#SaveNIFilm – a campaign to reverse the proposed 50% cuts to
NI film exhibition and education organisations
Below is a short summary of the benefits of the Northern Ireland film exhibition and
education organisations which are currently under threat due to proposed 50%
funding cuts from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
We urgently need your support to reverse these cuts. The deadline for responses to
the 2015-2016 budget consultation is 29 December 2014 and full details on the
campaign are available from www.queensfilmtheatre.com.
You can respond to the draft budget by post or online, using the address/links below:
Postal address:
Budget Consultation
S1, New Building
Rathgael House
Balloo Road
Bangor
BT19 7NA
E-mail: budgetconsultation@dfpni.gov.uk
Via web app: http://objectnow.pgtb.me/R2bx7l
ECONOMIC
According to Arlene Foster, NI Enterprise Minister, the Film and TV industry is worth £329
million to the economy. In order for this to continue to prosper, it is imperative to have the
necessary exhibition and educational infrastructure in place – including organisations like
Belfast and Foyle Film Festivals, Queen’s Film Theatre and Cinemagic.
Northern Ireland must be seen internationally to be 'hospitable' to film - as a location, as a
well-stocked pool of specialist knowledge and experience, as a source of keen talent in front
of and behind the camera, and as an exhibition hub for new product.
The affected organisations offer an extremely high return for a small amount of investment.
Currently Northern Ireland film organisations receive a fraction of their Scottish counterparts.
Any further reduction in funding would be extremely serious, if not fatal, to their very
existence.
EDUCATION & CREATIVITY
These organisations are key in educating, inspiring and motivating people (especially young
people), providing skills-based opportunities, and specific opportunities for those wishing to
learn about or forge a career in the film and television industry. It is vital that this work is
continued so that the Film and TV sector can continue to deliver a trained workforce.
ACCESSIBILTY
Film exhibition is widely and universally accessible to most parts of the community and does
not have the same barriers to access as other cultural offers. On the whole, cinemas are
safe, inclusive, non-threatening, non-cliquey, comfortable (there is no dress code for
example) and relatively affordable. Going to the cinema is also familiar to most people and
appeals to the widest spectrum of society.
Accessibility is a particularly relevant point for children and young people. Often going to the
cinema will be amongst their first independent social activities.
CULTURE
Films can be “windows into the world” that expose people to new and diverse ideas, forms,
concepts and cultures.
Film can raise awareness of diversity and of other groups and cultures, increasing tolerance
and empathy across society and breaking down barriers between people.
Film exhibition and education reduces isolation, fosters stronger communities and develops
feelings of belonging, personal and cultural identity.
COMMUNITY
Film exhibition provides public spaces in which people get together and share experiences.
It is a catalyst for social activities; for interaction; for breaking down barriers between
communities and creating a shared sense of culture and space.
By sharing a space and seeing themselves represented on screen, people, particularly
disconnected groups can feel better integrated and connected (ethnic minorities, rurally
isolated groups, older and younger people). As a global medium, film connects local people
to the world more immediately and powerfully than any other cultural form.
#SaveNIFilm
Please take two minutes to respond to the draft budget. You can use the below template and
post or e-mail your letter to DCAL using the address/links below. Feel free to personalise
your message and let DCAL know (politely!) why film matters to you.
Postal address:
Budget Consultation
S1, New Building
Rathgael House
Balloo Road
Bangor
BT19 7NA
E-mail: budgetconsultation@dfpni.gov.uk AND budgetconsultation@dcalni.gov.uk
Via web app: http://objectnow.pgtb.me/R2bx7l
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in response to the news that the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has
asked organisations that are funded through Northern Ireland Screen to prepare for a 50%
cut in funding in 2015-16. I am extremely concerned about this news and wish it to be
officially recorded as part of the current budget consultation that I fully oppose these cuts.
The organisations affected by these proposed cuts - Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast Film
Festival, Foyle Film Festival, Creative Learning Centres in Derry~Londonderry, Belfast and
Armagh and Cinemagic - are integral to the social, cultural and creative fabric of Northern
Ireland.
At a time when the film and creative industries in Northern Ireland are being celebrated on a
world stage, the unprecedented level of these proposed cuts puts their future at serious risk.
According to Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, these industries are worth £329 million to the
Northern Ireland economy. For this growth to continue, Northern Ireland must be seen
internationally to be 'hospitable' to film - as a location, as a well-stocked pool of specialist
knowledge and experience, as a source of keen talent in front of and behind the camera,
and as an exhibition hub for new product. Once that sense of 'hospitality' is diminished, after
decades of building it up, I am concerned it will never recover and the impact will affect all
aspects of the business.
The funding which these organisations receive is minimal - a mere fraction of what their
counterparts in other parts of the UK, (e.g. Scotland), receive. In return, these organisations
contribute to creating a vibrant Northern Ireland that both residents and visitors can enjoy,
providing vital training, inspiration and education to support the burgeoning film industry.
Film is one of the most accessible art forms around; cinemas are safe, inclusive, nonthreatening and affordable. The work of Northern Ireland’s film exhibition and education
organisations exposes people to new ideas and cultures, increases tolerance and empathy
across society and breaks down barriers between people. They help build a sense of
community cohesion and cultural identity, reducing isolation, inspiring creativity and raising
aspirations.
Film exhibitors and educators are integral to a Northern Ireland with a bright economic and
cultural future. Any cuts to the sector would only serve to shrink the economy, decrease
employability and make Northern Ireland a less attractive place to both live and visit.
I strongly urge you to reconsider these cuts and look forward to receiving your response.
Yours sincerely,
_____________________
Name
______________________________________________
Address
______________________________________________
Postcode