“I was really impressed – a well organised and responsive public sector film department that appears to make a real difference to the lives of local people – whether behind camera, in front of camera, or part of an audience”

In 2003, a report was commissioned by Lewisham Council’s Arts Service and the Creative Lewisham Agency, now Creative Process, to investigate provision for the ‘moving image’ in the borough. A very real need was discovered for the sustained support of film exhibition and production in a borough with no dedicated cinema and yet an ambitious cultural agenda. A one-off grant was made the same year by the Council and the London Development Agency to set up the Lewisham Film Initiative – a multi-faceted, grass-roots filmmaking project - and we’ve been working in the community ever since.

“The LFI was instrumental in making possible the 'Deptford Tales' project I ran with the National Youth Theatre in the Summer of 2005. They were supportive in so many ways and helped extend the reach of the project to young people in the borough so that it could include a participative film-making element.”

Now in its sixth year, the LFI has supported hundreds of screenings within the borough; provided – with its partners Film London and Southwark and Lambeth councils - vital financial support to over 30 filmmaking teams; programmed and financed four new film clubs; enabled over 4000 schoolchildren to go to the cinema free of charge; marketed cinema in Lewisham across a variety of media platforms; participated in several high-profile partnerships with national bodies such as the National Youth Theatre and Channel 4’s Britdoc; and provided location and production advice to filmmakers on a daily basis.

“ My first film screening was organised by the LFI which subsequently opened up many more contacts and leads for me. There are many, many talented creatives in Lewisham, and without the support of LFI, we might never get our projects made or seen. I certainly hope to bring more film productions into Lewisham, to help raise our profile, create jobs and raise community spirit.”

In a borough with no dedicated cinema, continuing these efforts is vital. Sign up to our unobtrusive and fascinating newsletter here.

 
Outdoor screening of the locally made, multimedia project Inferno (2008)

Tight Jeans (2008) dir. Destiny Ekaragha

Jo Ho directing Isolation 9 (2006)