Links (click on the images) to various resources for anyone interested in particular films, and how & where film is shown by film societies, independent cinemas and mixed arts venues. We will probably be adding a few more over time.
There are a number of national & regional bodies which support both film-making and film exhibition in the UK, whose roles are currently changing following the government's abolition of the UK Film Council. Some of the sites we link to have much more comprehensive sets of links than those we suggest here.
The Internet Movie Database A great source of facts and figures for practically all known films, though details may be sparse on seriously old stuff and more obscure foreign films. Most of the content is contributed by ordinary users of the site, and you can join up as well - rate the films, contribute your own reviews and engage in bulletin board exchanges about any aspect of a particular film.
BFI Info & Archives The British Film Institute (BFI) is the UK's main national film body, as well as being active in the distribution and exhibition (BFI Southbank & BFI Imax) of films. Now set to expand further by taking over many functions previously handled by the UK Film Council, including the funding of new film production. Also produces the monthly magazine 'Sight & Sound', from which selected content can be viewed online.
Guardian.co.uk Film A really good value site which combines shortened versions of recent film reviews from 'The Observer' (Philip French) and 'The Guardian' (Peter Bradshaw), plus lots of other film news that is usually bang-up-to-date or offers some other interesting angles.
Rotten Tomatoes Similar in some ways to the IMDB, with critic's ratings shown by its 'Tomatometer', but with reviews which link to sites all over the world (although North America predominates).
We have already mentioned the British Film Institute, from whom we hire many of the films we show, but here are some of the others which are of particular significance to film societies -
The British Federation of Film Societies - of which we are a member. Provides advice & support on a variety of topics of concern to film societies, and also operates a booking scheme through which some of our films are sourced. It also has regional groups. Those more distant from London are more active than ours (the 'South East'), and the South West Group is particularly strong, with it own website that is well worth a look.
Independent Cinema Office The ICO has a broader remit than the BFFS, extending to independent commercial cinemas and training for film industry professionals, but also helps film societies. Its twice-yearly advance screening days of forthcoming films are particularly helpful to us, and (like the BFI & BFFS) we source some films through them.
The UK Film Council Although closed down in April, the Film Council's website is (for the time being) still up & running, highlighting many of their successes and giving information about the transfer of functions to other bodies (mostly the BFI).
Here are two excellent sites run by individuals that offer a wealth of information (and lots more links!) -
The Unofficial UK Film Societies website is run by Dave Watterson, a great enthusiast for the film society movement who prides himself on his comprehensive coverage of film societies nationwide, plus lots of other information on things like distributors and film events in general.
The Mad Cornish Projectionist is the site of freelance professional projectionist Peter Knight. Extremely strong on all technical matters relating to projection (film & digital), and has probably the most comprehensive set of links to be found on any film-related website.
The film society movement encourages co-operation between neighbouring societies, and we have reciprocal admission arrangements with Slough and Woking.
Bracknell Film Society show their films at the South Hill Park Arts Centre (see also 'Arts Centre' venues below) on the south side of Bracknell. A very long established (50 years) society run by a team with great knowledge and enthusiasm.
Richmond Film Society - another long established society showing films in the Studio Theatre of the Richmond Adult & Community College in Parkshot, Richmond (very close to Richmond Station).
Slough Co-operative Film Society - shows films regularly in the West Wing Arts Centre in Slough and also contributes special film events which form part of the Windsor Fringe Festival.
Woking's New Cinema Club - the only film society in the area to go for a more imaginative name. Winner of several BFFS awards, including 'Film Society of the Year', and shows films regularly in Mayford Village Hall on the south side of Woking.
Walton & Weybridge Film Society is also nearby, and show their films via an arrangement with the Walton 'Everyman' cinema. They do not have a website and we have no contact information for them.
The Electric Theatre in Guildford shows films in occasional festivals (films every few days for two or three weeks at a time), most recently in September. The Firestation arts centre in Windsor (which replaced the old Windsor Arts Centre) also shows films amongst all its various events and activities, including films for children most Saturdays. The South Hill Park arts centre in Bracknell has a regular film programme in addition to the Bracknell Film Society showings which take place there. The Watermans arts centre in Brentford has a regular film programme which includes parent & baby screenings and Asian films.