Thursday 23 May 2013

Evidence of emails to film festivals.

In my current assignment for unit 2, I need to provide evidence that I have contacted film festival personell and asked them to provide me information. 

Below is the evidence of an email I recieved for Jessie Gibbs a film festival co-ordinator from Cornerhouse film festival.


Hi Jake, here are the answers to a previous request for information, I hope this is of use.
Best regards,
Jessie


How much has its popularity grown since its debut?
Year     Screenings       Attendance 
1995                29        2231
1996                31        1859
1997                23        1441
1998                21        2309
1999                24        2293
2000                34        2858
(all at 10 days)
 
Year
No. days
Screenings
Attendances
2001
10
36
3,865
2002
10
35
4,115
2003
10
58
5,198
2004
10
67
6,773
2005
10
84
8,078
2006
10
83
9,706
2007
10
94
9,646
2008
10
118
10,378
2009
9
56
8,682
2010
27
33
7,353
2011
23
48
10,389
2012
17
36
8,292
2013
17
42
8,985
 
From 2000-2009 we arranged a tour of a selected titles to independent cinemas across the UK (e.g. http://www.cornerhouse.org/film/film-events/%C2%A1viva-15th-spanish-latin-american-film-festival/2). In 2009, after audience consultation, we decided to reduce the number of screenings and extend the duration of the festival, enabling attendees to see even more of the programme on offer.  In 2010 we introduced the art exhibition element to the festival, and so the gallery attendances are included in the figures from that year onwards.                
 
How much preparation goes into each festival?
I work part time on the festival all year round, and most intensively from August to April. In addition to keeping up to date with industry news throughout the year, Rachel Hayward (Cornerhouse Film Programme Manager and ¡Viva! Festival Director) also researches potential films at Cannes in May at the Berlinale in February. From Sep-Dec Rachel and I, with the programme team from local universities and the Instituto Cervantes, narrow the 100-odd films on the long list down to approx. 20-25.
 
¡Viva! offers Spanish conversation meetings to its attendees. Can you tell me a bit about the concept behind this language learning and film education?
 During Viva we offer events aimed at Spanish and Catalan language learners of all ages, and film fans – from people interested in hearing more about a film through an introduction or a podcast, to people looking for detailed subject information in a One Hour Intro. 
We also run study sessions for school groups. This year we programmed two study sessions aimed at young people aged 14-19 in schools and colleges studying Spanish at GCSE, AS, and A2 level. Session leaders Carmen Herrero, Head of Spanish at Manchester Metropolitan University, and Ana Valbuena, Spanish Tutor at the Instituto Cervantes, invited participants to work on languages exercises and engage in conversation on relevant topics after watching a film from this year’s festival programme especially selected to suit their level and curriculum.
 
Who do you think the festival appeals most to: Film fans, Spaniards or Spanish language learners?
It’s designed to appeal to all these groups, but I would say film fans (of any nationality) are the widest target audience.
 
Do you think ¡Viva! is successful at encouraging the growth of Spanish culture in Manchester?
We work closely with the Instituto Cervantes to encourage an appreciation of film and art from Spain and Spanish-speaking Latin America.
 
What was most successful about this year’s ¡Viva!?
Overall the film programme went down very well, with the comedies El Mundo es nuestro and Del lado del verano, along with the classic film Las Largas vacaciones del 36, attracting the most filmgoers. The GCSE session was a sell-out event, using the extremely popular opening night film from last year (Pajaros de papel). We were also at maximum capacity in the Annexe for our free screening of Una Vida sin palabras, which was followed by a lively debate between local disability experts and members of the public, including a group from the Manchester Deaf Centre.
  
How well do you think foreign cinema aids language learning and why?
It motivates students to learn, making learning a more enjoyable process. It appeals to visual learners, and to students of all ages when chosen carefully.
 
What advice would you give someone looking to get involved with film/language education?
Consider the audience carefully – is the film appropriate for the age group and cultural background? Back-up the film-viewing event with a study guide providing background information, discussion points, and a focus on the target language.

Jessie Gibbs
¡Viva! Festival & Cornerhouse Artist Film Coordinator
Programme and Engagement Team
Cornerhouse & The Library Theatre Company
70 Oxford Street
Manchester M1 5NH
UK    
fax: +44 (0) 161 200 1506
¡Viva! Spanish & Latin American Film Festival, 8-24th March 2013
The Library Theatre Co, Cornerhouse and Cornerhouse Publications are trading names of Greater Manchester Arts Centre Ltd a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No: 1681278. Registered office 70 Oxford Street Manchester M1 5NH. Charity No: 514719.
*Please note I work part-time, 2-5pm, Mon - Fri

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