Future Histories Paper
From The Star And Shadow Cinema Wiki
Star and Shadow Cinema - Alternative cultural space in the contemporary age
Abstract: Star and Shadow Cinema embodies certain politics and approaches that have all been seen before, but can perhaps be viewed today according to the FLOSS (Free/Libre Open Source Software) paradigm. We are a non-hierarchical, volunteer-run community interest company; nominally a cinema, but a current look at our programme reveals that cinema is but one cultural form amongst many presented at the Star and Shadow. Based in the Ouseburn area of Newcastle, we serve as a resource centre for a variety of media. This paper will detail the history of main activities of the Star and Shadow -- its start at the Side Cinema, its festivals, its collective programming groups, and other peripheral activities. It will examine the core principle that binds all activities, namely face to face human interaction. The approach to programming - the use of a wiki, open meetings, and consensus decision making - will be discussed in relation to the model of FLOSS. The Star and Shadow serves as an example of the future of cinema-going in the age of user-generated content. www.starandshadow.org.uk
Talk outline:
1. history of programming at the Side Cinema:
founding of the film programme there
the four groups // christo other activity at hexham // filmbee // waygood events?
key events/activities
the clash of history (amber/side) with contemporary concerns (we need our own bar!)
2. the move to the star and shadow
key ideas and other examples which informed its shape = cube cinema; cinema nova etc.
the building festival
the funding structure
the new programming structure
3. FLOSS
how the programming actually works - the wiki
getting people involved - the meetings
gigs versus films debates?
4. the future
upcoming programme
trials and tribulations
the real delights
Other principles are more open to the opinion of those involved and our audiences. Everything we do is based on mutual aid, co-operation and shared resources, but beyond that are we explicitly political or explicitly apolitical? Are we avant-garde or populist? It is suggested that we are extremely flexible, organic, and responsive to people's ideas. Personally I believe the space politicises the content, so no matter what film or event is presented, it is informed by the context of the Star and Shadow.
Anyone can become a user and develop programming ideas on the wiki, and each bi-monthly calendar has a programming deadline attached, resulting in hard copies sent out to members and distributed round the place, and physical screenings and gigs in the cinema.
