“True Friends Stab You In The Front.” – Oscar Wilde
I have been looking back over the thirty years of Raindance Film Festival and our Film School. Whilst the films we have screened have seen many a dastardly deed, we at Raindance would never dream of such behaviour! We do however take great pleasure in ‘poking’ people in the right direction when it comes to their film career.
September is officially ‘Friendship Month’ and to celebrate the dictionary definition – ‘friendship, a state of enduring affection, esteem, intimacy, and trust between two people.’ – we are offering our friends old and new, the opportunity to join us in any number of ways.
Over the last thirty years, we have seen thousands of faces (many now famous) come through our doors. Some have gone onto international fame and hopefully fortune. Some have not sought the Hollywood spotlight, but preferred to indulge their passion for independent movie production and some have boosted their careers in specific elements such as acting, writing, or documenting amazing things happening in the world around us. No matter what path they have taken, after leaving Raindance… we have always remained friends.
Friends can see you through the tough times and both Raindance and our graduates have had our fair share of those. Friends can also enjoy your successes! And you only have to watch the footage of past festivals to witness the smiles on the faces of those coming back to be part of our celebrations.
What does friendship mean to you?
Someone to call on when you need a babysitter? Maybe it’s the person you go to when funds are low and you just need that few quid to get through a tight-spot. That few quid, which in reality means the world! Or is it the person who’s couch you crash on when you’ve had an argument with your partner. Is it the individual who drives miles and shows up at the hospital, when all your family who live locally, can’t make it? Or maybe… it’s the quiet one. The one who, no matter how bad things get – never leaves your side. Sometimes actions speak louder than words.
Doing anything for thirty-years is difficult. Doing it well for thirty-years is next to impossible. So how has Raindance survived and thrived over this period of time, which has lasted longer than most marriages? With help! From friends.
Not the Government… they have been conspicuous by their absence at Raindance. The help that we’ve enjoyed over the decades has come solely from our friends. Individuals, companies, organisations and graduates. The ones who have worked through the night. The volunteers. The benefactors. The staff and the partners. The tinkers, the tailors, the soldiers and spies! (Couldn’t resist it – a great film). Raindance is not just a festival – it’s an achievement.
Juan Nepomuceno Guerra once said,
“A man is measured not by his enemies, but by his friends”. If this is true, then Raindance stands upon the shoulders of giants!
We are celebrating ‘Friendship Month’ throughout September by offering incentives to you and your friends. Come and join us. Everything in life is better when it’s shared, so bring a friend and share the experience. Share in the making of memories… and share in the fun!
Where does that leave you? And Raindance?
We really are counting on your support – and that doesn’t mean money. What is really important to Raindance, and our ability to thrive in a world that is turning upside down – is you. There are 7 different ways friends can support Raindance. to help us thrive. And more than money – it’s your time.
Time to like our social media. Time to write a review on Yell – or to like our blog post. Time to tell a friend about the disruptors at Raindance. Time to reflect on the value of independent filmmaking.
Do I sound too pompous? Would you feel like donating a few minutes of your time? Or, become a benefactor or patron of Raindance?
You could donate here. As they say at Tesco, “every little helps…’
Let’s make movies!
Did You Know?
• Raindance Film Festival is considered one of the top fifteen film festivals in the world?
• Raindance Film School London offers HND, BA and MA in Filmmaking, Performance and Screenwriting?
• Let Raindance guide you on your filmmaking pathway. call +44 (0) 207 930 3412 or email [email protected]
