Who we are and what we do...

Filmonik is an open platform for the North West’s independent filmmakers, be they Industry Professionals, self-styled Media Guerrillas, or relative novices still finding their creative voice. Emphasising resourcefulness and raw talent over polish and high production values, Filmonik provides an open door and a warm welcome for those making films with the minimum of means.



Filmonik screenings offer a genuinely censure-free exhibition space, a level playing-screen for beginners and more experienced filmmakers alike; a chance for experimentation and eccentricity, for unexpected collaborations and maverick creativity to find a voice and flourish. Films are not pre-screened and selected but simply ‘booked-in’ and presented in an open-mic fashion.

That being said, there are certain rules…

*Films must be world premieres, and presented IN PERSON at the screening date which they are booked in for.

* Films must be under 10 minutes, and preferably around the 5 minute mark.

* Films must be ready to go - no rewinding or fast-forwarding to find the right point on the tape/DVD will be acceptable!

* Films must bear the Filmonik name or logo at the end, including the screening number in which it is shown (all our bi-monthly screenings are numbered).

* Screening of films not made specifically for Filmonik, or any other straying from the rules, is at the discretion of the Filmonik team.

*Previously screened films will be considered.

Any filmmaker who breaks a Filmonik rule must complete a ‘forfeit film’, which must be screened at Filmonik, before they can return with another film. Those forfeits are decided by our audience. If you’ve an idea for a film you’d like to see someone make, you can write it down on one of our forfeit suggestion forms and hand it to us at a Filmonik event. Forms are available to download in advance on our downloads page and will also be available at Filmonik events.

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How to get involved...

Make a film!

If you have one already no problem. We'd prefer that it hadn't been shown anywhere else before, but if it has, get in touch anyway, we're sure to be able to sort something out! If you need help making your film, keep and eye out for one of our Kaberat events, we may be able to help you on your way.

Prepare your DVD/Tape

Get it onto DVD or Tape (Mini DV). Make sure it's in PAL format and that it works! Remember all films must be ready to play on the night, no rewinding or complicated DVD menus. Lastly don't forget to include the Filmonik logo and screening number.

Book it in!

Although we are an open-mic night and in theory you can just turn up with your film, it's a good idea to drop us an email and let us know you're coming, what you're bringing and how long it lasts. That way we can make the night run smoothly and make sure we have room for everyone to screen. Remember, you don't need to send your film in advance*, simply bring it with you on the night.

*Films over 10 minutes must be sent in advance, details on our contacts page.

Disclaimer:
Filmonik Screenings are open to all, with no pre-screening or censorship. However, it is understood that the filmmaker has the full right to submit the film to Filmonik, that any relevant legal clearances have been sought by the filmmaker, and that films screened shall contain no pornographic, libellous or otherwise potentially litigious material. Filmonik reserves the right to reject any future films by filmmakers who break these rules in any way.

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A bit of history...

Filmonik is the UK branch of the worldwide Kino00 movement, which originated in Montreal, Canada in 1999, where a group of filmmaker friends were getting twitchy at the approach of the New Millennium. They hit on a simple bet - to produce an original short film every month until the End of The World. Twelve months later, and the Apocalypse hadn’t happened, but they had kept their bet and had laid the foundations of a movement that has since spread like wildfire across the globe. Today there are over 50 ‘cells’ in 14 countries on 4 continents. Driven by a spirit of sharing and collaboration, and a refreshing absence of competition, KINO sees itself as an experimental laboratory and a launching pad for all those who refuse to take the “traditional” production route. Its mission is to gather all artists who believe that the importance of a cinematographic work does not rest solely on the amount of its production budget. Its motto is shared by us all: “Do well with nothing, do better with little and do it now!”

Disclaimer: It is understood that any relevant clearances have been sought by the submission holder, therefore Filmonik will not be liable for any third party claims. Filmonik and Kino00 are not affiliated to Manchester's Kinofilm.