Series 1
Episode 1: Animation
In this first episode Jaq and Abi chat about new film releases (Freak Show, In the Fade, Overboard) and delve into this month’s theme: animation. Jaq also visits the newly built independent cinema Lewes Depot Cinema where she watches the first British animated feature film Animal Farm and interviews the daughter of legendary animators Halas and Batchelor, Vivien Halas. This episode is supported by Anim18 a celebration of British animation happening right across the UK until November 2018. For details of what’s happening and how to take part, visit www.anim18.co.uk.
Minisode 1: Pin Cushion interview with Deborah Haywood and Joanna Scanlan
It’s our first minisode! Jaq catches up with writer/ director of new British indie film Pin Cushion Deborah Haywood, as well as one of the stars, Joanna Scanlan (In the Loop, The Thick of It, The Woman in White). They talk women in film, working class cinema, what it feels like to play a bullied character and the importance of volunteer-led cinema.
Episode 2: Working Class Cinema
In this second, full length episode Jaq and Abi chat about new film releases (Pin Cushion, Generation Wealth, Vertigo, Mamma Mia 2 ) and delve into this month’s theme: working class cinema (Taste of Honey, Room at the Top, Purely Belter, This is England, 400 Blows). Abi also travels to Nottingham to interview the writer, archivist and broadcaster Danny Leigh (Guardian, BBC Film, BFI) about how he defines working class cinema, and what we can do to encourage more working class filmmakers/ actors into the creative arts.
Minisode 2: What is cinema in 2018? Shot Reverse Shot interview
Jaq and Abi were recently featured on Shot Reverse Shot, a brilliant podcast hosted by Matt Risby and Edwin Davies – who have kindly let us share that segment with you on the Cinema For All podcast feed. Jaq and Abi talk to Matt about the changing face of cinema-going in response to a tweet from Mark Kermode that read: “A cinema without a projectionist is not a cinema; it is a sweet-shop with a video screen.” How do you think community cinemas joint biggest fans respond to that?!! Listen and find out!
Episode 3: DIY Cinema
Jaq and Abi chat about new film releases (Christopher Robin, The Eyes of Orson Welles,Blackkklansman, The Spy Who Dumped Me) and delve into this month’s theme: DIY cinema, touching on Secret Cinema, immersive cinema screenings and the history of the film society movement in the UK. Abi also travels to Manchester with our colleague Ellie Ragdale (Handmade Cinema) to interview Marjorie Ainsworth. Marjorie is the president of Manchester and Salford Film Society and has been putting on film screenings since 1939.
Minisode 3: September cinema preview
Jaq and Abi preview the new September film releases in the UK, including The Miseducation of Cameron Post, C’est la Vie, Skate Kitchen, Lucky, Anchor and Hope, The Godfather, MATANGI/MAYA/M.I.A and The Rider.
Episode 4: Yourself on Screen
Jaq and Abi chat about new film releases (Blindspotting, Skate Kitchen, Kusama: Infinity and A Star is Born) and delve into this month’s theme: seeing yourself on screen, in which we welcome the wonderful Delphine Lievens from Altitude Releasing to talk about films that have been important to her both now and when growing up, such as Ladybird, Ghostworld, Pariah, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Creed, Ballast, Roots, Moonlight, Get Out, Fruitvale Station, Give Me the Loot and many more. We talk in depth about the importance of seeing characters and stories in which you feel represented, and how empowering that can be if you are from a community or a background largely underrepresented in modern media. This episode is supported Skate Kitchen, released by Modern Films.
Minisode 4: The Rider interview with Brady Jandreau
Abi and Producer Jay interview real life cowboy and star of The Rider, Brady Jandreau. Directed by Chloe Zhao, The Rider tells Brady’s story after he suffers a terrible riding accident on the rodeo circuit which leaves him unable to compete. The film follows him whilst he searches for a new purpose. Based on Brady’s actual life, the film also stars his friends and family. The Rider is getting incredible reviews and is out now in the UK.
Minisode 5: Nae Pasaran! Interview with Felipe Bustos Sierra
Jaq and Producer Jay catch up with the director of the new documentary Nae Pasaran! and talk about storytelling, the parallels between journalism and filmmaking, and fighting fascism whilst eating porridge.
Minisode 6: Matangi/Maya/ M.I.A. interview with Steve Loveridge
Our lovely colleague Rosie recently interviewed the maker of new documentary Matangi/ Maya/ M.I.A., Steve Loveridge. The film is an intimate look at the pop star who refuses to fit the mould and conform to stereotypes. Steve is a long term friend of M.I.A.’s, and put together an outstanding piece of documentary film which also features extensive footage made by M.I.A. herself, both in the UK and in Sri Lanka.
Episode 5: Queer Cinema
Jaq and Abi chat about new film releases (Widows, Some Like It Hot, Peterloo, Nae Pasaran and 9-5) and delve into this month’s theme: queer cinema. In this episode, we welcome the marvellous Rico Johnson-Sinclair from CineQ to talk about films that have been important to him such as Tongues Untied, the difficulty around accessing queer films, particular featuring queer people of colour and about his fantastic work screening films. We talk in depth about representation on screen of queer people, in particular queer people of colour, the difference it can make when films are made by queer people, building audiences for these films and much more!
Minisode 7: Possum interview with Matthew Holness
Jaq spoke with writer and director of new British horror Possum, Matthew Holness. Matthew was in Sheffield recently as part of a Q&A tour, and we grabbed him for a quick interview. Matthew is known to small screen viewers as the star and creator of Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, which only ran for one series on Channel 4 but has a huge cult following and helped launch the careers of talent such as Alice Lowe, Richard Ayoade and Matt Berry.
Episode 6: Comedy
Jaq and Abi delve into this month’s theme: comedy! In this episode, we welcome the dynamic duo Linnea Pettersson and Mikaela Smith who are part of the programming team at Showroom Cinema. We talk about the season of comedy films they have put together, how they welcome audiences into their venue, and some of their own favourite comedy films. Jaq and Abi also share their comedy heroes, chat about upcoming cinema releases and preview some of the amazing screenings happening across the country as part of the BFI Comedy season.
Minisode 8: End of Year Roundup
We have another minisode for you, and this time it’s a Christmas special! Jaq, Abi and Producer Jay discuss their favourite Christmas films, the best (and worst!) films they’ve seen at the cinema this year (I Tonya, The Rider, The Square) and what’s coming out in 2019 that excites them.
Episode 7: Women Filmmakers/Vote 100
Jaq and Abi talk about their love of women directors and their frustration at the lack of awards recognition for their favourites, especially in light of the recent BAFTA nominations. Jaq and Abi also chat about upcoming cinema releases Destroyer, Beautiful Boy and Vice. In this episode, we also welcome our Cinema For All colleagues Deborah Parker and Oriana Franceschi to talk about our part in the nationwide Vote 100 celebrations, which mark 100 years since the start of women’s suffrage in the UK.
Episode 8: Documentaries
Jaq and Abi talk about their favourite documentaries – what makes a doc cinematic, the attraction of docs to modern audiences and some of the recent huge box office successes such as RBG, Three Identical Strangers and Free Solo. They also chat about what they’ve seen at the cinema recently (Vice, Fyre, The Favourite) and what’s coming out soon (On the Basis Sex, Capernaum and A Private War). We also welcome Sheffield Doc/Fest Interim Director Melanie Iredale, who chats to us about the festival, her favourite documentaries and what makes a documentary really resonate with an cinema audience.
Minisode 9: Border interview with Ali Abbasi
Producer Jay speaks with director of the acclaimed new film Border, Ali Abbasi.
Minisode 10: Out of Blue interview with Carol Morley
Abi and our lovely colleague Rosie interviewed British filmmaker, Carol Morley, director of the new film Out of Blue starring Patricia Clarkson (Sharp Objects), whilst she was on her tour of UK independent cinemas. Out of Blue is out in the UK on 29 March.
Minisode 11: Being Frank interview with Steve Sullivan
Abi catches up with the director of new British documentary Being Frank: The Chris Sievey Story, which tells the story of the life of maverick Manchester comedian Frank Sidebottom and his hidden creator Chris Sievey. Frank, well known for his papier-mâché head, was part of the Manchester music and comedy scene for over 25 years.
Episode 9: Series finale! Cinema going in 2019
This is our final full length episode of our first series in which we talk about UK box office trends, cinema ticket prices and what makes cinema-going so special. Jaq and Abi also chat about what they’ve seen at the cinema recently (Us, Mid-90s, Captain Marvel, Out of Blue) and what’s coming out soon (Red Joan, Greta, Ash is the Purest White).