First programme details announced for BFI FAN CON

Preparations for BFI FAN CON 2024 are well underway with the first conference sessions now announced – and more sessions still to come.

BFI FAN CON will take place on 11-13 September 2024 at Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast. At the conference, cinemas and film exhibitors from across the UK will gather to learn about some of the most exciting FAN project and draw inspiration on new ways to reach and engage audiences.

Passes are on sale now and some low-cost accommodation is still available.

Book your pass here


Conference sessions will include:

Saving our cinema, securing our future

Curated by Strand Arts Centre, Belfast. This practical and inspirational session will reflect on the challenges faced and lessons learnt by venues across the UK that have successfully embarked on ambitious renovation programmes to secure their futures.

Spotlight Panel + Workshop: Working with communities in underserved areas

Led by Amy Smart – Film Hub Midlands Spotlight Lead. How the BFI FAN Spotlight programme is investing in culturally underserved communities to improve audience choice and widen access to screenings of independent film and what others can learn from their work.

Presentations: Updates from the industry & sector-wide initiatives

A chance to get updates and ask questions of some new and continuing developments in the industry, including the newly-established Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority and Escapes.

The health and wellbeing benefits of attending the cinema

Curated by Claire Horrocks, Exeter Phoenix. This session will inspire us to think in new ways about how film exhibitors can make a contribution to wellbeing and challenge us to better articulate the healing power of cinema.

Case studies: Making film festivals more sustainable and inclusive

Led by Yi Wang – Queer East, London and Michael Pattison – Alchemy Film & Arts, Hawick. How can we think differently and more expansively about the role and potential of film festivals to promote inclusion and be more sustainable presences in the communities where we’re located?

Board game: Environmental sustainability planning

Led by Bruno Miguel Castro. Facilitator and cinema curator Bruno Miguel Castro will lead this session where he’ll introduce the board game Sustainability in the Arts that challenges organisations to rethink the possibilities of their approach to environmental sustainability.

New audiences for repertory cinema

This panel discussion will look at the new wave of interest in repertory cinema from audiences, what’s behind it and discuss how FAN members can harness this energy to attract new audiences and enrich their programmes. 

Visit the BFI FAN CON web page for more details of these sessions.


Passes

  • Conference Pass – £100
  • Small Organisations Conference Pass – £85
  • Freelancers Conference Pass – £85
  • Early Bird Tickets – SOLD OUT

Accommodation

There is still availability for low-cost rooms at Queen’s University Belfast. You can apply when you book your delegate pass. BFI FAN CON has also negotiated discounts with local hotels.


Support to attend

Film Hub Scotland members can apply for a Training & Development Bursary to support your attendance at the conference. 


Book your pass here