Tools

Invite budding directors to show their short poverty and injustice themed movies and raise awareness about Christian Aid at the same time.

You could treat it as a proper black-tie event with tuxedos, ball gowns and a red carpet. You could even have awards and photographers and treat the filmmakers like celebrities.

One: Work out where you’re going to hold your festival. Why not link up with your union’s Film Society or a local independent cinema?

Two: Publicise your film festival well in advance, asking for student directors who would like to show off their excellent work.

Three: Collect and watch your films and work out a running order. On the night you could leave it to an audience vote to decide who gets the fabulous prize.

Four: Find a compère and some exciting guest speakers and show some Christian Aid films to hold it all together.

Five: On the night, why not ask everyone to take the latest campaign action?

You could sell Fairtrade snacks for audience members to nibble through the films or even have a Fairtrade wine reception after the showing

You could work with your Union to get the winning film on their website (and make sure you send us a copy for our site too!)

Amateur film makers are always on the look out for chances to show their work – they’ll jump at the chance to take part in your show.

Everyone loves going to the movies and a film festival is a great way to promote Christian Aid to a captive audience and raise funds for Christian Aid’s work.

You’ll need to get your publicity started early to give the participants plenty of time to write, shoot and edit their films.