MADAM – Re: Stroud’s First Film Festival reported in the SNJ of 17/12/14.

I would point out that this is not Stroud’s First Film Festival or perhaps more succinctly not the first film festival in Stroud.

That accolade belongs to The Cotswold Film and Video Festival which ran annually for nine years, 2000 to 2008 and funded mainly by SDC.

It was forced to close due to cuts in the funding and the increasing costs of hiring the Sub Rooms where the public shows were held every September.

It was organised by myself with Clive Blackmore as chairman and supported by a number of other local experienced film makers, all volunteers.

Notably in the nine years the total number of films from both the UK and around the world numbered 947, an average of 105 films per year, on many subjects from professionals, non-professionals and students.

The films in each of these categories were judged independently on merit by film makers from across the three categories.

It was also well supported throughout the nine years by The Photographic Society of America which provided one of its gold medals each year.

Some businesses in this area also provided prizes.

Trophies and some cash prizes were awarded to the winning producers, most of whom personally attended to receive them, and presented to them on stage by various TV presenters.

Filmmakers even attended from as far away as Azerbaijan.

The photograph shows one of the trophy stands.

Lee Prescott

Stonehouse