Global boost for alternative film culture

Radically independent and collaborative

Dr Presence, an Associate Professor in Film Studies, explored the organisational patterns, successes and failures of activist film culture dating back to the 1970s. This was matched by an analysis of the output of production companies, video-activist groups, film festivals, exhibition collectives, television series, commissioning departments and counter-cultural networks.

The most viable networks shared three commonalities – a strong identity, coherent internal organisation and widespread external relationships. Dr Presence found that the most striking downfall of earlier networks was an over-reliance on external funding bodies.

In creating something new, Dr Presence sought to establish a decentralised model, with network members taking charge of activities and decisions, whilst building a diverse stakeholder community to facilitate more opportunities for growth and collaboration.

The RFN’s website now embodies this infrastructure, providing a central platform through which members can tap into shared resources and connect with other members. The network has been widely praised for providing a space for participatory production.

International events

Several major international events have emerged from the RFN, including eight multidisciplinary conferences in cities such as New York, Dublin and Berlin. Collaborative ties have been built with the trade union movement, helping the network to reach new audiences from communities that would not normally attend festivals or screenings. The RFN also partnered with the Sheffield International Documentary Festival, the third largest documentary film festival and marketplace in the world.

Enhancing visibility and exposure

For individual network members, the RFN has proved a vital resource in enhancing filmmakers’ visibility and exposure, helping to secure relationships and job opportunities in national and international communities, as well as film festivals. Other members have been connected with exhibitors, distributors and broadcasters.

Creating a sustainable model of growth was one of the primary motivations for the RFN, something it has successfully done by opening up opportunities for the next generation of creators and activists.

Contribution to the UN 2030 sustainable development goals

UWE Bristol is proud to align our research to the UN sustainable development goals. The above research aligns with the following goals: