In only its first year, Watford Film Society has walked off with two national prizes.

Representatives of the go-ahead community cinema were presented with the award for 'Best Website' by BBC Radio 4's Francine Stock at last week's British Federation of Film Societies annual conference.  From a large and competitive field, the Society also received a Distinction in the best newcomer category, and was complimented on its impressive achievements to date. 

Dr Tim Swanwick, Watford Film Society Chairman said; 

'This is a fantastic achievement for us.  We started from nothing in January this year and now we're in a position where we have a large and loyal membership, a fantastic season of films on offer and lots of exciting plans going forward.  Our website has been at the centre of all of that'.

Watford Film Society began screening in January 2010.  Since then it has attracted over 200 members, showing the sort of films that rarely, if ever, get an airing at the local multiplexes.  Main features are accompanied by introductory talks, quirky shorts and wonderful range of home-made cakes.  Attracting large local audiences, films are shown in the modern sophistication of the Clarendon Muse which, once a month, is transformed from a 200-seater concert hall into an art house cinema.  Film screenings are open to all, but in between the regular monthly programme the Society provides educational and entertaining events for members and their guests.

And there's plenty for film buffs to get their teeth into next month, as the Society presents The Horror of Dracula.  For many, this 1958 classic, which stars both Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, is the epitome of the late night horror movie.  And to get you in the mood, Darren Elliott-Smith, Film Education Coordinator at the University of Hertfordshire, will be introducing the film with a short talk on Hammer Films and the 'new' wave of British horror.  Interestingly, this frightener when released was rated 'X'.  It's now just a 12A.  How times have changed.

Press release, Sept 2010