shared learning                           
projects                           

New Programme of Events at the British Film Institute of Interest to All U3A Members                                                           
including the development of a Shared Learning Project                                           

The British Film Institute (BFI) is launching a new programme of events for mature people at the
BFI Southbank. In addition to its three existing cinemas, it now boasts a space providing public
access to the selection of archive materials (or Mediatheque), an exhibition space exploring
relationships between art and moving image culture, a digital Studio Cinema, a Project Space
for practical film and IT work and a Filmstore where you can purchase dvd films, books and
publications.

The programme of events includes:

1) Free film matinees showing films from the BFI's archive, on the last Thursday of the month
(except December) starting on 29^th November at 2.00pm.

2) Film matinees selected from the current film programme with an introduction before the film
and a discussion and refreshments after it. The matinees start on 6^th December at 2.00pm
with the classic Hollywood film "All About Eve" and continues on the first Thursday of every
month. Seats are bookable in advance at £6.25 (£5.25 for BFI members).

3) A Film Club on the second Tuesday of the month, beginning on 11^th December from 11am -
1.00pm. Club members will explore the history of film and television in a programme that
includes special screenings, talks, discussion and an opportunity to contribute to
programming and even develop practical film making skills. The club will be able to use all
the facilities at BFI Southbank. The number of club members will be limited to ensure that
everyone has access to these facilities.

4) Development of a Shared Learning Project

It is planned that up to 10 U3A members from the Film Club will develop a Shared Learning
Project by participating in the Club and identifying a number of potential topics which could be
the subject of a project. Each topic will be discussed by U3A members and BFI staff and one
will be jointly selected to be the subject of the Shared Learning Project. Research work on this
topic will then be undertaken by the U3A members. When the research is complete a report will
be prepared and a presentation on the findings will be given.

If you have a keen interest in films, would enjoy researching to see what can be learned about a
topic from a range of film sources, and like working in a team, this Project could be of interest to
you. No prior knowledge or experience are required although some background knowledge of
films and the cinema would be an advantage. However, your enthusiasm is paramount!

The group will meet for the first time on Tuesday 11^th December (11 am - 1.00 pm) at the
introductory session of the Film Club. Thereafter, Film Club meetings will continue monthly on
the second Tuesday of the month at the same time. However, the Shared Learning Project
members will meet fortnightly (including Film Club meetings) from February 2008 for a period of
approximately three months.

If you think you might be interested, please contact Alan Hooper, U3A Project Leader: Tel: 020
8866 4496 or email: alanh43uk@yahoo.co.uk for further information. The closing date for
applications will be Friday 23^rd November.