Search Results

By Director Louise Fox January – March 2026: A Strong Start to the Year The first three months of 2026 have been an incredibly productive and forward-looking period for Mor Media Charity, as we continue to expand our work across film, heritage, education and talent development in Cornwall and beyond. 🎬 Film Exhibition & Touring We have been progressing plans for the Edge of Summer  regional tour, with screenings and director Q&As now being scheduled across the South West. Following a complex journey to bring the film to audiences, this marks a significant milestone in connecting a locally rooted Cornish story with wider audiences. We are also laying the groundwork for a potential independent distribution strand , using this tour as a pilot model, with projected reach across screenings expected to exceed 350+ attendees Alongside this, we have been developing a new Cornwall Film Festival website , making it easier for audiences, filmmakers and partners to access and engage with our year-round activity. Supported 3 film tours  with Q&As and marketing support, strengthening regional exhibition. 🏛️ Heritage & Community Projects Our Black Tide: The Torrey Canyon Project  continues to gather momentum as we mark the 60th anniversary of the 1967 oil spill. 25 oral histories  recorded to date Recent engagement activity delivered across West Penwith , including work with U3A groups, libraries and the local lifeboat stations Ongoing partnerships with community organisations and heritage networks across Cornwall Development of a new project website , designed to communicate and share the archive more widely This work is building a vital, community-led archive that centres lived experience and ensures Cornish voices are at the heart of this nationally significant story. 🎓 Talent Development & Industry Programmes We have been advancing our Creative Challenge Fund  programme, alongside wider talent development activity. Programme design completed with a target cohort of 14 participants  across Cornwall, Devon and the wider UK 25 participants  engaged through Story Labs exploring writing and visual storytelling 329 submissions  received to date, with 95 pre-selector applications  supporting our programming pipeline Launch of Quick Cut: The 90-Second Film Challenge , creating new entry points for emerging filmmakers Our activity engaged 6 freelancers, strengthening regional employment and the creative economy. Together, these strands are strengthening pathways for creatives at all stages of their careers and supporting a more diverse and connected screen ecology. 🎓 Education & Audience Development We have continued to deliver education and audience engagement activity across the region: Delivered the Into Film Spring Festival across 3 venues in Cornwall 2 animation workshops  delivered for Animate Helston 5 screenings  hosted, supporting access to independent film and shared viewing experiences Our team's attendance at the Berlin Film Festival , building industry connections and insight This work supports the development of creative skills while building future audiences for independent cinema. 🏛️ Advocacy & Sector Leadership We have been actively advocating for the independent cinema sector in response to the Government’s £1.5 billion investment in culture. Direct engagement with MP-level stakeholders Coordinating input from independent cinemas across Cornwall Active participation in the British Arts Festival Association , including conferences and sector meetings Contributing to national conversations on cultural infrastructure, access and regional equity This work positions Mor Media as a strong regional voice within national policy discussions. 🤝 Partnerships, Funding & Growth This quarter has also been a period of significant organisational growth and consolidation. Successful funding applications secured , supporting future programme delivery and sustainability Partnerships strengthened across 10+ organisations  spanning exhibition, heritage, education and industry Continued expansion of our networks locally and nationally Strengthening Impact and Reach These developments are helping to secure Mor Media’s long-term growth and impact. Looking Ahead As we move into spring, we are excited to bring these strands together through live events, screenings and new programme launches. With strong foundations in place, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of growth, connection and impact. We are grateful to our partners, collaborators, team, audiences, Trustees and advisors, whose support makes this work possible, and we look forward to a well-earned pause before the next phase.

Why the BBC’s failure to edit the BAFTA slur highlights a need for better education and production protocols. BAFTA judge Jonte Richardson has announced his resignation following Sunday evening's controversial events during the awards ceremony. In a sharp critique of the incident, Richardson described the events during Sunday night’s awards ceremony as "utterly unforgivable."  Michael B Jordan & Delroy Lindo at the BAFTAs 2026 The Incident   The controversy arose during the presentation of an award by actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. During their time on stage, Tourette's syndrome campaigner John Davidson vocalised a racist slur. While both actors appeared visibly shaken by the outburst, they remained professional and continued with the presentation.  John Davidson is a prominent Tourette syndrome activist whose life story was adapted into an inspirational film, I SWEAR, highlighting the hardships associated with the condition. Following the ceremony, Davidson expressed his distress over the event: “I am deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning. I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette's community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so.” Questions of Editorial Oversight   John Davidson at the BAFTAS 2026 Davidson has worked alongside the BBC on multiple occasions. He suggested that the broadcaster should have been better prepared for the nature of his condition to prevent such tics from being broadcast.  Davidson remembered “there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated.”  Davidson continued, “ I want people to know and understand that my tics have absolutely nothing to do with what I think, feel or believe. It's an involuntary neurological misfire. My tics are not an intention, not a choice and not a reflection of my values.” A Pattern of Scrutiny    This follows previous criticism of the BBC’s management, when the broadcaster faced backlash over the performance by rapper Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, which contained controversial language, and remained on iPlayer for several hours after the live set. The BAFTA incident has placed the BBC under renewed scrutiny. Despite assurances that the ceremony would be edited to remove profanity before airing, the inclusion of the slur has sparked a heated debate regarding broadcaster accountability and the sensitivity required when filming individuals with involuntary conditions.  Key Takeaways Ultimately, accountability for this oversight lies with the BBC. While the broadcaster works diligently to champion diverse and inclusive spaces, more robust measures should have been implemented, not only to prevent the slur from reaching the airwaves but to ensure that both the audience and the presenters were adequately briefed beforehand. For many, encountering the complexities of Tourette syndrome can be a profound shock, particularly when tics involve involuntary vulgar language. While this production failure shouldn't discredit the BBC’s broader commitment to representation, it highlights a clear need for improved protocols. The delay in rectifying the digital broadcast remains a significant concern, yet it also presents a vital opportunity for us all to better educate ourselves on the realities of Tourette syndrome and foster a deeper understanding of the disability. Written by Angelique Cloete

As Director of Cornwall Film Festival, delivered by Mor Media Charity, I’m writing this to raise awareness of a quiet but serious issue facing the UK’s cultural landscape: independent cinemas have been excluded from the Government’s recent £1.5 billion investment in culture . Like many in the sector, we welcome this significant investment and recognise its potential to support sustainable cultural organisations that contribute to economic growth, wellbeing and social cohesion. But the absence of cinemas, particularly independent and community-facing cinema, is deeply worrying. Top left: Merlin Flora Cinema, Helston, The Poly Falmouth, WTW Lighthouse cinema, Newquay. Middle row, Mike Leigh & Mark Kermode at Cornwall Film Festival, the Merlin Savoy cinema, Penzance. Bottom left Merlin Regal Redruth, WTW The Regal Wadgebridge, Newlyn Filmhouse Cinemas are a vital part of the cultural infrastructure Cornwall Film Festival works year-round with independent cinemas and community screening venues across Cornwall, where cinema is often the most accessible cultural experience available locally. In a geographically dispersed county, these spaces are not a luxury; they are essential. Through our partnerships, we: bring UK and international film & filmmakers to Cornwall support early-career filmmakers deliver education and outreach programmes for young people create shared cultural experiences that strengthen community connection Independent cinemas sit at the heart of this ecosystem. They act as cultural anchors, support local economies, nurture creative talent and provide inclusive, affordable access to culture. A sector at risk We welcome the investment but urge the Government to reconsider the exclusion of cinemas from capital funding. Our national partners at the Independent Cinema Office provide this stark evidence: 31% of independent cinemas  do not believe they can remain operational without access to capital funding within the next 3–5 years A further 28% are unsure For many, there is currently no viable route to National Lottery or public capital investment This is not a marginal issue; it’s an existential one. Why this matters in places like Cornwall In regions such as Cornwall, cinemas play a disproportionate role in sustaining cultural life, supporting local creative industries and tackling rural isolation. Treating cinemas differently from museums, libraries, arts venues and heritage buildings risks undermining the long-term resilience of our cultural infrastructure. If we believe culture should be accessible to everyone, not just those in major cities, and cinemas must be recognised as part of that essential fabric. A call for change Today, I have written to Jayne Kirkham , MP for Penryn & Falmouth, asking her to raise this issue with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport . I have also written to Lisa Nandy , Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, urging her to support the inclusion of independent cinemas within future cultural capital funding programmes. Independent cinemas deserve to be supported on an equal footing with other cultural institutions, not as an afterthought, but as a cornerstone of cultural life. If we allow these spaces to disappear, we don’t just lose screens. We lose places of gathering, discovery, learning and shared experience. And once they’re gone, rebuilding them will be far harder and far more costly than supporting them now. Louise Fox Director, Cornwall Film Festival Mor Media Charity

Mor Media Charity | Encouraging Creativity and Culture to Thrive in the Digital Arts through events, education, community and industry projects. STORIES FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD - Check Out Our Opportunities Submit your film to: CORNWALL FILM FESTIVAL - Film Competition QUICK CUT: 90 SECOND CHALLENGE - Film Competition Apply to our: Film Pre-Selector Programme Internship Programme Visit our Opportunities Page to learn more about each position. OUR FUNDERS & PARTNERS

Treth: Caring for our coast, Protecting nature, Inspiring change Treth is a community-led coastal environment project bringing people together to improve beaches, coastal paths and seabird habitats through practical environmental action, creative engagement and local learning. Participants will engage in nature-based activities that improve local coastal spaces while building confidence, environmental knowledge and stronger community connections. THE TRETH PROJECT Treth is a community-led coastal environment project bringing people together to improve beaches, coastal paths and seabird habitats through practical environmental action, creative engagement and local learning. The project responds to growing concern around coastal pollution, litter, habitat loss and the impact of environmental change on seabirds and marine ecosystems. Participants will engage in nature-based activities that improve local coastal spaces while building confidence, environmental knowledge and stronger community connections. ROLES We are looking for a Programme Lead and practitioners to deliver nature sessions Programme Lead Terms July to September 2026 £15-18 per hour, depending on experience | 100 hours Based remotely with occasional days in the Office in Penryn Applications should be received via our online form only See the job description below job description.pdf Activity Sessions Terms July to September 2026 £80 per session Based remotely with occasional days in the Office in Penryn Applications should be received via our online form only See the job description below job description.pdf Application Deadline: Midnight 31 May 2026 | Interviews: 8th & 9th June 2026 Everyone welcome! Come to a taster session Join a beach or path clean-up Learn new skills Help to protect our coastline GET INVOLVED COMING SOON COMMUNITY EVENTS We will be holding various events around Cornwall over the next 8 months. With sessions in Falmouth, Porthleven & Penzance. Come and share your experiences Resourses Responsible rock pooling from the Rock Pool Project > GET INVOLVED LOCAL PEOPLE LocalAction, StrongerCoastlines OUR FUNDERS & PARTNERS The Treth project is made possible with the support of the The National Lottery Community Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players,

Black Tide : The SS Torrey Canyon Oil Spill A powerful heritage and screen project retracing the story of the SS Torrey Canyon oil spill through archive, oral history, first-person accounts and film. Run by the Mor Media Charity team with partners across Cornwall and the Isle of Scilly in the run up to the 60th Anniversary of the disaster, with principal funding by the Heritage Lottery. THE SS TORREY CANYON OIL SPILL A powerful heritage and screen project retracing the story of the SS Torrey Canyon oil spill through archive, oral history, first-person accounts and film. THE PROJECT The 60th anniversary approaches of Britain’s worst shipping disaster, the SS Torrey Canyon supertanker, which ran aground off the western coast of Cornwall, spilling 100,000 tonnes of crude oil and making International headlines in 1967. Over the next two years, Mor Media Charity is set to document the stories of the spill and the clean-up operation that caused enormous damage to marine life, the livelihoods of local people and also changed the way people viewed the environment, galvanising Cornish communities, many of whom are now in their 70s. Black Tide carries profound significance for everyone, symbolising the ongoing evolution of our understanding of environmental impacts, especially those resulting from oil spills and their consequences on marine life, coastlines, and communities. Acknowledging this legacy enhances environmental awareness and accountability; it connects younger generations, families, and broader communities, emphasising the real and enduring effects of environmental disasters.This historical event calls for united action and responsible stewardship, motivating everyone to engage in creating a sustainable future. WATCH Seven Stones Oil Tanker Disaster Aka Torrey Canyon (1967) COMMUNITY EVENTS We will be holding various events around Cornwall over the next 12 months. Come and share your experiences We are heading out to talk U3A Group in Hayle Thursday 21st May Free St. Mary's Methodist Church Hugh Town, Isles of Scilly Wednesday 27th May 7pm Free We've already been to St Ives Library & Visitor Information Centre Gabriel St, Saint Ives TR26 2LX Tuesday 23rd October from 11-4.30 Awenek - The Great Cornish Heritage Festival Enys Gardens, Penryn, TR10 9LB Saturday 13th September 2025 10-5 The Isles of Scilly at The Garden Pavilion Church Road, Hugh Town, St Mary’s Friday, 30th May Morrab Library Morrab Gardens, Penzance, TR18 4DA Saturday 19th July 10-12 Porthleven Harbour 200th Anniversary Celebration Porthleven, Helston, TR13 9JY Saturday 16th August 2025 from 10am RNLI Centre - Fishermen's Mission Coffee Morning Newlyn, Monday 11th August Torrey Canyon Oil Spill : The People's Archive - Coming Soon Discover powerful stories, bold conversations, and fresh perspectives. Our channel brings you original audio shorts and interviews from inspiring voices. Whether you're into heritage, film, environment, or community, there's something here for you. Tune in, explore, and connect through sound. New episodes drop regularly — follow to stay updated. AUDIO SHORTS COMING SOON This programme offers a wide range of meaningful opportunities for volunteers to gain hands-on experience in areas such as archives, oral history, historical research, community engagement, wildlife, and working with young people. In the lead-up to the 60th anniversary of the SS Torrey Canyon disaster in 2027, we are keen to highlight collections held in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly that connect to this important moment in environmental history. If you are an archive, museum, or organisation, register your interest. GET INVOLVED HELP US SEE THE FULL PICTURE OUR FUNDERS & PARTNERS Black Tide: The SS Torrey Canyon Oil Spill is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to produce archive, oral history, first-person accounts, film and outreach events. Read More >