Harrogate film society and the Odeon to screen a much loved film

A special charity screening of a much-loved film about a group of Bradford filmmakers is being held at Screen Five of the Harrogate Odeon at 7.00pm on Wednesday April 24.

The multi-award-winning A Bunch of Amateurs will be raising money for two leading mental health charities, Wellspring Therapy &Training and Harrogate Mind. Doors open at 6.30pm.

The acclaimed documentary gives a unique and sensitive insight into the lives and fortunes of the members of Bradford’s Amateur Filmmaking Group, which is the oldest group of its kind in the world.

The film will be followed by a chance to meet director Kim Hopkins, producer Margareta Szabo and members of the cast.

Paula Stott of the Harrogate Film Society, who are organising the event in conjunction with Wellspring and Harrogate Mind, explained: “The amateur filmmaking group’s heyday in the 1960s and 70s. But then numbers have dwindled, the building is crumbling and it’s hard to pay the bills.

“But the passion and ambition for film remains, fuelled by ingenuity, tea and biscuits and at times creative differences. We become involved in their world and experience the positive impact of engagement. The film highlights the impact of community, of friendship, of coming together in the bleakest and the best of times. It’s a real joy.”

“The Harrogate Film Society has a long tradition and culture of bringing high quality world-class cinema to Harrogate. More recently it is using its reach and its expertise by working collaboratively with a range of organisations, to raise awareness of issues and to promote understanding across the wider Harrogate community.

“Good quality films are the perfect way to do this. They can engage and involve the audience in scenarios and situations, which otherwise would remain unknown to them. The film deserves to be seen as widely as possible, by as many people as possible. It is therefore a privilege for our Society to bring this film to the screen in Harrogate in support of such a good cause.”

Nick Garrett, interim chief executive of Wellspring, based at 78 High Street in Starbeck commented: “I’ve been a huge film fan since watching Fellini’s 8½ at university, so I’m tremendously grateful to the wonderful Harrogate Film Society for screening this special film to raise money for both us and Harrogate Mind.

“This film is worth watching as it shows how being part of your community is great for your mental health, despite life’s ups and downs.

“As well as being a highly enjoyable night out, this event will help to raise our profile and let people know that we provide private mental health counselling at affordable rates, a service which is needed more and more urgently in our community.”

The CEO of Harrogate Mind, Tina Chamberlain, added: "Mind in Harrogate District is an established charity working in Harrogate District to support mental health and wellbeing. We continually strive to make mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses and organisations that share our values, both within our town and beyond.

“It is fantastic that Harrogate Film Society, through this initiative, want to raise funds for our charity and we very much look forward to an enjoyable and informative evening while also raising the profile of the wide range of mental health support that we provide in our community."

Reviewers of A Bunch of Amateurs have said: “Joyous, Uplifting and Funny. This is what people need right now.

“This film is salve for the soul. It’s a heartfelt celebration of cinema and community.

“A quietly hilarious film”

All profits after costs will go to Wellspring Therapy & Training and Harrogate Mind in support of their mental health services.

Tickets for A Bunch Of Amateurs (12A) cost £10 and include tea, coffee and biscuits and free entry into a raffle for four tickets for the Odeon. They are available from https://www.harrogatefilmsociety.org/event-details/a-bunch-of-amateurs