Why are we running the Allerdale Film Farm?
Hayton Castle - where the film lab will be held - overlooks the coastline between the town of Maryport and Silloth, a place depicted in the works of L.S. Lowry, Sheila Fell and Raymond Moore, but this area is rarely depicted in film or contemporary artist’s works. At present there are no opportunities for people to make their own photochemical films or get hands-on experience of experimental filmmaking. For example, there are no public darkrooms or 16mm labs in Cumbria. Additionally, there is only one Film and Media charity in Cumbria (Signal Film and Media), but it is two hours away by car and three hours by train.
The project will bring artists together from across the country to meet, discuss, share ideas and create images in the West Cumbrian landscape. The program will give local young people the opportunity to create their own films and visions of Cumbria with the support of experienced artists.
The Film Farm will bring together artists from DIY, artist-run film labs across the UK, to create new networks with artists and creative young people in Cumbria. As well as asking artists to consider West Cumbria in their work, the workshops will create a unique film making experience for young people, introducing a new medium, encouraging creative thinking, collaboration and experimentation.
What is the legacy of the project?
The works made will finally be digitised and presented online as a legacy of the project. The Allerdale Film Farm is an opportunity to test a residency program structure in West Cumbria and hopefully in the longer term, establish a community darkroom and advocate for artist film to the rural North, like West Cumbria.