Film lovers gathered at Alder Bar in Kelham Island this week for a special community screening celebrating International Women’s Day, featuring independent feminist films and a classic road-movie favourite.
The event, held on Tuesday March 10, opened with two short films from small and DIY filmmakers before a screening of Thelma & Louise, Ridley Scott’s iconic story of friendship, rebellion and freedom.
The screening formed part of a growing community film programme hosted at the bar, which focuses on showcasing independent and locally produced cinema alongside themed events.
Ruby Mortimer, Curator of Kelham Island Film Club said: “For International Women’s Day, I especially see it mostly celebrated by people trying to sell women things, and I would much rather celebrate it in a way that gets people to come together or do something free, explore different ideas.
“It’s been a secret, but it’s not a secret anymore. It’s Thelma and Louise, and it’s a celebration of female friendship… We’re also showing two DIY films from local filmmakers based around women’s issues, centring women’s stories.”
The event highlighted the role of film clubs as spaces for the creative community.
Ruby spoke about the importance of these groups, noting how filmmaking formats and methods are increasingly becoming oversaturated with the same styles and approaches.
Ruby hopes to organise more events in the future in collaboration with local Sheffield filmmakers, creating further opportunities for audiences to come together and celebrate independent cinema.
Around 44 tickets had been booked ahead of the event, with organisers expecting between 30 and 40 people to attend the free screening.