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Getting to know CineMe in Bristol

Posted on: 23 Jul 2014

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CineMe was set up in Bristol back in June 2008 by James Ewen and Joe Haynes to provide a platform for creative people to showcase their talents in the field of independent production and short film. 365Bristol caught up with James to find out some more information about the organisation.

 

1. When was CineMe set up and what are it’s aims and objectives?

 

CineMe was set-up in Bristol in 2008 by myself and Joe Haynes.  Our aim was to host events and screenings to help showcase independent and short film work.  We wanted to screen film work from local filmmakers and to encourage people to use CineMe to exhibit their works and to network with people with similar interests and skills.

 

During our five years, we have screened short film animations, documentaries, drama, music videos and independent feature films.  We have also ran workshops and talks, which have been aimed at inspiring filmmakers and movie buffs.  One of our guests was the BAFTA winning writer Bob Baker, who wrote episodes for Doctor Who in the 1970s and scripts with Nick Park on the Wallace and Gromit films. CineMe offers an alternative film experience and our aim is to champion independent film and help filmmakers get their films seen by an audience.  We also want to offer audiences an alternative program, where they can experience film in a social setting.  Films of a high quality that they would not be able to see at their local cinema or on television.
 

2. Are you from Bristol?

 

I am from Bristol... Born and bred. I've lived in the city for nearly 33 years, having been brought-up near Fishponds in an area called Stapleton. I now live in Bedminster and have been here for nearly 3 years.

 

3. How’s it going?

 

CineMe has gone from strength to strength over the last few years.  We put on an event for the Bath Film Festival in 2012 and were asked to be part of the fringe activity for the Encounters Short Film Festival last year.

 

We launched a new-look CineMe website a few years back (www.cinemefilms.com), which showcases some of the best short film work shown at CineMe events and includes articles and interviews with some of the filmmakers we showcase. We also run our monthly CineMe Shorts evening, which takes place every last Tuesday of the month at the Tobacco Factory Bar and have also launched a YouTube channel to champion short film and will also have a compilation of films shown on the Big Screen in Millenium Square in Central Bristol.

 

4. How can people get involved?

 

We're always looking for new people keen to screen their work at CineMe and to attend our events. If you have made a short film animation, documentary, drama piece or a music video, and are keen to have it screened please drop me a line.  My email is james.ewen@cinemefilms.com. CineMe advertise all our film showings on our website (www.cinemefilms.com), and we also have a Twitter page and a Facebook group.

 

5. How do you find running a community/independent film promotion organisation in Bristol?

 

From a very young age I fell in love with cinema.  I've never lost that feeling and I suppose I am one of those typical cineasts who eats, drinks and sleeps cinema.
I am always fascinated by discovery.  Seeing a film of merit that you had never heard about...  Listening to a Beatles record for the first time...  Or reading a fascinating book.  That kind of thing!

I've always really got a buzz discovering new talent and using CineMe as a talent scout to promote, encourage and showcase young and aspiring filmmakers.  I enjoy meeting and talking to the people who come to CineMe and support our cause.  I also like devising a film program and deciding what to show.  Sometimes the films are funny.  Sometimes thought provoking.  Sometimes there visually stunning.  I like to mix-up the program...  Keep it interesting...  different and at times take some risk!

 

6. Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?

 

I have a spicy palette and I adore Indian food.  So for me there's The Clove and Al's Tikka Grill in Bedminster. I also like the Chinese harbourside restaurant Zen and a fabulous Moroccan restaurant in Fishponds called the Marhaba Bistro.

 

7. What's your favourite place in Bristol?

 

My favourite place in Bristol has to be the Watershed.  It's absolute heaven for anyone that loves film - especially world cinema. There's a nice bar and they screen the type of cinema that wets my appetite.  They also show some of those great iconic films and some of my favourites, which I have been fortunate enough to see on the big screen.  Movies like Citizen Kane, Rashomon, Taxi Driver, the Three Colours Trilogy, Touch of Evil and Chinatown.

 

8. Where do you see CineMe in 5 years time?

 

That's a hard question. Well, five years would mark our tenth anniversary. I suppose in five years I would like to see CineMe regarded as one of the most important platforms for showcasing short and independent film. It would also be nice to establish an annual CineMe film festival for the city.

 

9. What advice would you give to similar organisations in need of funding, volunteers or extra members?

 

My advice for other organisations wanting to run events is to have a good plan of action, a good concept/brand and to do something you have an interest and passion for. Never forget who your audience and supporters are and treat your co-workers with respect and don't exploit them.

 

10. If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?

 

If I was Mayor for a day, I would have to champion the arts in Bristol and introduce an annual film festival, which would aim to champion British cinema, filmmaking and creativity.  A film festival where the city is devoted and helps support the event and a variety of venues are used to showcase new films made from around the globe, but with a focus on championing British cinema and new talent.

 

For more information please visit www.cinemefilms.com.

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