2008 has seen many varied projects for REELmcr, commissioned by a wide range of organisations. From partners that have commissioned further projects such as Oldham NDC, Manchester City Council’s Children’s Services and the Academy for Sustainable Communities, to new commissioners such as Revealing Histories, Manchester Partnerships and the BBC. This has meant working with existing groups to build video production teams, with an eye to nurturing young talent and equip them with the skills to sustain themselves. It has also meant working with new groups in Greater Manchester and forming links with community organisations in new areas.

The projects successes have been measured in a number of ways. The Revealing Histories films are permanently housed on the Revealing Histories web-site, “Wake Up” received special recognition in the Process 08 Hip Hop Festival, as an example of how Council’s and community organisations should work together, and many participants have gone on to work in the industry whether through successful auditions or as crew members. Our continued relationships with previous commissioners and partners has led to REELmcr being given a 6-film retrospective at this years Salford Film Festival, beginning November 15th 2008.

The many projects REELmcr has worked on this year have led to an invitation to join the Centre For Social Justice’s Poverty Fighter’s Alliance and we are currently awaiting a visit from a member of the British Urban Regeneration Awards team, having successfully made it through the first stage of best practice in Community Inspired Regeneration.

Kathie Dowling