What are AYST about?

Set up and run by an award-winning documentary filmmaker, Are You Seeing This champions new and emerging filmmakers who are showing us things we have not seen before: be it with a different take on stories we already know, or altogether new stories. We share film opportunities and jobs on our Instagram; hold monthly screenings (with Q&A's and networking opps); and have a yearly fund for filmmakers to apply to. If you want the short story, head here - if you want the longer story, have a read below.

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‘Are You Seeing This’ (@areyouseeingthispresents) next programme is set for:

Sunday 25th June, 3pm at MOTH Club, Hackney.

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AYST EVENTS

AYST Instagram showcases our films and filmmakers; as well as being a place to share film jobs and opportunities, particularly those aimed at new and emerging filmmakers. However, the events themselves are the heart of it all. Each event will roughly follow this structure:

 

• A brief introduction to the films and the platform as a whole

• Screening of 2-3 films, approx 10-30 mins in length (show one, having one filmmaker interview another, open the floor to comments and questions, a break, repeat with the next film/s)

• At the end there will be a chance to chat, network, and discuss projects/inspirations 

 

Each month there will be a new theme. The idea with themes and films such as these are to create discussion: the films being screened are as much about their ideas and the ideas they inspire in their audiences as the visuals. People who want to have their films screened can send their film in via email with a brief synopsis and 3 key themes. If/when they are picked the filmmaker will be notified; and sent the film/s they are being screened with.

 

We do not charge filmmakers for entering their films; and we are non-competitive.

 

We want everyone to feel welcome at these events - whether you make films yourself, or are using this as an excuse to actually watch some for a change, we look forward to seeing you there.

 

In line with this we operate as cheaply as possible (with £6 tickets to cover our hire costs, and the rest contributing to our filmmaker fund) for those who can afford it - with cheaper and free spots available via email or DM.

 

AYST FILMMAKER FUND

Additionally, but crucial to what this is all about, leftover money (after we cover our costs) from each event goes into a pot that is totalled and given away once a year to a new/emerging filmmaker.

 

There are no restrictions on what part of the filmmaking process this money is used for, but there is the promise from us that whatever is made will be screened as part of a showcase.

 

AYST AIMS

Overall we have three main aims:

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1. That the films we screen are by new and emerging filmmakers and they give us different angles on stories we already know; or provide altogether new stories.

2. We promote this as a space for all. Cinema and films are a great place for community, discussion, and inspiration - you do not need to be an expert to get this out of our events.

3. To support young/new talent who need a hand in that first step: whether that be from our funding pot; in getting their film screened in a non-competitive and no-fee environment; or simply getting the chance to see a variety of films and meet a variety of people in and around the film industry, we are here for them. We are championing them.

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It is not just the film, the visuals, the aesthetics that count for us. Your film may not have the highest production value - that's ok! We all gotta start somewhere! AYST is about the core of a film. What is it really about? Does it get us talking? Thinking? Does it get people from cinema no-goers, to total film buffs chatting about something? It does? Send it over our way. Maybe we'll all be sat watching it in a month or two...