This month we are delighted to welcome Michael Pierce and Monika Rodriguez to share their vast experiences – ranging from DIY film collectives and social activism to film marketing, graphic design and consultancy. In this session they will discuss their vision for the cinemas of the future and give advice and tips on how to rework old-school working practices for maximum social impact.
Monika and Michael will be in conversation with Niamh Brook, YFP at Film East, film writer and podcaster. Niamh is a contributing writer with Film Focus Online, our forthcoming e-booklet ‘Short Guide to Archive Films’ and is Assistant at the Norwich Film Festival. She is also host of The Geronimo Podcast and co-hosts Film East Chats that regularly appears on Radio Norfolk.
About BFI Film Academy Labs
BFI Film Academy Labs are online events for 16 – 25 year olds to gain industry insight and get professional advice and support to develop their own film programming and film making practices. Programmed by the Young Film Programmers’ Network (South East) they are delivered as practical masterclasses, workshops and networking sessions.
This session will be live-captioned, we will provide instructions on how to access the captions at the beginning of the event. If you have any questions about the event please get in touch at: info@independentcinemaoffice.org.uk
You can watch recordings of some of our previous Labs on the ICO YouTube channel.
Speakers
Monika Rodriguez and Michael Pierce
Cinema Nation
Monika Rodriguez and Michael Pierce are Cinema Nation, a Queer-led Community Interest Company based in the North West created to explore, champion, support and encourage film exhibition in all its forms and its abilities to create change. Their work centres on inclusive and environmentally balanced working practices. Combining business experience at first run venues with personal lived experiences, Cinema Nation specialises in cinema communities, inspiring collaborative partnerships based on an in depth knowledge and understanding of the UK and international cultural exhibition sectors, from grassroots programmers to larger cinemas, festivals and chains. Winners of the Roebuck Cup at Cinema For All’s Film Society of the Year Awards 2020 for their work in championing cinema.