Film Theatre Joins 'Big Arts Give'

A regional 'arts' film theatre, the iconic Queen's Film Theatre (QFT) has been chosen to take part in The Big Arts Give, a high profile online individual campaign which takes place from Monday 6th to Friday 10th December.

As Northern Ireland's foremost independent cinema it aims to raise £5,000 through this national campaign, which helps arts and cultural charities build and develop the income they receive from individuals.

Launching the campaign, Susan Picken, Head of QFT said: "For over 40 years, QFT has given local audiences their only consistent opportunity to engage with film culture from around the world, so we are calling on fans to take part in The Big Arts Give to pledge their support and commitment to its future."

Offering local audiences the only real alternative to the multiplex, QFT - which is on the campus of south Queen's University, Belfast - is the only specialised cinema dedicated to showcasing independent, classic and world cinema and reflecting cultural diversity.

During its lifetime, QFT has brought the work of many great directors - such as Martin Scorsese, David Lynch, Mike Leigh and Ken Loach - to Belfast audiences for the first time and has been honoured to welcome some of them in person.

Alongside the greats QFT also offers a platform for locally made short films and work by the great filmmakers of the future.

Last year was a record year for QFT, as 87,000 patrons including almost 6,000 children and young people engaged with film through QFT.

As the 'moving image' becomes more embedded in the school curriculum, the QFT Education and Outreach programme is also ever more important as a unique resource for film-lovers of all ages, offering a range of introductory talks, workshops and other activities to complement film screenings.

The team at the cinema also works closely with creative partners, galleries and museums to present film to new audiences in an exciting and accessible way.

QFT has strong links with local charitable organisations and creative collaborations with Autism NI, Unite Against Hate and Outburst amongst many others, which reinforce its commitment to the local community.

To take part, please log on to www.thebiggive.org.uk on Monday 6 December and donate with every penny given through The Big Arts Give going directly to support the work at QFT.

(BMcC/GK)