This collaboration leverages ARU's academic strengths and CFF's industry connections to provide an enhanced learning environment and professional pathways for students.
Commenting on the partnership, Associate Professor in Film & Media at Anglia Ruskin University, Tina Kendall, said: "This collaboration with Cambridge Film Festival represents a powerful opportunity to merge theoretical knowledge with practical industry experience. It's a step forward in our commitment to providing transformative educational experiences that are relevant and impactful."
She added: “ARU is committed to supporting the creative industries through partnerships like this one with Cambridge Film Festival. The sense of community that the Festival provides is really special.
“With the UK’s creative industries targeting growth of £50bn and a million more jobs by 2030, at ARU we’re making sure our graduates are equipped with the relevant insight and experience to play key roles in the sector’s future”.
Cristina Roures, from Cambridge Film Festival, stated, "The Festival is increasingly committed to nurturing talent, supporting young people in finding their place in the film industry, and broadening opportunities for access. By partnering with Anglia Ruskin University, we are not only enhancing our educational offerings but also reinforcing the Festival's role as a leader in supporting the next generation of film industry talent. We’re incredibly excited about the future of this partnership."
Empowering the Next Generation of Film Professionals
This partnership introduces a series of initiatives designed to provide ARU students and young people from across the eastern region with hands-on experiences and networking opportunities crucial for career development in the film sector. Key initiatives of the partnership include:
- Paid Roles at the Festival: Providing students with real-world experience through paid positions.
- CFF Reel Voices: A new mentoring program designed for aspiring film journalists.
- Expanded CFF Industry Day: A day of workshops and panels with industry experts, providing young people with insightful guidance and networking opportunities.
The collaboration between CFF and ARU will create a vibrant hub of activity and exchange, bridging the gap between academic learning and creative industry practice. By participating in the Festival's networking events and educational programmes, students and professionals alike will gain valuable insights and connections that are often hard to come by in classroom settings.
Paid Roles at the Festival
Through this partnership, two students will have the opportunity to join the Festival team as paid assistants, gaining invaluable real-world experience in the dynamic and fast-paced environment of a film festival. Additionally, one student will be hired as the Festival videographer. Each student will receive mentorship and career guidance as part of their role with the Cambridge Film Festival team.
CFF Reel Voices
This partnership will see the launch of a brand-new film criticism scheme in 2024. ARU students will work alongside the wider community of aspiring film critics in Cambridgeshire as part of the Reel Voices scheme.
Alongside learning about film criticism and improving related skills, the participants will receive full press accreditations for the Festival and produce film reviews that will be published on the Festival’s website and social media.
ARU award-winning screenwriter, author, and journalist Toby Venables, along with fellow ARU lecturers and film experts Harriet Fletcher and Henry Miller—freelance film and culture journalist and film historian/critic, respectively—will be among the mentors guiding participants in the scheme.
CFF Industry Day
Scheduled for Monday, October 28th, the Cambridge Film Festival’s Industry Day will offer an exceptional opportunity for film students at ARU and beyond, as well as filmmakers and industry professionals, to connect, learn, and advance their careers. Now in this third edition, this event will feature a full day of networking, insights from industry experts, and opportunities to forge new professional relationships within the filmmaking community.
Future Prospects
As CFF’s Education Partner, ARU will enjoy increased visibility across the Festival and help promote enhanced learning opportunities for ARU students and young people from across the eastern region who aspire to be part of the film and cinema industry.
Further Details about the Cambridge Film Festival
Cambridge Film Festival returns to the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse on 24–31 October. The full programme will be announced towards the end of September. Tickets on sale October 1st
Whether you are a seasoned festival-goer or new to film festivals, CFF offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the best of world cinema.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.camfilmfest.com.
