Ffilm Cymru pop-up cinema takes over unit in Newport city centre

During July, the Tin Shed Unit Co. Unit 9 at Friars Walk, will be transformed into a drop-in community area for people living in Newport for anyone interested in careers and skills in film and TV in Wales. Ffilm Cymru will be hosting film screenings and activities for people aged over 16 to upskill and learn more about working as a trainee in the film and TV sector in Wales. 

On July 14 and 21, Ffilm Cymru’s Foot in the Door team will offer free film screening events for Newport residents. 

An incredible mural, created by local artist Antony Smith who produces work under Consumersmith Fine Art, which tells the story of the Foot in the Door campaign offering real opportunities for people in Newport to develop careers in the film and TV industry, is available to view at the location.

The initiative is part of Film Cymru’s award winning Foot in the Door programme that offers people new opportunities to develop their transferable skills into creative careers. Working with partners across Wales, including housing associations, job centres and local authorities, Foot in the Door provides new-entrant training placements on local film and TV productions, as well as support for accessibility, transport, and childcare. 

Faye Hannah, Head of Skills & Training at Ffilm Cymru Wales said: “Ffilm Cymru are delighted to be opening Unit 9, the first ever community pop-up shop dedicated to showcasing and learning about film and television careers in Wales.

“We are particularly proud of our skilled Art Department trainees from the Foot in the Door programme have designed and built the shop interior, showcasing their many transferable skills, developed through Foot in the Door trainee placements.”

Thursday 21 July, Shorts and Skills Event
Watch a series of seven short films from Newport filmmakers, based in Newport or funded by Ffilm Cymru and hear behind the scenes information from crew members at a live Q&A. 

Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of Newport City Council, said: “The development of the creative industries in Newport is very important to us. There is an abundance of natural talent locally, a fact corroborated by so many incredibly successful individuals and organisations. 

“The coming together of cultures through music and the arts, sharing our stories and experiences, is also a key feature of Welsh life. This project is an amazing chance for people to springboard into the sector, develop their skills and experience, and boost their employment opportunities. 

“We are very pleased to be working in partnership with such fantastic organisations to provide exciting opportunities for people in Newport while also furthering the reputation of our city as a leader in the creative sector.”

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.