# **SHROPSHIRE RAINBOW FILM FESTIVAL CHARITY REG NO: 1168000** 

# **ANNUAL REPORT 2021/2022** 




It was great to return in October 2021 with an ‘on the ground’ Festival; this time over two weekends: the first weekend (15[th] to 17[th] Oct.) at the Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury and the second weekend (22[nd] to 24[th] Oct.) at Kinokulture, Oswestry. 

We also contributed to LGBT+ History Month 2022 by screening two documentary feature films: on March 6[th] and 20[th] at the Hive, Shrewsbury 

## **Our Mission** 

Keeping to our mission; to 

## **‘ ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE, CHALLENGE & CHANGE’** 

the films selected for the Festival weekends and at the LGBT+ History Month screenings very adequately did just that. 

## **Status of the Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival** 

We formed as a voluntary group, working with the former Shropshire County Council’s education services, in 2006, in response to a wish to begin to address the damaging legacy of s28 of the Local Government Act 1988 (prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality in state schools) which had only just been repealed (2004). Film emerged as one valuable way by which to engage with school students and staff to address issues of self esteem, homophobic and transphobic bullying. 

Year by year the Festival grew in popularity; its remit broadened and our expenditure increased and we needed a more formal structure. Hence, since 4[th] July 2016 we have been a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, whose only voting members are our charity Trustees. 

## **Governance & Management** 

**Contact:** Peter Roscoe c/o 19 Victoria Street. Shrewsbury, SY1 2HS info@rainbowfilmfestival.org.uk 

Over the year 2021/22, the Trustees continued to manage the charity and determine its direction; many thanks to them: 

## **The Trustees 2021/2022** 

Sue Gorbing 





Geoff Hardy 


Peter Roscoe 

Day to day management, and work arising, was undertaken during the year by the Trustees; meeting formally as required, but usually informally (sometimes with others) dealing with the immediate tasks in hand. 

## **Objectives** 

The principal objective of Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival is: **‘** _**... to present a film festival aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender people, to increase awareness and to portray the lives of LGBT people in the UK and worldwide**_ **’** . It does this by: 

a) putting on film festivals; until recent years, on an annul basis (initially over a week in December, then becoming a weekend event in October) in Shrewsbury (Shropshire’s county town), though, in 2021, we also screened the Festival in Oswestry. We also contribute to other film events during the year. 

b) running a website, engaging via our social media accounts e.g. FB, Twitter, Instagram and maintaining contact with supporters via Mailchimp –  to keep people informed and to also share information about organisations and events of interest to LGBT+ people 

c) outreach – through participating in cultural events e.g. the LGBT+ History Month d) working with and supporting other organisations – e.g. Safe Ageing No Discrimination (SAND) 

## We are: **‘** _**an anti-discriminatory organisation, committed to screening films and working in ways that demonstrate fairness for all**_ **’.** 



## **Achievements** 

We took a chance and started, from May 2021, to plan for a Festival in October 2021. A brave step, as, at that time, Covid regulations were such that our traditional venue (the Old Market Hall) was still closed; hence we looked to alternative venues and discovered the wonders of Kinokulture 

An impressive programme (as illustrated on the first page) was put together for the October events. FilmFreeway was, for a second year, a great source of material in doing that, although, in fact, none of the feature films submitted were suitable this time, but two short films were selected and were well received at Kinokulture 

The audience response was very positive, both at the Old Market Hall and at Kinokulture, (see the end of this report for our ‘Analysis of Audience Feedback: Festival: 2021’). Though numbers were down on previous years, this was not significantly so and was anticipated in light of the general slow return by people to public venues because of Covid (which seems to now be a fact of our lives). 

Similarly, the two screenings for LGBT+ History Month, were well received: 























## **Volunteers & Sponsors** (in some cases the people in these categories overlap) 

In September 2021 we arranged a well attended meeting at the Hive to refresh our relationship with our volunteers and sponsors and thank them for their continuing support and interest. 

It was an opportunity to promote the upcoming Festival and organise the jobs that needed doing. Also, it was a place where we could review what we had all achieved since 2006, reflect on the impact of the periods of ‘lockdown’ and consult on what people wanted to see the Festival doing in the future. 

To a large extent people were just relieved that an ‘on the ground’ Festival was again gong to happen and were content with our direction. 

One volunteer in particular (SH) proved invaluable in taking on the task, with one of the Trustees, of overseeing and introducing the Festival screenings at the Old Market Hall, in the absence, due to ill health, of the two other Trustees 

## **Marketing** 

Our website, proved its worth, particularly, during August and September and, for both the Festival and the LGBT+ History Month events, we again engaged the services of a ‘Marketing Officer’ (TL), who very effectively used our social media, accounts and Mailchimp account. 

For the first time, we advertised in the ‘Big Issue’ magazine. As before, our Press Releases and tailored articles were used by a number of local publications (some for free and some at cost); a number of interviews/discussions on BBC Radio Shropshire went well and generated wider interaction. 

## **Financial Review** 

A ‘Receipts & Payments Account’ for the year has, as usual, been completed; our finances continue to be on a sound footing. 

For the October Festival, for the first time, we received a grant of £5k from Film Hub Midlands, which allowed us to feel much more confident to return to business in the post lockdown world. This was our biggest grant to date. 



## **The Future** 

Our immediate concern, is what capacity and human resources we have to manage a Festival in October 2022 

The current Trustees have been in role for a significant time and we recognise that the issue of ‘succession’ will become very relevant in the near future 

Approved at the Trustees’ Meeting on: April 21st 2022 



## **Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival** 

**Receipts and Payment Account Period ended 31[st] March 2022** Receipts                         Donations & Fundraising                       716.49 Sponsorship                                         1320.00 Tickets and other sales* Grants                                                   6282.87 Other                                                      261.28 Interest                                                       2.94 Total **8583.58** Payments                      Film Licenses/Permissions                     1220.12 Speaker fees and expenses                     516.25 Promotion                                                2638.87 Expenses/Administration                          158.26 Festival Costs** Venue Hire                                                866.29 Other Total **5480.89** Surplus for the year **3102.69** Opening bank balance: Nationwide  4280.29 Co-op            830.04 5110.33 Closing bank balances: Nationwide   2393.23 Co-op           5819.79 **8213.02** 

* All ticket income retained by the screening venues 

** All costs included within the other spending heads 

These Accounts have been prepared from the books and records of the Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival by Peter Roscoe – Trustee. 

Date: April 21st 2022 



# Analysis of Audience Feedback: Festival 2021 

# **Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival 2021** 

The 2021 Film Festival was at the Old Market Hall (Shrewsbury) and Kinokulture (Oswestry) October 15- 17th and October 22-24th 

_2 venues, 2 weekends, 10 feature films and 3 shorts Really enjoyable, feels VERY important to have an LGBTQ+ festival in Shropshire_ 

## **Overview** 

**Ticket Sales:** 342 tickets were sold in total and there were 287 actual attendees 

**Feedback:** Of these 176 [61%] completed feedback forms, providing a snapshot of the festival 127 from the Old Market Hall (OMH) and 49 from Kinokulture. 

The questions were devised by the Film Hub and are required as part of our grant. See Appendix 1 for a full breakdown of the demographics from this snapshot. 

The Film Hub asks about the impact of the films/festival and the people submitting feedback forms indicated if it had: 

|ndicated if it had:|||
|---|---|---|
||**OMH %**|**Kinokulture %**|
|Introduced them to new types of film|48|39|
|Encouraged them to attend similar|82|69|
|events|||
|Increased their appetite for indie/Int|83|67|
|films|||
|Not sure|6|4|
|None of these|2|8|



## **The venues** 

People loved the venues 

**How do you rate the venue %** 

||Very Good|Good|Okay|Didn’t answer|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Old Market Hall|85|9|1|5|
|Kinokulture|90|10|0|0|



## **At The Old Market Hall** 

98% of attendees felt safe 

## QUOTES 

_I love the Old Market Hall! So nice to be back All fabulous! Friendly welcome!_ 

_An excellent and well-organised event in a superb venue (we are frequent attendees at OMH Shrewsbury)_ 

_Thank you! Brilliant!_ 

_We're just in town for one night and everyone has been so welcoming and helpful - especially the woman who answered the phone in the box office Super evening, thank you More of the same please There was inconsistent spacing between seats, with some rows full and others empty Great to see OMH up and running Great to put on this type of festival Excellent presentation throughout_ 



_Excellent venue and organisation Hand sanitiser, invited to wear masks, air circulation in room Loved it, thank you Glad Old Market Hall is up and running again Someone was coughing and not wearing a mask during film_ 

## **At Kinokulture** 

100% of attendees felt safe 

_They kept to social distancing regulations Excellent Very good, one way system, masks when not seated Deffo Feel safety is taken very seriously at Kinokulture Excellent safety measures in place Glad to be supporting Kinokulture again Wonderful opportunity to see film again Very good An excellent experience Huge commitment to make venue Covid-safe Sensible & aware Always a good experience! Very well arranged_ 

The Festival brought new people to each of the cinemas taking part and also clocked when people had last visited 

## **Have you attended before %** 

|||Of those who said yes,|Of those who said yes,||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||%age who last visited|||
||Yes|Before|Since re-|No|
|||Lockdown|opening||
|Old Market Hall|57|89|10|43|
|Kinokulture|78|26|74|22|



People were asked to respond to a series of questions about what motivated them to come to the cinema - responses were rated 1 – 5 with 5 being most important to them. 

**Importance of big screen & sound experience? %** 

||**1**|**– least**|**2**|**3**|**4**|**5**|**- most**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**OMH**||9|13|15|32||24|
|**Kinokulture**||2|4|10|39||39|
||||**Importance of film title? %**|||||
||**1**|**– least**|**2**|**3**|**4**|**5**|**- most**|
|**OMH**||3|2|9|25||54|
|**Kinokulture**||2|4|8|22||61|
|||**Importance of wish to return to normality?**|||**%**|||
||**1**|**– least**|**2**|**3**|**4**|**5**|**- most**|
|**OMH**||11|6|30|22||20|
|**Kinokulture**||8|8|12|27||31|



**Importance of social time? %** 



||**1**|**– least**|**2**|**3**|**4**|**5**|**- most**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**OMH**||6|6|14|24||36|
|**Kinokulture**||4|4|13|29||35|
|||**Important**|**to**|**support local venue? %**||||
||**1**|**– least**|**2**|**3**|**4**|**5**|**- most**|
|**OMH**||5|2|8|21||57|
|**Kinokulture**||2|0|4|20||67|



## **The films** 

The average attendance at films was 26 at Shrewsbury and 23 at Oswestry All films were rated as Very Good, Good or Okay – none were rated as Poor or worse! 

## **Film by film – Shrewsbury** 

**Jump Darling** - sponsored by AgeUK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin _38 attendees and 20 feedback forms collected Film rating %_ 

Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 65 15 20 

Additional activity rating % – welcome by the Mayor of Shrewsbury, the sponsor and the Rainbow Film Festival 

Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 35 55 10 

## **QUOTES:** 

_It was wonderful to stumble across this wonderfully organised independent venue cinema and film festival. We were so lucky to be in the right place at the right time and to spot the poster and find it. Fantastic Film. So glad this event is happening. More please_ 

_Well done! Liked this film - liked the look at 'old' people too._ 

**Ahead of the Curve** - sponsored by Shropshire Fire & Rescue _22 attendees and 18 feedback forms collected Film rating %_ Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 83 17 

Additional activity rating % – welcome by the Rainbow Film Festival and the sponsor, with a discussion afterwards led by Helen Sandler (former Associate Editor- Diva Magazine Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 83 17 

## **QUOTES:** 

_The documentary was very interesting and inspiring. The setting up of the magazine and community involvement was wonderful and the benefit to raise money around the legal case fabulous. From my own perspective it reminded me that use of the word 'lesbian' which to me seems normal and unproblematic can feel exclusionary for some and I feel this issue and debate around names will continue. I am pleased the film prompted me on this._ 



_As a straight man with little knowledge of the gay community I found the film enlightening to the struggles the lesbian community have had and the prejudices they have had to endure. It was very emotional and I would like to see more of this in the 'mainstream' to start wearing away at those prejudices._ 

_The film discussion was really inspiring and thought-provoking and added significantly to the overall experience of watching the film. Good to reflect together afterwards rather than rush off. Just taught me about a piece of queer history I didn't know about. Great event and festival in general - well done!_ 

_I've supported Rainbow Film festival for fourteen years - started in Shrewsbury by my brother and his partner, always a stimulating event and always well run_ 

**Carol** – sponsored by the Natural Health Centre _40 attendees and 17 feedback forms collected Film rating %_ Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 76 18 6 Additional activity rating % – welcome by the Rainbow Film Festival Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 35 24 41 

## **QUOTES** 

This is the best venue locally. Cosy boutique setting, welcoming. Carol was a beautifully shot film, sent from an angel from outerspace 

It enables us to see a diverse range of films on a big screen; which films would otherwise only usually be available on digital platforms such as MUBI/BFI. A small screen is not the same experience as a big screen 

**Portrait of a Lady on Fire** _33 attendees and 18 feedback forms collected Film rating %_ Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 83 11 6 Additional activity rating % – welcome by the Rainbow Film Festival Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 11 6 83 

## **QUOTE** 

_Beautifully made film_ 

**No Ordinary Man** - sponsored by Safe Ageing No Discrimination (SAND) _25 attendees and 21 feedback forms collected Film rating %_ Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 95 5 

Additional activity rating % – welcome by the sponsor and the Rainbow Film Festival 



Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 48 5 47 

## **QUOTES** 

_I thought No Ordinary Man was extremely interesting, highlighting a little seen aspect of life on screen. More people need to see this!_ 

_Great programme, in particular No Ordinary Man and Ahead of the Curve - documentary always good and discussion was great Stimulating!_ 

_Informative film that educated me about the trans community in a positive way_ 

_I knew nothing about Billy Tipton so it was great to hear his story and try to understand the sacrifice he made to stay true to his gender identity and practice his art. Also, I knew nothing about transgender so it was good to hear about transmen explaining about themselves, feelings etc. I found the film interesting and informative. Good blend between an historical true story and current situation as explained by auditioning actors. I have seen very few trans films and this is a welcome addition for education and entertainment value._ 

_Fantastic moving and important film at BRILLIANT festival! Great film. Very thought-provoking about the claiming of role models. Fab dialogue. Thank you for a great event Brilliant event. Lots to think about and talk about Great reminder of the joy of independent cinema and the power of telling stories Excellent film and great to have the opportunity to see a film I otherwise wouldn't get to see_ 

**Socrates** - sponsored by Shropshire Trades Council _27 attendees and 15 feedback forms collected Film rating %_ Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 60 27 7 6 Additional activity rating % – welcome by the sponsor and the Rainbow Film Festival Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 47 20 33 

## **QUOTES** 

_Wanted to support the RFF_ 

_Socrates was bleak. Really want to be uplifted or educated and just felt drained after the film Very Thought-provoking and moving film_ 

_Smaller theatre so better suited to the screening. Great friendly place to visit, Lovely cakes and coffee! Much better than the anonymous impersonal cinemas!_ 

**And Then We Danced** - sponsored by Shrewsbury & Atcham Labour Party _34 attendees and 18 feedback forms collected Film rating %_ 

Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 89 11 Additional activity rating % – welcome by the sponsor and the Rainbow Film Festival Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 44 17 39 



## **QUOTES** 

_Excellent & well organised, very friendly atmosphere, welcoming, great to have a local event like this_ 

_This is such an important event in this town. As someone who has struggled with a lot, it's vital to allow film from around the world to show every experience from different cultures. Friendly clean venue. Perfect for screening films that are not mainstream - and worth seeing. Shropshire Rainbow Film Festival have done a marvellous job organising and putting this on. Inclusive, welcoming atmosphere. Thank you for putting this on - absolutely agree that Shropshire needs these kind of events_ 

## **Film by film – Oswestry** 

## **Sweetheart** 

Incl Short Film: Found Family _21 attendees and 16 feedback forms collected Film rating %_ 

Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 81 13 6 

Additional activity rating % – welcome by the Mayor of Oswestry and the Rainbow Film Festival Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 38 25 37 

## **QUOTES** 

_Fact it was Rainbow Film Festival Very well organised, everyone very friendly and helpful Really enjoyed being a volunteer with my partner_ 

## **My Beautiful Laundrette** 

Incl Short Film: Rhiw Goch/On the Red Hill _24 attendees and 11 feedback forms collected Film rating %_ 

Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 82 9 9 0 Additional activity rating % – welcome by the Rainbow Film Festival Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 55 18 18 9 

## **QUOTES** 

_Terrific film - daring snapshot of UK in the 80's, politically, racialism etc as well as gay scene Great festival, lovely venue, Oswestry is lucky to have a cinema like this! Extremely interesting documentary. Thoroughly enjoyed. Short film also interesting_ 

## **Oliver Sacks: His Own Life** 

Incl Short Film: Before the Eruption _24 attendees and 22 feedback forms collected Film rating %_ Very Good Good Okay 73 14 5 

Didn’t answer 9 



Additional activity rating % – welcome by the Rainbow Film Festival Very Good Good Okay Didn’t answer 45 18 36 

## **QUOTES** 

_Extremely interesting documentary. Thoroughly enjoyed. Short film also interesting Excellent film, beautifully made. A very good choice for a finale to the festival Neat_ 

_Short film poor_ 

_Short film impossible to read the subtitles_ 

_The short film (Before the Eruption) was fantastic, definitely encouraged me to watch short films. The Rainbow Film Festival is important. Short film very, very excellent - lots of powerful words._ 

_The Oliver Sacks documentary was fascinating and very moving. Brilliant. The event was well organised and everyone was very friendly and welcoming_ 



|**Appendix 1**|**Our demographics**|**Our demographics**|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Gender**||**In Shrewsbury**|**In Oswestry**|**Average %**|
|Female||54%|47%|50.5|
|Male||32%|43%|37.5|
|Non-binary||6%|8%|7|
|Preferred term: Intersex||1%||0.5|
|Preferred term: Transmasculine||1%||0.5|
|Preferred term: Gender fluid|||2%|1|
|Did not answer this question||6%|0%|3|
|**Gender Identity same as**||**In Shrewsbury**|**In Oswestry**|**Average**|
|**assigned at birth**|||||
|Yes||83%|82%|82.5|
|No||7%|8%|7.5|
|Prefer not to say||1%|0%|0.5|
|Did not answer this question||9%|10%|9.5|
|**Age**||**In Shrewsbury**|**In Oswestry**|**Average**|
|16-19||3%|2%|2.5|
|20-24||4%|0%|2|
|25-30||4%|6%|5|
|31-34||4%|2%|3|
|35-39||2%|6%|4|
|40-49||19%|14%|16.5|
|50-59||30%|39%|34.5|
|60-69||11%|14%|12.5|
|70+||9%|16%|12.5|
|Did not answer this question||14%|0%|7|
|**Sexual Orientation**||**In Shrewsbury**|**In Oswestry**|**Average**|
|Gay/Lesbian||46%|27%|36.5|
|Straight/heterosexual||30%|57%|43.5|
|Bisexual||6%|6%|6|
|Unsure||1%|0%|0.5|
|Prefer own term - Not stipulated||2%|2%|2|
|Prefer own term - Hetero-||1%||0.5|
|woman|||||
|Prefer own term - Queer||2%|6%|4|
|Prefer own term – Gender fluid|||2%|1|
|Did not answer this question||13%|0%|6.5|
|**Disabled**||**In Shrewsbury**|**In Oswestry**|**Average**|
|Yes||5%|8%|6.5|
|No||80%|84%|82|
|D/deaf||2%|0%|1|
|Prefer not to say||2%|4%|3|
|Did not answer this question||12%|4%|8|
|**Religion/belief**||**In Shrewsbury**|**In Oswestry**|**Average**|





|Buddhist|6%|4%|5|
|---|---|---|---|
|Christian|13%|8%|10.5|
|Hindu|1%|0%|0.5|
|Jewish|2%|0%|1|
|No religion|48%|33%|40.5|
|Other - A mix of many|1%||0.5|
|Other - Pagan|2%|2%|2|
|Other - Spiritualist|5%|6%|5.5|
|Other - Quaker||2%|1|
|Other - atheist||2%|1|
|Other – not stipulated||2%|1|
|Prefer not to say|10%|10%|10|
|Did not answer this question|14%|10%|12|
|**Ethnic origin**|**In Shrewsbury**|**In Oswestry**|**Average**|
|Latin American|2%||1|
|Caribbean|1%|0%|0.5|
|Chinese|1%|0%|0.5|
|Indian|2%|0%|1|
|White Irish|1%|2%|1.5|
|Other Mixed/Multiple ethnic|2%||1|
|background||||
|Other White background|5%|4%|4.5|
|White British*|74%|88%|81|
|White and Asian|1%|0%|0.5|
|White English|4%||2|
|White Welsh|5%|2%|3.5|
|White Roma|0%|2%|1|
|Did not answer this question|5%|2%|3.5|



*The option White English/Irish/Scottish/Welsh/British was all lumped into one. On occasion someone circled one specific of these in which case this has been extracted and entered under the specific e.g. White Welsh. Otherwise they have been entered as ‘White British’.