IAC DISCUSSION FORUMS

Ladies and gentlemen, please take a moment to welcome to the movie industry
Orkney Movie Group. They formed earlier this year after taking a media course
where they were required to make a film. To date they have 3 shorts films
in the can. They should do well and make considerably better progress than
we at CFT because Orkney people aren't so apathetic as my fellow Cathnessians.
They even find it possible to work in conjuction with local drama groups
(our local group "only do theatre" because film "sounds like hard work").
CFT has for some time considered taking it's projects to Orkney because of
the better attitude to all arts and cultural interests.
I am delighted by the arrival of these newcomers and have already been in
touch to offer support and assistance. They are keen to progress with more
works and are now taking steps to upgrade equipment. These are exciting times.

Welcome indeed to the Orkney Group.

I know what you mean about enthusiasm for the arts on the Orkneys. Many
years ago they had a thriving film society (film appreciation group) on one
of the smaller isles ... it even featured on a BBC Monitor programme when
Gavin Millar visited them. If I remember correctly they won the film society
of the year award.

I have never got to Thurso or the Orkneys ... though when we lived in Edinburgh
some of my friends lived in both places. My trips to the highlands usually
took us up the west coast. We now have friends with a house near Rogart
in Sutherland so we may make it at least to Thurso in the forseeable future.
It puts me to shame that Willy, who lives in Belgium, has visited more of
Britain that I have.

If the Orcadians care to send any of their work to BIAFF then some of us
will enjoy seeing it.

Mar sin leibh an dràsda.

Dave

On the island of Hoy there is the Gable End Theatre Group who also show recent
releases of mainstream cinema through DVD release from distributors before
domestic release.


I have passed through Rogart many times on my way to the Vue multiplex in
Inverness (whicdh is succing the blood and funding from the rest of the Highland
region now that they are a city)


Don't be ashamed about how much or little you've seen of our own country.
The world starts at your front door and there more out the back door too!

Our Orcadian friends are sending their work to Thurso and a public screen
here on the mainland is likely in the new year.