Cinema
An exploration of queer cinema in Brighton.
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Accessing Community Cinema: Driftwood Cinema
Trialing cost effective method for delivering accessible content in community cinema.
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Dementia Friendly Film Screenings at Theatr Colwyn
Dementia friendly screenings in Colwyn Bay, programmed in partnership with the ‘A Life More Ordinary’ Project.
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Bertha DocHouse: Amazing Grace + Live Gospel Choir
Presenting a screening with a gospel choir for new audiences
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Iris Prize Festival – Iris in the Community
Working with communities to enable LGBT+ stories to be seen by more people
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Cinemaximiliaan
Bringing film and debates to asylum centres, private homes and cinemas all over Belgium
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Seeing the Funny Side
Part of BFI's Comedy Genius programme, screenings of silent short films for the deaf community
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Scottish Queer International Film Festival
SQIFF's access measures welcome audiences who may find cinema visits difficult otherwise
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LGBT History Month Schools Screenings
A UK-wide season of schools screenings to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month
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Matinee
Bringing the magic of cinema to those living with dementia, and their companions in Derbyshire's communities.
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Derbyshire Film
Pop-up cinema in accessible community locations.
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Take One Action: Inclusive Screenings
A festival programmed with asylum seekers and refugees
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TAPE Community Production Facility
Working with diverse communities in North Wales to widen participation and understanding of the creative arts.
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Deaf Conversations about Cinema
A film club where D/deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing audiences can talk with BSL interpretation
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Mental Fight Club at The Dragon Café
Films included in a mixed-arts programme that create discussion in a safe space.
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Relaxed Screenings- Dundee Contemporary Arts
Relaxed screenings for families with children in Dundee.
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Cinema for us (all of us) – Wicked Cinema
Screenings by and for learning disabled young people at Rhyl Little Theatre.
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New Notions Cinema
A pop-up cinema for documentaries in Belfast.
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Accessible film club development, Gulbenkian
A pilot working towards a regular accessible film screening within the main programme.
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Scottish Queer International Film Festival
An annual festival by and for LGBTQ+ communities, supporting those with access needs.
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The Time is Now
A season of film exploring and celebrating the role women play in affecting change.
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Glasgow Film Theatre’s Access Film Club
Monthly autism friendly film events in a safe and welcoming environment.
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Oska Bright Film Festival
Showcasing the very best of learning disability cinema.
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Psychosis on Screen
A season of three contemporary films depicting various experiences of psychosis.
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Projects at Hippodrome Silent Film Festival in Bo’ness
All ages can participate in this festival of silent film with live music.
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WOFFF17 (Women Over 50 Film Festival)
A short film festival celebrating older women in front of and behind the camera.
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Black Moon Film Club
A night for and by adults with learning disabilities.
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An Unashamed Claim to Visibility
Films about queerness + dis/ability curated by Wotever DIY
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Bringing Film to the Westerly Edge
Developing inclusive cinema serving rural/isolated audiences on the Isle of Tiree.
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