This screening is part of our SCREENTIME programme.
SCREENTIME is a new initiative inviting young people aged 18 – 30 to gain first hand experience in programming cinema and producing screenings for an audience. In autumn 2021, the group of young programmers attended workshops ran by Cinema Nation CIC – a queer-led Merseyside based research and innovation Community Interest Company that explores, supports, champions and encourages all forms of film exhibition. The Programmers were introduced to key concepts of exhibition, licensing, marketing and audience development.
Through this process, the young programmers have curated a series of 5 screenings that centre around the joy and challenges of community gathering and collective identities, and referencing the communal experience of lockdown. The slate celebrates the joy of music as a way to connect with others and will be screened at local music venue The Radio Rooms.
Our 2021-22 cohort of Berwick Young Programmers is Chloe Charlton, George Cochrane, Camille Relet and Ilinca Vanau who will be joining us at the screenings to introduce the work.
The Farewell
The Farewell is the story of a Chinese born US raised woman called Billi and her nana Nai Nai who lives in Changchun and has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Chinese tradition defines that no one should tell her that she is dying. A Family wedding is organised as an excuse to gather everyone one last time to see Nai Nai and bid their farewell to her. Billi, who has voiced her opposition to this tradition and struggles to contain her emotions is not invited to the wedding in fear that she might reveal the truth to Nai Nai. However, against her family’s wishes, she decides to travel to Changchun to attend the wedding.