In the first of our posts putting the focus on local event organisers, we meet the Chairman of Berkhamsted Film Society, Ian Davies. The Society’s spring-summer programme of film nights, ranging from mainstream releases to art house gems, can be found in The Event Hub Dacorum’s film listings.
Your name: Ian Davies
Your organisation: Berkhamsted Film Society
Your role: Chairman
Best thing about what you do: Bring lesser-known films to members’ attention.
Can you tell us a little bit about BFS: when was it founded and why?
It has been running since the late 1960s. It has always been run on a voluntary, not-for-profit basis, in order to bring cinema films to a local audience that were not always catered for by the local commercial cinema. Note ‘The Rex’ cinema remained closed for several decades between the 70s before reopening in the 90s. We have been running in a variety of local venues before our long-term association with the Civic Centre. We replaced our 16mm film projectors by digital video projection in 2003.
What does BFS offer to the local community?
An opportunity to see films at an excellent value of money cost, shown over two nights on a roughly fortnightly basis between September and April. Members have a say in the choice of films shown.
What can people expect from one of your events?
A large 5-metre-wide screen, with surround sound. The hall has disabled access and is fitted with a hearing loop. We offer guests a ticket purchased on the door, without pre-booking. Members who join on an annual basis can see the films at no extra cost.
About half our films are foreign, shown with subtitles. The attentive atmosphere allows the viewers to watch the films without distractions as we do not encourage popcorn or similar.
Have you got any exciting events or projects planned for the future?
Our focus at present is re-building our membership and finances after the effects of the Pandemic Lockdown.
At The Event Hub, we are all about celebrating our local area. What are your favourite things about working and living in Berkhamsted?
Berkhamsted and the surrounding Dacorum area have the advantage of being close to all the amenities you could wish for, at the same time close to wonderful countryside and scenery.
Anything else you would like to let our readers know?
For more information, visit our website at http://berkhamstedfilmsociety.co.uk/
New members are always welcome to join the society; non-members pay just £5 on the door on film nights.
Berkhamsted Film Society will show the WW2 epic love story ‘Cold War’ at the Civic Centre on 13 & 14 February 2023.
