Stokie's Invited to Create Short Films to Celebrate The City

Organisers of a brand new initiative - which is set to celebrate the people, places and heritage of the City of Stoke-on-Trent - are inviting members of the public to join them for a special event.

‘Love Stoke 100’ is being organised by community interest company - Framescape - and is a project inviting local residents to create and share their own short films which champion the area.

To provide residents with the opportunity to learn more about the project, share ideas and receive hints and tips on how to produce a short film - Framescape will be opening their doors for an informal free ‘drop-in’ on Friday 21 March, at The Bank, 1 Campbell Place, Stoke.

Since 2018, the CIC has been working to inspire, educate and support local people with digital and technical skills and has worked on various projects. Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded £96,500, (raised by National Lottery players), to Framescape to support Love Stoke 100.

Director Dan Waterman said: “We are always looking for ways to celebrate Stoke-on- Trent and what the City has to offer - so what better time to do that, than now, as we look to celebrate our centenary year in 2025. Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to National Lottery players for their support.

“We are looking for people to come together and to help create something quite special for the area by celebrating our people, places and heritage with film so we can share these with the wider world as we aim to continue to promote local people, places and heritage.”

“One hundred films in total will feature, which we will collate and broadcast to show all the positives in Stoke-on-Trent. They will be hosted online via a special dedicated website as well as shown via YouTube.”

Liz Shaw, Head of Engagement, England, Midlands East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “As the city of Stoke-on-Trent marks its 100th year we’re delighted to support Framescape’s creative approach to capturing and sharing what makes this place special and how people connect to its history. It’s thanks to National Lottery players that we are able to fund this important work.”

Dan adds: “We cannot wait to welcome everyone where we will be able to share thoughts and ides together and also provide tips on how to record the films - whether that is on a mobile phone or another device.

“We are here to help and to ensure we do something really good for the City, the 100 year centenary celebrations and the future.

“We are also working with local schools and colleges for the Love Stoke 100 project to provide young people with the opportunity to learn more about Stoke’s heritage and film making in fully funded sessions run by professional film makers. Plus we will also be looking to hold further community events throughout the year.”

Prizes such as a Go Pro Camera, Stoke City tickets and passes to Waterworld and Alton Towers will also be awarded for the best entries. All of the films will also be shown at a special celebratory event at the end of the year.

Love Stoke 100’s ’drop-in’ event will take place between 4pm-6pm on Friday 21 March, Framescape, The Bank, 1 Campbell Place, in Stoke.For more information about the Love Stoke 100 project visit www.lovestoke100.co.uk