HCC Workshop: 101 - Running a Community Cinema

This practical, introductory workshop is open primarily to active and prospective members of HCC, with a limited number of tickets available to members of the general public interested in community-led cinema.

Led by Edwin Mingard, founder of Deptford Cinema (DC), the session will draw on DC as a case study to explore the realities of setting up and sustaining a grassroots cinema initiative. Edwin will share insights on programming, audience development, partnerships, access, and funding, alongside the challenges and trade-offs involved in community-led cultural work.

The workshop will combine:

⛮ Short inputs grounded in lived experience and collective knowledge 

⛮ Group discussions focused on the specific challenges HCC currently faces (e.g. resources, venues, audience reach, governance, care)

⛮ Collective problem-solving, drawing on participants’ knowledge and capacities

The session will also reconnect with the aspirations, values, and dreams articulated during the zine workshop, using them as a foundation for thinking about what kind of community cinema HCC wants to build. These reflections will contribute to the ongoing development of HCC’s manifesto and long-term vision.

👾 Who it’s for:

HCC Organising Committee members and volunteers (past, present and future), with limited spaces available for members of the general audience who are interested in community cinema and grassroots cultural organising.

🍃 What participants will gain: 

⛮ A shared understanding of what a community cinema can be

⛮ Practical insights into programming, audiences, and finances

⛮ Space to collectively imagine and shape HCC’s cinema practice

⛮ Tools to move from vision to action, together

Please only book if you are confident you will be able to attend, as seating at this venue is limited.

This event is primarily for HCC volunteers and committee members, with a limited number of places available to the general public. The workshop will focus on HCC’s current needs and aspirations, and will invite collective reflection to support the development of our manifesto and organisational culture.

The registration form includes a small number of questions collected for reporting purposes. All data will be anonymised. Each attendee is required to complete the form. If you are booking on behalf of someone else and do not know an answer, please enter or select' N/A' where applicable.

Due to the venue’s limited capacity, the event may sell out.If this happens, you can be added to the waiting list. When a ticket becomes available, you will receive an email to book it, and you will have 24 hours to complete your booking.

If you are unable to attend the event, please cancel your ticket(s) so that your place can be offered to someone else.

HCC is run by volunteers and does not receive any funding at the moment. Every donation you make will help us to support local venues and to organise other free screenings.

In a time of rising living costs and persistent barriers for marginalised communities in producing and accessing films that reflect their experiences and aspirations, we are committed to making our screenings free or pay-what-you-can.

The is a vibrant community centre and café at the heart of Lordship Recreation Ground.

Haringey Community Cinema (HCC) was launched in April 2025 and is run by volunteers. Inspired by Brixton Community Cinema, HCC is aimed at bringing residents of Haringey together through film. Our mission is to showcase films that challenge, inspire, and spark critical reflection—films that make us think and act. Visit our website.

HCC does not currently have an official COVID-19 policy. However, we remain mindful that many people are still vulnerable to the virus. We kindly ask attendees to take the following precautions to help keep our events safe and accessible for everyone:

• If possible, please take a lateral flow test before attending.
• If you test positive or are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please do not attend, even if you feel well.
• We welcome and encourage the use of masks inside the venue for those who wish to wear them.
• Please be considerate of others' comfort levels and respect requests for physical distance.

Thank you for helping us create a safer and more inclusive space.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Haringey Community Cinema