Cinemas Are Shut But That Doesn't Mean They're Gone
For many local and national cinemas, there is still a large amount of uncertainty around when and how they will be reopening. Despite films such as Christopher Nolan’s Tenet having an unrelenting July release date, the probability of a nationwide reopening of cinemas is slim and even when they do begin to reopen, measures will understandably be in place to protect the health of staff and customers.
One of the cinemas that is affected by this is Bristol’s most diverse cinemas for showing a range of inclusive films and media – the Watershed. Having closed their doors back in March, many feel at a loss without its wide range of showings, events and talks. However, with the understanding they may not be ready to reopen until September, the Watershed, like many independent places, have moved online and are doing their best to keep discussions open and engage with people despite the circumstances.
The Watershed has joined forces with other creative Bristol based outlets to share and create online events and showcases that you otherwise might miss out on. The Bristol Arts Channel is a collective work between the Watershed, Bristol Old Vic, Colston Hall, St Pauls Carnival, Trinity, Spike Island, St George’s Bristol, MAYK, Arnolfini, Paraorchestra, and Bristol Museums. There are a wide range of events posted on their website that include theatre performances, talks and lunchtime performances. I really recommend taking a look and seeing how you can get involved with one of the many events that have been carefully curated!
For more events, the Watershed’s weekly schedule is posted on their website and this week (Friday 19th – Thursday 25th June), the focus is on the all-important and extremely prevalent Black Lives Matter movement with a collection of some talks and events from their archive which connect with this cultural and historic time. The links to the archived discussion panels can be found here - https://www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/10470/cinema-cultures-histories-audiences/
Another event this week is a free YouTube livestream event on Thursday 25th June, joining with CARGO Movement for a short film screening and discussion on the Transatlantic Slave Trade in Bristol. With the tearing down of the Colston statue just over a week ago, Bristol has made international news and sparked a conversation about whether statues across the globe should remain despite celebrating those who have ties to the slave trade and confederate army. This event is definitely needed during a time like this, with discussion focusing on the St Pauls Uprising in 1980 and the Black Lives Matter Movement in 2020 – this event is part of the Bristol Arts Channel.
Also on offer is Lunchtime Talks, every Friday at 1pm the Watershed alongside Pervasive Media Studio present free, informal talks sharing projects and ideas around pervasive media and creative technology. These are held weekly and if you have missed any, you can find them all here: https://www.watershed.co.uk/studio/index.php/events/2020/06/26/lunchtime-talks-now-online
It has been a difficult time for the creative industry, with the uncertainty of when many theatres, cinemas and museums will open compounded with whether they will be able make up the money lost over the last few months. Despite this, however, the unity shown between those struggling is incredibly uplifting, and one not to be forgotten or diminished. For those missing our creative outlets, there are more than enough events that will keep you occupied and soon we’ll be returning to our favourite places before you know it.
Written by Issy Packer
Hi! I’m Issy, I’m 23 years old and I’m an English Literature graduate currently living in Bristol. I’m very passionate about a number of things including travelling, writing, reading, film, music and feminism.