Guide to hosting a successful documentary screening
Guide to hosting a successful documentary screening
A few weeks ago, we were invited to a screening of one of our short films featuring Ferme Coopérative Tourne-Sol, a worker-owned cooperative farm approaching its 20th year in operation.
It was held in Montreal, at the Concordia Greenhouse, a fitting venue for a film about a Quebec farm!
After the documentary played, participants stayed for a moderated Q&A session with the farmers, who shared their experiences and answered questions from the audience. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, spread knowledge and be part of a movement towards a collaborative and community-centered food system.
Film screenings held in group settings, with an interactive component like a Q&A, have a unique ability to educate, spark thoughtful discussion and stimulate social action. People often leave these events feeling invigorated, inspired, and connected to their community.
For organizations who produce documentaries (which is a great idea — read this blog to learn why), screenings like this are an important part of socializing and promoting the message of the film.
Since we often attend these events as filmmakers, below we’ve listed some tips on how to host a really great screening.
Pick a fun location: We loved attending the screening about farming at a beautiful greenhouse venue, but anywhere you can set up a screen and sound system will do. Cafes, libraries, theatre, co-working space can all be set up for viewing a film and connecting with fellow attendees. Prefer going virtual? Platforms like Zoom and Eventive (a platform specific to film screenings) are relatively user-friendly and affordable.
Have an interactive component: Incorporating a Q&A, networking opportunity, panel discussion, guest speakers, or other means of diving deeper into the film can give broader meaning to the content and engage the audience.
Provide snacks and drinks: Food helps to attract attendees, as well as provides people with an opportunity to stay afterwards, mingle and make new friends.
Take photos: Really great photos to share after the event can be used to promote the film and create even more buzz.
Have a test run: At least a week before the event, test everything and troubleshoot. Check the tech set up (speakers, screen, etc.), lighting, seating, microphones, and anything else that you need to make sure things run smoothly. Even if your location has wi-fi, we strongly recommend downloading the film ahead of time for a better viewing experience.
Promote early and often: Start to promote your event at least three weeks in advance. Use the test run as “behind the scenes” promotional material, and post photos during and after the event. This will help to build anticipation, as well as build awareness in your community for potential future events.
Secure necessary permissions: Depending on what you are screening, you may need a film screening license and if you plan on filming or taking photos, you will need to let your attendees know ahead of time.
Make it accessible: Consider subtitles, options for closer seating to the screen, and accessible access to the venue and seating areas. Include a question related to accessibility needs to your sign up form (e.g. Eventbrite or other platform)
Have more questions about how to host a screening, or interested in hosting a screening of one of our films? Let’s chat! Reach out to us at info@marchforthcreative.com .