History
Introduction
The film society grew from a village survey initiated by the Village Hall Management Committee in 1996. Their aim was to make the village hall more of a focal point in Kilmersdon. With the closure of the shop and peoples' 'busy' lives, if you don't attend WI or the Gardening Club it is all too easy to go for weeks without seeing anyone!
The survey highlighted a demand for the presentation of film in the village hall. The Chairman of the British Federation of Film Societies South West Group, Paul Schilling, came to Kilmersdon for a trial screening of the film 'Shine' and about 50 people attended. We formed a committee of 5 interested people and started to plan the first season.
Why Reel People?
We decided to call ourselves 'REEL PEOPLE' rather than Kilmersdon Film Society, because we wanted everyone to feel welcome to come along - and we are keen to encourage members from the neighbouring villages and towns.
Evolution
We opened the first season with 19 members and guests - an audience of 30 attended the film. Approximately two thirds of the audience stayed on after the film chatting and socializing and we were quickly able to establish the film evenings as 'more than just seeing the film'. People liked the 'Big Screen' experience; they applauded the end of the film, and even applauded the reel changes. They felt a part of what was going on - some started bringing cushions to make the village hall chairs less uncomfortable, now it's a tradition!
We closed our first season with 46 members and 12 committee members. Our society had begun to evolve a character of its own and all we then had to do was maintain the enthusiasm and momentum! At the end of 2001/2 season we had a membership of 153 people (a capacity membership) plus a waiting list. The average audience was 110 people per film - a real success!
Click here to view information about films shown in previous seasons.