Modern Cult Classics and Exciting Opportunities for Young People at Showroom Cinema
Cult film fans are in for a treat this May and June, with the Young Programmers Showroom takeover series promising a selection of modern classics from the last three decades.
The Showroom Young Programmers, a group of talented 18–25-year-olds keen to get their first experience of programming for the indie cinema circuit, meet monthly to pitch and programme a selection of films to ‘takeover’ Showroom Cinema.
Coming up, the group have handpicked some nineties to teenies gems including Diablo Cody’s Jennifer’s Body and psychological horror The Babadook, now popular among Generation Z for its cult status and reclamation of Mister Babadook as both a Halloween favourite and LGBTQ+ icon. Highlights also include comedies Clueless, and 24 Hour Party People.
Showroom Young Programmers is a mentorship opportunity that bridges the gap between education and employment by offering work experience in programming for independent cinemas and film festivals. Recruitment takes place once a year, usually around January.
Showroom Cinema also hosts the BFI Film Academy Specialist Residential in Cinema Programming and Audience Development, which brings together thirty Young Programmers aged 16-19 years old to curate a film festival that takes place at the cinema.
If you know a young person with an interest in film, the Residential is not to be missed. This specialist course consists of a week in-person stay in Sheffield with daily workshops and film screenings, followed by three Saturdays online, in which Young Programmers will curate their film festival.
Speakers confirmed for the Residential so far include Danny Leigh, film critic for the Financial Times, Flo Cartwright, BIFA and Justine Atkinson, co-founder of Aya Distribution and creator of the Curate-It film programming app, among others.
The Residential is open for applications to anyone aged 16-19 years old and not currently enrolled at university. Applicants can be from anywhere in the UK. A bursary scheme is available to cover course and travel costs. The deadline for applications is 1st July 2024 and details can be found on Showroom Cinema’s website.
Showroom Cinema also runs other projects throughout the year as part of its charitable initiatives to support young film fans and filmmakers to enter the film industry.
Upcoming Young Programmers films include: Clueless (Saturday 18th May), 24 Hour Party People (Saturday 25th May), Jennifer’s Body (Saturday 8th June) and The Babadook (Saturday 29th June). Tickets are available at www.showroomworkstation.org.uk and start at just £7.80 or £5 for under 26s.
