As an A-level film student, I enjoy film in all forms, whether it be a cheesy rom-com, an indie short, or an old Hollywood classic, and am eager to go to the cinema whenever I can to broaden my watched list on Letterboxd. However, in recent years, it seems as if most cinemas are dominated solely by showings of big budget Hollywood smash hits, leaving those of us with a passion for a wider plethora of films uncatered for. A solution to my predicament, as well as that of many others, has been delivered in the form of Firstsite Colchester.  

Firstsite, located in the heart of Colchester, is a hub of contemporary art, self-expressionism and is an embodiment of creativity stemming from the East of England. The organisation portrays an array of historically and culturally diverse exhibitions that both represent and empower the communities living within Colchester and further afield. As well as its diverse programme of exhibitions, Firstsite shows films, holds workshops and hosts special events. The cinema at Firstsite, with its showings ranging from independent films to blockbuster hits, is what really piques my interest.  

An example of an indie, small budget, short film shown at Firstsite is ‘Essex Girls’ (2023), directed by Yero Timi-Biu. The film is set in 2009, and recounts experiences of black girls growing up in a predominantly white coastal areas of Essex, portraying important and socially relevant themes such as race and girlhood. The film was screened at the BFI London Film Festival 2023, yet the importance of its showings at Firstsite cannot be undermined. Low budget, independent and indie films rely heavily on organisations such as Firstsite to act as a launch pad for their success, bringing in an audience to appreciate the work. Not only does this benefit the filmmakers, but it also benefits the audience who get to experience a diverse range of films from different perspectives, which also often implement unique and unconventional formal film elements- something that will engage film students like me! 

If the aforementioned films don’t capture your interest, Firstsite broadens its range of film further through its showing of old Hollywood Classics, bringing iconic stories back to the big screen to be admired and appreciated once again. This includes, but is not limited to, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (Frank Capra, 1946) and ‘The Red Shoes’ (Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger, 1948). Firstsite showing these films allows younger generations to witness the history of film and appreciate the iconic films that shaped modern cinema, creating techniques still implemented in films to this day.  

Sarah Casey, head of Film Studies at Colchester Sixth Form College, says that "Independent film in the UK includes examples of national cinema which explores issues directly relevant to a UK audience- as well as films from other countries. In the last few months Firstsite has shown British, French, Italian and Japanese films- each giving us insights about different aspects of life and experiences." 

Speaking about the importance of spaces showing independent films, Sarah said "the danger is that the kinds of films funded and produces become narrower and narrower- there are too few screens left which show these kinds of films."

Firstsite Colchester is not only a hub for local and multicultural art and exhibitions but is also the perfect place to go to watch film from all over, ranging from indie shorts to musical classics. Not only can it broaden your watched list on Letterboxd, but it can also broaden your understanding of society by offering film from points of view you may never experience, and places you may never visit. This will benefit everyone- not just film students eager to watch as may films as possible!