Cine Sisters SW

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Formed during lockdown by Laura Denning, Lauren Tenn and Kate Paxman, Cine Sisters SW is an exciting new Arts Council-funded collective of womxn working in film and living in Devon and Cornwall.

This not-for-profit Arts Council-funded arts organisation provides inspiration, support and opportunities for womxn working in film in Devon and Cornwall.

Laura says: “We are artists, filmmakers, programmers, documentary makers, camera operators, sound artists and designers, and film editors who exist to meet the needs of womxn in film in the region and the intersectional realities (difficulties) they face.

“We initially set up in response to comments by womxn filmmakers about absence of opportunities and lingering sexism in the sector.

“In terms of best practice as a networked group, we continue to be inspired by CAMP (Contemporary Art Membership Plymouth) whose models for working with individuals and communities have really helped us to grow as an organisation.

“We aim to provide opportunities through commissions, open calls, workshops, artists’, filmmakers’ and industry professionals’ talks, and other public events.”

Opportunities provided by Cine Sisters SW are forged through collaborations with established cultural partners and with artists/freelancers.

The CIC has just reached its first anniversary, and has an open membership for anyone who identifies as female, works in film and lives in Devon or Cornwall.

*Still from film by Anna Boland – commissioned artist Nov 2021*

Lauren says: “We are peripatetic and work across Devon, with a view to also supporting womxn filmmakers across the South West.

“Plymouth is massively important to that mission, as the largest city in the region, with a vibrant network of creative, cultural and educational organisations and individuals, loads of great venues to host our events and brilliant innovators and entrepreneurs dedicated to social impact.

“We hope that we positively impact womxn working in film in and around Plymouth, and that we offer the broader public the chance to see innovative, new work by local and regional creatives.

“We hope that people take away a strong sense that Plymouth can and does nurture grassroots creative talent, and that the city offers opportunities to make and to see new work, demonstrating that the city is a great place to live and work.

“Our cultural identity is growing and can only get stronger. Initiatives like Meanwhile Spaces really matter as we see the ways in which our high streets can be adapted following lockdown.

“Finding ways to tackle racism and poverty (national concerns, not just Plymouth-centred) and ways to make everyone feel welcome are the challenges going forward.”

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Image by Sonia Levy – Free Online Artists Talk

Despite only being 14 months old, Cine Sisters SW are quick to acknowledge those who have helped them along the way.

Kate explains: “Without massive support from Plymouth Arts Cinema and Real Ideas Organisation in the first instance, we would have really struggled.

“Since then we have developed beneficial relationships with CAMP, Plymouth Culture and the networked groups that form part of MESH that have genuinely supported our development in real terms.

“We are currently working on our second Arts Council application so that the programme we have developed this year can continue and can be expanded upon.

“We also are very keen to secure funding to help support emerging documentary and narrative fiction filmmakers, and to work with particular groups in the city who would benefit from support in telling their story and in taking part in the cultural identity of the city.”

Cine Sisters SW was born in lockdown, in part because of lockdown, in response to the need to find new ways to connect and network, and to create opportunities and events using novel methods of engagement.

Now that the team can operate ‘in real life’, they host regular Mixer events where womxn filmmakers can showcase their work and meet up in a lively and supportive environment.

However, they recognise that one of the benefits of lockdown was the plethora of online events around the world that anyone could attend/participate in. For that reason, Cine Sisters SW continues to offer free online artists talks on the first Monday of each month.

*Still from Greenwash by Jemma Cholawo – commissioned artist Nov 2021*

So, what is their advice to other creatives emerging from lockdown?

“Take part!” says Laura. “Attend events and workshops, in real life and online. Host your own events and don’t be afraid to take a DIY approach to participating in the cultural life of the city.

“Plymouth has a strong identity as a city that makes things happen, so be part of that culture and benefit from the support available.

“One must-visit place is Leadworks (170 Rendle St, Stonehouse, Plymouth PL1 1TP), a social enterprise based near Union Street which offers a great atmosphere.

“They also host a number of organisations in their building that have specialist skills in supporting people with a range of needs including disabilities, mental health difficulties, the LGBT community, refugee and asylum seekers, and homeless people – so they will always try and connect you with someone who can help.

“They have a pay-it-forward scheme, a community fridge, a public living room and a community library. Cine Sisters SW is always excited to host events at Leadworks – the team is always flexible and supportive, and the vibe for our Mixer events is second to none.”