At the end of 2024, we had the opportunity to join the training programme
Beyond Boundaries 360, led by
Film Hub South West and hosted by
Watershed in Bristol.
This post reflects on our journey, what we have learned about the exhibition landscape, and how we have grown along the way...
Image credit: Cables & Cameras 2023 - Kelvin Williams
(shared with permission of Film Hub South West)
Beyond Boundaries 360 (BB360 for short), is a free training programme designed to support emerging film curators and cinema event organisers at the early stages of their careers in film exhibition. Its goal is simple: to empower individuals from
all walks of life and intersectionality to create cinema-related events, advocate for cultural diversity, and develop the skills needed to deliver audience-focused experiences in Bristol and the wider region. Read more about the initiative here: Beyond Boundaries 360
Image credit: Film Hub South West 2025
The programme launched with an in-person session at Watershed on Saturday 12th October, bringing together a cohort of passionate aspiring curators, each of us with different perspectives, aspirations, and a shared appreciation for cinema -
meet the participants here.Over the following five months, we explored everything from event ideation and programming to budgeting, fundraising, audience outreach, marketing, and building sustainable partnerships for the delivery of our future events. We came away with a much clearer understanding of who the key players are, what funding pathways exist, and how release calendar cycles work.
By understanding how to operate with nation-wide opportunities supported by the BFI - such as
The Art of Action (2024) or
Too Much: A Season of Melodrama (2025), attending industry events and festivals with early screening access, and developing relationships with rights owners, we were given all the opportunities to create a programme that feels timely, relevant, and connected to the audiences we want to engage with.
One of the key reflections that emerged was the growing importance of eventisation.
We explored how audience behaviour has shifted since the COVID-19 pandemic, how distribution has changed, and the increasingly short window between theatrical release and online access. We discussed how people are now far more intentional about when, why, and where they engage with film experiences.
‘Screening a film’ is rarely enough - unless this film is part of a highly marketed awards season or summer blockbuster to an established audience. The training helped us better understand the importance of creating meaning and resonance around our projects, while helping us strike a balance between what is ‘niche’ and financially viable.
BB360 also offered an honest space to explore the economics of independent and grassroots exhibition. We discussed how individuals, freelancers, and small organisations can navigate this complex sector while continuing to offer value to their audience.
This dialogue helped shape CineRPG’s development strategy, now refining our business model to ensure we can deliver community events with confidence and resilience.
BB360 was more than developing new understandings - it was also about the people taking part in this experience. It brought together a room full of passionate advocates for film culture - participants who see cinema not just as entertainment, but as a way to bring people together, shift perspectives, and help shape a more inclusive and empathetic society.
Our cohort shared real-life stories, bonded over a shared love for the collective experience we enjoy as audience members, and reflected on the impact cinema has had in our lives, and - maybe more importantly - how these experiences inspired us to grow as aspiring curators.
As CineRPG continues its journey and develops its audience strategy, we wish to express our sincere gratitude for all we have learned with Beyond Boundaries 360 - with special thanks to Neil Ramjee, Maddy Probst, Ti Singh, Steph Read and Jazlyn Pinckney (and all the guest contributors involved) for making this programme so very inspiring and meaningful.
We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the BB360 2025 promotion, and supporting the programme in any meaningful way possible...
If you are someone with a passion for film and a desire to curate experiences that bring people together - keep an eye out for the next intake of
Beyond Boundaries 360 at
Film Hub South West (date TBC). This experience will give you a space to grow, reflect, and connect under the guidance of one of the most supportive teams in the UK exhibition landscape.
Mentioned in this article: Beyond Boundaries 360 (BB360), Film Hub South West, Watershed Bristol, Cables & Cameras, The Art of Action, Too Much: A Season of Melodrama, British Film Institute (BFI), CineRPG, Neil Ramjee, Maddy Probst, Ti Singh, Steph Read, Jazlyn Pinckney
Useful links:https://watershed.co.uk/filmhub/training-support/beyond-boundaries-360/https://watershed.co.uk/filmhub/updates/news/beyond-boundaries-participants/https://watershed.co.uk/filmhub/training-support/beyond-boundaries-fund/
Mentioned in this article: Games Aid, UK video game charity,supporting disadvantaged children, video game charity donations, JustGiving Games Aid, Games Aid eBay store, Humble Bundle charity, CineRPG fundraising, charity in the gaming industry, Games Aid impact, fundraising for children, helping disabled youth, UK gaming community charity, video games for a cause, supporting small charities, Games Aid 2025 election.Games Aid Credit image: © Games Aid. All rights reserved.
Mentioned in this article: Games Aid, UK video game charity,supporting disadvantaged children, video game charity donations, JustGiving Games Aid, Games Aid eBay store, Humble Bundle charity, CineRPG fundraising, charity in the gaming industry, Games Aid impact, fundraising for children, helping disabled youth, UK gaming community charity, video games for a cause, supporting small charities, Games Aid 2025 election.Games Aid Credit image: © Games Aid. All rights reserved.
