Forest Row Film Society

Well over a hundred people packed into Forest Row village hall for the inaugural screening using Forest Row Film Society’s new digital equipment. With a new twelve foot screen, sound system and projector, it was clear that Forest Row now has its own cinema.

The audience, made up of all ages and from all parts of the village, enjoyed the new Lebanese film Caramel, weaving the stories of five women and the Beirut beauty parlour they frequent or work in.

From Forest Row Film Society, Brad Scott thanked all the sponsors and donors for their support in enabling this new venture: Heart of the Community awards; Gatwick Airport Community Trust; Wealden District Council Community Fund; Screen South; and Awards for All. Brad also announced that Sonia Ashe was to be made an honorary life member of the society; Sonia joined the society soon after its beginning in 1978 and served as secretary only until recently, and this recognises the immense effort she contributed to the organisation throughout its history.

Forest Row Film Society has received an award at the national Film Society of the Year Awards ceremony at the magnificent Cutlers’ Hall in the heart of Sheffield. Organised by The British Federation of Film Societies (BFFS) as part of last weekend’s National Conference for Film Societies and Community Cinemas, this is a significant recognition of the society’s activities in the provision of community cinema in Forest Row.

Receiving the prize in the best website category on behalf of Forest Row Film Society, Brad Scott commented “About six years ago the society was on the verge of closing; since then we have managed to increase our audience considerably, and extended the range of our programming. We have also raised £13,000 for new digital equipment, which will mean we can reach out to other parts of the community as well. This award provides great support for our activities.”

Read the full press release

Julieanne Crothers-Gibson (BFFS Chair), Brad Scott (Forest Row Film Society) and Derek Malcolm (BFFS President). © Pixelwitch Pictures 2008

The village festival is already happening, and we are screening Uncle Vanya tonight.
You can read a programme of all the events here [pdf]. Please come along and bring all your friends.