Cinemas, film clubs, community groups, and other bodies seeking to present a public film festival in Scotland are being urged to apply for a share of a new £60,000 scheme from development agency, Regional Screen Scotland (RSS), thanks to investment from Creative Scotland.

RSS is accepting applications for the Local Film Festivals, Touring Programmes & Audience Development Fund (2011-12) from organisations planning film festivals, touring programme of films, or similar audience development activities in areas of cinema under-provision in Scotland.

The total fund for this scheme during 2011-12 is £60,000 devolved from the Creative Scotland’s Access Investment programme. Grants are normally available for up to a maximum of £5,000 per organisation in any one year, though it is anticipated that many awards will be for amounts less than £3,000.

Speaking about the Fund, Ron Inglis, Director of Regional Screen Scotland, said: “Scotland has a long tradition of film festivals and special screenings, but it can be difficult for smaller events to receive financial backing. We see this Fund as a way for the most exciting and challenging ideas to get the help they need.”

Sambrooke Scott, Portfolio Manger for Audience Development, Participation and Equalities at Creative Scotland, said; “Creative Scotland is pleased to support the great work Regional Screen Scotland does enabling cultural cinema exhibition to happen in parts of Scotland that have previously had little or no provision. This £60,000 devolved fund will allow community screening groups, festivals and touring events throughout Scotland to reach their full potential.”

Full application details are available from www.regionalscreenscotland.org/funding.  Application submission deadline: 13 January 2012 (5pm).

Source: Creative Scotland