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‘Come and Meet Another Me’ community cinema project to launch at the museum

The National Science and Media Museum is launching an exciting new project which will give local communities more of a say in the future of its cinema programming.

Supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding, the Come and Meet Another Me project seeks to make Pictureville Cinema more open to be programmed by the communities of Bradford, for the communities of Bradford. The cinema team want to ensure that the films on show at Pictureville share and reflect the stories that are important to local people, exploring the universal themes which unite us all.

Anyone from Bradford and the surrounding areas can get involved in the project and can register their interest by contacting Gin Jacobucci, Volunteer Coordinator at the National Science and Media Museum, at guenievre.jacobucci@scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk or 01274 203 352. The project is keen to hear from Pictureville’s closest neighbours and is particularly seeking participants from the Manningham and City wards in Bradford.

Those who register their interest will initially be invited to an event in Pictureville where they can find out more about how the cinemas currently operate and programme films. Following this, participants will be invited to a programming group where they will be offered six slots over six months to show the films they would like to see screened. They can choose any film as long as the relevant permissions to screen can be found. The cinema team will provide participants with guidance throughout the process, including providing the necessary film licensing fees, assisting with the marketing of the screenings, and supporting ticket pricing.

Commenting on the project, Kathryn Penny, Head of Screen Operation, said:

“We are delighted to be launching Come and Meet Another Me at Pictureville Cinema. It is so important that the films we show in our cinemas are reflective of our communities and this is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with local people and understand what they would like to see screened. We are open minded to all suggestions and look forward to seeing a more diverse and representative programme on our big screens in the future.”

Shazia Khadim, Community Development Manager with The Leap, added:

“The Leap are excited to be partnering on this project to support a community takeover of Pictureville Cinema. This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to influence and have an active part in what's shown on the big screen.”

This summer, The Leap will also be launching a community cinema project where local people can learn about and put on their own screenings in the areas they live. With support from Film Hub North, this project will bring people together for shared cultural experiences and social engagement around film.

Both projects will play a key role in broadening access to film. Cultural activity can help combat loneliness, offer opportunities for discussion and bring people from different backgrounds together around shared interests.

In line with current government guidelines, Pictureville Cinema will be reopening to the public on Friday 21 May 2021 with afternoon and evening screenings in its three theatres, including IMAX, from Wednesday to Sunday weekly. The safety of visitors and staff is the top priority, and a number of measures will be in place to ensure a safe visit, including asking customers to book tickets in advance, socially distanced seating arrangements, hand sanitiser stations at key points such as entrances and exits, and enhanced cleaning of the theatres between screenings.

Earlier this month the museum was also excited to announce the return of Widescreen Weekend this autumn. The film festival will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on 7–10 October 2021 with exclusive screenings and events showcasing big, bold cinema experiences and film technology. More details about this year’s festival programme and how to book tickets will be announced soon.

The National Science and Media Museum will reopen to the public on Wednesday 19 May 2021. Museum opening hours remain 10.00–16.00, Wednesday to Sunday, and visitors must book a free admission ticket in advance. Tickets to visit the museum and cinemas are available to book now via the museum website.

For more information about the reopening of the National Science and Media Museum and Pictureville Cinema, please see the reopening FAQ.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

For more details, please contact Katie Canning, Press and PR Manager, National Science and Media Museum: katie.canning@scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk / 01274 203 027

The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, West Yorkshire, opened in 1983, and has since become one of the most visited UK museums outside London. The museum explores the science and culture of image and sound technologies, creating special exhibitions, interactive galleries and activities for families and adults. It is home to three cinemas, including Europe’s first IMAX cinema screen and the world’s only public Cinerama screen outside the USA. Entry to the museum is free.