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
