The British Film Institute (BFI) is launching a new programme of events for mature people at the BFI Southbank. In addition to its three existing cinemas, it now boasts a space providing public access to the selection of archive materials (or Mediatheque), an exhibition space exploring relationships between art and moving image culture, a digital Studio Cinema, a Project Space for practical film and IT work and a Filmstore where you can purchase dvd films, books and publications.

The programme of events includes:

1. Free film matinees showing films from the BFI's archive, on the last Thursday of the month (except December) starting on 29th November at 2.00pm.
2. Film matinees selected from the current film programme with an introduction before the film and a discussion and refreshments after it. The matinees start on 6th December at 2.00pm with the classic Hollywood film "All About Eve" and continues on the first Thursday of every month. Seats are bookable in advance at £6.25 (£5.25 for BFI members).
3. A Film Club on the second Tuesday of the month, beginning on 11th December from 11am -1.00pm. Club members will explore the history of film and television in a programme that includes special screenings, talks, discussion and an opportunity to contribute to programming and even develop practical film making skills. The club will be able to use all the facilities at BFI Southbank. The number of club members will be limited to ensure that everyone has access to these facilities.
4. Development of a Shared Learning Project

It is planned that up to 10 USA members from the Film Club will develop a Shared Learning Project by participating in the Club and identifying a number of potential topics which could be the subject of a project. Each topic will be discussed by USA members and BFI staff and one will be jointly selected to be the subject of the Shared Learning Project. Research work on this topic will then be undertaken by the USA members. When the research is complete a report will be prepared and a presentation on the findings will be given.

If you have a keen interest in films, would enjoy researching to see what can be learned about a topic from a range of film sources, and like working in a team, this Project could be of interest to you. No prior knowledge or experience are required although some background knowledge of films and the cinema would be an advantage. However, your enthusiasm is paramount!

The group will meet for the first time on Tuesday 11th December (11 am - 1.00 pm) at the introductory session of the Film Club. Thereafter, Film Club meetings will continue monthly on the second Tuesday of the month at the same time. However, the Shared Learning Project members will meet fortnightly (including Film Club meetings) from February 2008 for a period of approximately three months.

If you think you might be interested, please contact Alan Hooper, USA Project Leader: Tel: 020 8866 4496 or email Alan - alanh43uk@yahoo.co.uk for further information. The closing date for applications will be Friday 23rd November.