The idea
The Bay International Film Festival will return in November 2024 with film screenings and cinematic events! Our venues will include Reel Cinema, West End Playhouse, More Music, King's Arms and Johnny's Warehouse Bar. We're committed to accessibility, offering free/low-cost tickets and even childcare support to our audiences.
Highlights will include: Independent film screenings, Retrospectives, 8 short film programmes, Q&A sessions with film & TV guests, Film networking events, Family friendly animation, Experimental art house films, Photo exhibition, Documentaries about women, Previews, TV Forum, Film forum "Women in Focus" & Red Carpet Awards Ceremony.
Your support makes this possible! Invest in Morecambe's cultural future, create youth opportunities, and boost our local economy. Join us in bringing movie magic to Morecambe Bay!
Every donation counts. Together, we'll put our town on the film industry map. Help us double last year's 900+ attendees and make 2024 unforgettable!
What we'll deliver
- We will organise 8+ screenings of feature films over a month
- We will show 8 short film programmes with Q&A sessions
- We will organise 4 community screenings
- We will organise 4 film club with films discussions over tea
- We will run 1 or even 2 Forums with guests from film and TV industry
- We will organise a Red Carpet Awards Ceremony event (Morecambe's Oscars"
- We will screen family-friendly short animations
- We will screen inspiring documentaries about some great women
- We will run a photo exhibition "The Beauty of Morecambe Bay"
- We will help with free tickets for those who cannot afford to buy
Why it's a great idea
TBIFF will bring multiple benefits to Morecambe:
Community cohesion: Uniting diverse groups, fostering local pride
Economic boost: Attracting visitors, supporting local businesses
Cultural enrichment: Providing access to diverse, international films
Mental health: Improving wellbeing through shared experiences
Education: Open access learning opportunities via Q&As and forums
Inclusivity: Accessible to all through free/low-cost tickets
Some of the specific benefits to highlight:
Nearby residents: Easy access to world-class cinema
Parents: Childcare support, family-friendly screenings
Film professionals: Networking opportunities
Local businesses: Increased footfall
Students: Learning and work experience
Underrepresented groups: Platform for diverse voices
Environmental enthusiasts: Eco-friendly practices
Research shows cultural events positively impact local economies and community wellbeing. Let's invest in Morecambe's vibrant future!
Steps to get it done
- Creating the Programme (August-September)
- Festival Marketing (September-November)
- Festival Running (November)
- Festival Evaluation (January)
HOW WE TACKLE COST-OF-LIVING
The festival organisers understand that the current cost of living crisis may prevent some local residents from attending the festival screenings. Therefore, we aim to assist those with low incomes, who may not prioritise cinema, in attending the screenings without straining their family budgets. For this we will:
1. Offer free access open to the general public events and short film programs, along with tea, coffee, refreshments, and film club discussions.
2. Offer 10 free tickets to each paid film screening
3. Provide minimum 10 Single Parent Childcare Bursary to help access our events
