PLATFORM

Applications for Platform are now open!

Have you ever wanted to fulfil an exciting new ambition at your community cinema? Perhaps you have had ideas for a film festival, special event or heritage or outreach project? Cinema For All’s micro bursary scheme is here to help Platform your next big idea!

As part of Platform you will receive:

• £1000 bursary to make your project a reality.
• 3x online coaching consultation sessions with the Cinema For All team to help you; project plan, have a midpoint check in, and to reflect on your project after completion.

Previous projects have included:

• Partnering with another organisation to create a special event or reach a new audience.
• Making a booklet charting the history of a community cinema.
• Running a food and film festival.
• Creating a young programmers group.

You can get creative with your Platform project and use it to try something new, achieve your next ambition or develop your audiences as Platform is here for you to explore something you haven’t done before at your community cinema.

The coaching consultation sessions take place online, via Zoom, so you and your team can join each session together. Each session lasts up to an hour and the sessions will take place between June – December 2025.

“Despite having years of experience running screenings and events, I really enjoyed talking through the elements of the projects, goals and reflecting on what I’ve achieved at the end with someone from the Cinema for All staff. It really made me feel supported and it was also helpful to talk through ideas and problems with someone who was outside of the project, but with a lot of experience in running community events” – Platform participant 2023

To Apply:

We have 5 spaces on Platform and applications are open from 8th May to midnight to 26 May 2025.

Please note:

• This is open to volunteer-led and not for profit screening groups that have been running 12 months or longer. You do not need to be a member of Cinema For All to apply.
• Coaching will take place between June-December 2025 and your Platform project must be completed by end of December 2025.  
• The £1000 micro-bursary is for projects that can be completed with this funding, rather than dependent on gaining additional funding (unless this is additional funding that you have already raised prior to applying to Platform).
• Apply by completing our short online application form or by submitting an audio or video recording answering the questions in the form. If you are applying via a video or audio recording please email your application to info@cinemaforall.org.uk. Please note applications open on 8th May 2025.
• Anyone from any part of the UK can apply but we are particularly interested in applications from groups based in Humberside and North Wales, as there is currently less cinema provision in these parts of the UK.
• Cinema For All values diversity and we encourage applications from people of African or Caribbean heritage, people of South, East and South East Asian heritage, people who experience racism, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities.

If you have any questions about Platform please call us on 0114 2210314 or email us at info@cinemaforall.org.uk.

This programme is funded by the BFI awarding funds from the National Lottery.