About us

Originally Colchester Cine Club, established by a bunch of local film making enthusiasts in 1959, the club has an extensive archive of local films and events from the second half of the 20th century up to current times. Some of our members remember shooting with actual filming reels which can make for interesting comparisons with how we produce films in the modern digital era.

These days films can be made by anyone using much more compact devices, drones, smart phones, tablets as well as quality digital cameras and videocamcorders.

As a club, we continue to document local events and hone members skills for fun. We strive to produce interesting films to share with the diverse community of Colchester.

We encourage our members to take part in our traditional club challenges (formally known as competitions) and have two main screenings each season for members to show any individual films they have been working on that fit the criteria from:

The Open
The Five Minute
Documentary
Ray Jennings Challenge
David Cleveland Challenge

We have a number of whole group and smaller team film making projects built into the programme, to provide opportunities gaining practical experience in planning, filming and editing films of many genres. We have members working on international thrillers, comedy dramas, music videos and stop-frame animation films to name a few.

NEW for 2024

We are introducing two new club made projects to promote the club: Portraits of Colchester, involving filming members of the public, plus a brand new series promoting the who's who and what's what of Colchester in the 2020's.

The premiere screening of Episode 1 of this new series occured at The Headgate Theatre on Monday 7th October 2024. This (invitation-only) event was publicising the book and ethos of local musculoskeletal specialist Carrie Ransom. With further endorsements from guests on the night, we are supporting Carrie taking her campaign all the way to save the NHS Billions.

Learn more about this by visiting breakyourbadhabits.co.uk

Creative Film Making Services

We meet weekly from September to May, offering a full programme of practice and planning sessions. We work on team film projects and club challenges that are planned each season. We welcome visiting speakers and pitch nights for new film project ideas to be presented to the club members.

Click here to see what's coming up and how you can get involved.

Local Talent Support

Join us for opportunities in producing, acting, directing and writing at our practice sessions as a visiting non-member.

Offers for 2024/25 season now available.

Film Project Collaboration

Collaborate with our members who have expertise in a range of animation, drama, documentaries, tv series as well as films of all styles.

Bring your film ideas to life!

Colchester Film Makers is a vibrant community of talented individuals passionate about film making. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise create a dynamic and inspiring environment for all members. This is the place to take your hobby, develop and grow.

Leigh Martyn Thomas, Chairperson

★★★★★

Where do you meet?

Join us at Hythe Community Centre for our weekly film making meetings. Get involved, create, watch a screening, get inspired!

2024/25 Season - Tuesday 10th September to Tuesday 27th May 2025.

We continue to offer newbies a FREE trial membership. Come along to learn more or contact us.

Location

Hythe Community Centre

Meeting Time

Tuesdays 7.30-10pm