Shetland Arts Pursues New Film Festivals After Screenplay’s End

Shetland Arts’ chief executive, Graeme Howell, has confirmed that discussions are ongoing with various film festivals about the possibility of hosting events in Shetland. This initiative follows the conclusion of the Screenplay festival, which last took place in 2023. The matter was highlighted during Shetland Arts’ recent annual general meeting on Thursday evening.

Attending the meeting remotely, Councillor Moraig Lyall expressed that many community members still feel the absence of Screenplay, as well as Wordplay, the literature festival that last occurred in 2022. Howell explained that Screenplay was discontinued in 2023 after its curators, Mark Kermode and Linda Ruth Williams, decided to step away from the event. He acknowledged their contributions and stated, “I felt it was wise to respect this and leave space for other things to happen.”

Exploring New Opportunities

Howell mentioned that he is actively exploring potential partnerships with other film festivals. He noted that these conversations are still in progress. He also referred to Shetland Noir, a crime writing festival that has been held in 2015 and 2023, which is set to return next year with notable authors, including Lee Child, known for his Jack Reacher series.

“I think just doing what we’ve done in the past because that’s what we’ve done is not the right way to run an organisation,” Howell remarked. He emphasized the importance of adapting to the community’s evolving needs, stating, “You need to review and move forwards and evolve and change.”

Artist Roxane Permar shared her sentiments about the loss of a film festival in Shetland. She acknowledged the rationale behind not looking backward but highlighted that “Screenplay was absolutely fantastic.” Permar noted the significant impact both Screenplay and Wordplay had on community engagement, saying, “They were really important in terms of helping to feed and nourish our knowledge, refresh our knowledge and be inspirational.”

Looking Ahead to Future Festivals

Minutes from a Shetland Arts meeting in June indicated that the idea of establishing a “book festival” in 2027/28 was proposed to Howell, who agreed to consider the suggestion. Howell has previously described a “flexible” approach to festivals, indicating a willingness to celebrate events that resonate with the Shetland community. “When there are things that are very relevant for us to celebrate in Shetland, we will do those things, as opposed to the metronomic ‘we will do this every year,’” he stated.

As discussions continue, the future of film and literature festivals in Shetland remains a topic of interest for both local residents and festival enthusiasts. Howell’s proactive approach signals a commitment to revitalizing the cultural landscape, ensuring that Shetland remains a vibrant hub for artistic expression.