Film accolade for Arts Partnership

This will be made possible by Ballymena Arts Partnership’s (BAP) recent win of the prestigious British Film Institute Audience Network Award.

BAP received an award of £3,000 for 2014 to develop the Film Theatre at The Braid and will receive further awards for successive years up to 2017.

Bringing details to a Borough Council committee meeting, last week, Council officer Karen Hargan said the funding for next year will go towards programming a series of film events for the borough.

This will include plans for a major outdoor Drive-In Movie event and the use of an empty town centre outlet for a series of film screenings and development of The Braid Film Theatre.

Also through the British Film Institute Award, BAP has been announced as a ‘Film Hub for Northern Ireland’, in partnership with Queen’s Film Theatre (QFT).

The aim of the hub, Mrs Hargan said, will be to connect with and grow audiences; encourage participation and collaboration in film culture in a way that is open and accessible to all; and, to reflect and champion the creativity and culture that is specific to Northern Ireland.

She told councillors that the winning of the British Film Institute Award and designation as a ‘Film Hub’ would have many positive implications for Council.

These, she said, included the opportunity to develop the local arts and events programme, to embark on partner projects with statutory and voluntary sectors, major recognition and PR opportunities for both Council and the Arts Partnership, and, employment opportunities for local arts and film makers.