Shetland Arts Explores New Film Festivals Following Screenplay’s End

Shetland Arts is actively engaging in discussions with various film festivals to explore the possibility of bringing new events to Shetland. This initiative follows the conclusion of the Screenplay festival, which last took place in 2023. The topic was highlighted during Shetland Arts’ recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), where community sentiments regarding the absence of both Screenplay and the literature festival, Wordplay, were shared.

Councillor Moraig Lyall, who attended the meeting remotely, expressed that many community members miss the cultural enrichment these festivals provided. Graeme Howell, the chief executive of Shetland Arts, explained that the decision to end Screenplay was made by its curators, Mark Kermode and Linda Ruth Williams, who chose to pursue other opportunities. Howell acknowledged the importance of respecting their decision, stating, “We need to leave space for other things to happen.”

Future Festival Opportunities

Howell mentioned that discussions with other film festivals are ongoing and aim to create fresh opportunities for cultural engagement in Shetland. He emphasized the need for evolution within the organization, saying, “I think just doing what we’ve done in the past is not the right way to run an organisation.” The chief executive pointed to the successful return of Shetland Noir, a crime writing festival that started in 2015 and is scheduled to return in 2024. Notable authors like Lee Child are expected to headline the event.

Artist Roxane Permar echoed the sentiment that Shetland has lost a significant cultural event with the absence of Screenplay. She articulated that the festival was “absolutely fantastic” and highlighted its role in fostering knowledge and inspiration within the community. Permar also mentioned that both Screenplay and Wordplay were crucial for professional development in the arts.

Looking Ahead to New Initiatives

Minutes from a Shetland Arts meeting in June revealed that the idea of establishing a “book festival” in 2027/28 was presented to Howell, who agreed to consider the proposal. In prior discussions with Shetland News, Howell advocated for a “flexible” approach to festival planning, stating, “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.’”

As Shetland Arts navigates this transitional period, the focus remains on responding to community needs while exploring new avenues for cultural expression. The ongoing conversations with potential film festivals signal a commitment to revitalizing Shetland’s vibrant artistic landscape.