Off Y Grid

The project aims to create ‘big ideas in small places’ with rural audiences at the forefront. Following the closure of Ardudwy, the project adapted and the collective grew from 4 to 7 venues, welcoming Neuadd Dwyfor, Neuadd Ogwen, Dragon Theatre and TAPE.

With central coordination, venues benefit from capacity to negotiate rates, boost marketing (locating key audience groups for films, generating boosted Facebook ads, generating photography, shared programme notes, touring or recording Q&As).

Each venue is different in terms of its space and demographic but Welsh culture, heritage and access are at the core of OYG’s objectives. A diverse programme of films is offered across the network to engage audiences, taking them on a cinematic journey. Venues work collaboratively to promote films at each cinema through shared social media, trailers, coordinated film tours and Q&A sessions with talent –all of which provide enhanced cinema experiences.

• Over 4 years they reached 66,721 audiences collectively,
• Admissions were 222% over target,
• They received £35,000 investment from FHW (an average of £8750 annually),
• 513 films and 2338 screenings,
• They explore community outreach in areas such as Portmeirion, reaching 17 screening locations to date, plus events online,
• Touring Q&As such as ‘The Welshman’, ‘I Daniel Blake’, ‘Love is Thicker Than Water’ and ’20th Century Women’ promoted active discussions with political guest speakers and local charities,
• OYG works with venues to amplify in venue projects and promote diverse programming, such as TAPE’s Inclusion Film Festival, the Iris Prize, Watch Africa, screen heritage programmes and Gwŷl y Ferch (The Female Festival – a festival of short films curated & made by female filmmakers),
• OYG also develops work, such as with young creatives at Ffilm Ifanc where they curated an evening of short films (Cymru Ni) by young filmmakers aged 7-30. Local primary school pupils screened their short film and took part in a Q&A. These films are available on the newly launched YouTube channel.
• At the time of initial project development, FHW received just two applications for funding from the North West region and venues reported feelings of loneliness. After focussing on this geographic area with OYG partners, FHW received 8 applications in 2021, demonstrating exciting growth across the region, where cinemas have become leaders in innovative events for Welsh audiences.

In 2022, OYG continued to support Welsh made films including special events around Gwledd, a series of films by award winning female filmmakers such as Jane Campion and Kelly Reichardt, Pride celebrations, a programme of films to promote World Mental Health Day and a ‘Celtic Connection’ weekend to celebrate Welsh, Cornish and Irish filmmaking. They are also developing connections with international film festivals with the aim of nurturing young creatives.

• “It’s great to see our network of local cinemas collaborating to present an eclectic programme of independent films to audiences of all ages. In a challenging period cinema provides an opportunity to escape life’s difficulties & this year OYG’s programme is as exciting as ever.” – Pauline Williams, Off Y Grid Coordinator
• “The wide definition of ‘off y grid’ films has been liberating (world, Welsh, music videos, premieres etc.) and something that has led to a renewed confidence in booking and promoting non-mainstream content in the cinema.” – Off Y Grid Venue
• “Most of the screenings under the ‘Off y Grid’ banner worked well at TA. The ‘I, Daniel Blake’ event tied in with a food bank drive and a Labour Party meeting was the highlight of the program and the major success achieved here (…) without OYG’s event being held here, this would not have happened. – Off Y Grid Venue
• “Being part of the network also gives us all economies of scale and stronger bargaining power when negotiating a deal with a distributor or talent. With work on our new 2 screen cinema underway (to open July/August 2018), we see this network as something that will strengthen the appetite for independent/non-mainstream titles in the area.(…)  There is so much potential for this network, long term there could be regular ‘curated’ screenings at each venue” – Off Y Grid Venue

• “A very positive experience overall. A moving and engaging film which highlights some very important issues and shot beautifully.”
• “Makes me want to change something. Very inspiring film.” 
• “I applaud the theatre for taking on board the current dilemmas and bringing the community together…lovely to see current films and to have this venue.” 
• “Cinema takes you out of yourself especially if you’re not feeling happy.” 
• “It’s a lovely little cinema, cosy, comfortable, friendly & shows a good variety of films. 
• “Cinema’s a place where you can meet other people. It’s like going on holiday.”
• “Very positive- great venue- friendly staff & audience members…thank you for a very enjoyable thought provoking experience.”
• “Excellent film, comfortable seating, great venue…excellent to see digital films in Theatr Ardudwy.”
• “Perfect. Audience completely silent, amazing film”
• “Makes me want to change something. Very inspiring film”
• “Thought provoking in a great local venue…very useful evening”
• “I applaud the theatre for taking on board the current dilemmas and bringing the community together…lovely to see current films and to have this venue.”