How We Select Films
Can I, as a TWFS member, suggest films, directors, etc?
We want you to.
Whether you want particular films, have a preference for certain directors, actors, countries, genres, etc. please let us know. For films it is wise to limit yourself to 10, because the eleventh onward we may in future ignore. To tell us: email us, or send us a list by post.
If you’re not a member, there is a quick solution, join us!
We keep a list of your requests.
Are there films on your list that no one has asked for?
Yes. For instance, from Sight & Sound Critics’ and Directors’ polls, Cannes winners, etc. Ones that no one has asked for but they are recognized as excellent.
The list is nearing 400 films at the moment.
Doesn’t that mean that there’s no point in my asking for films?
We can understand the logic, but the answer is a very clear “No”. You may suggest a film that we have never thought of, but like the sound of. You may be adding your vote to a film which several others have asked for. Certainly, you are telling us teh sorts of film that you would like to see.
Who chooses the actual programme for the year?
The committee alone, apart from one occasion (see below) and it does it on the basis of variety, excellence and members' views.
In choosing, your committee doesn’t just draw out of a hat (but see below!). It has to consider quite a few factors: the time of year, whether it has been shown on TV recently, how it will relate to neighbouring films on either side, the balance of films historically, director-wise, actor-wise, genre-wise and country-wise, the consolidated list of members’ requests.
Member’s Choice
For our April 2005 film we introduced the notion of Member’s Choice. On Tuesday 12th October 2004, we conducted a members’ draw after the AGM. One member was asked to pick a ticket (real hat, real paper), and the winner was asked to propose up to 5 films that he would like. We procured the required film, When We Were Kings (not one that the committee had ever considered). We showed the film, which proved a great success. So the draw has become an annual habit.
The licensing problem
To be shown in more than a family's home, a film must, must, must be licensed by its owner for public exhibition (screening). That is true for cinemas, schools, conferences, conventions, etc. We can't simply go and buy the DVD in a shop and pass it to the cinema. (You will have seen the small print.)
The trouble is that, on first issue, films are usually licensed for only a few years. When the licence lapses the film may be in excellent condition but it will continue to sit on the distributor's shelf and cannot be hired for public screening. Sometimes films are relicensed, but it's all a little unpredictable.
Many films that we have asked for, therefore, we have not been allowed to see. But if they are ones we really want, we ask for them again some time on, and occasionally find that one is now licensed again. That was so with Bergman's The Seventh Seal.
How does the committee know that its selections are satisfactory?
Informal feedback at each showing, which we value.
The occasional email from a member.
More formally, we have twice sent out a questionnaire asking specific questions - and the question of film choice is one of the most important. So far the replies have averaged between “Good” and “Excellent”.
So when will MY films be shown?
Unfortunately, we can’t say. They may not be shown at all. We have over 200 members. We suggest that each give a list of up to 10 films. In our consolidated list there will inevitably be some films wanted by several, while most have just one supporter.
That isn’t all, of course. We may decide that we wish to see a film, only to learn that it is not available on 35-mm, or that it isn’t licensed for public viewing, or that it’s out of the country when we want it.
But don’t be disheartened. After all, how long were you thinking of being a member?
More seriously, perhaps we should grasp the opportunity to see films that other members consider worthwhile.
© The Wells Film Society 2004-10