Northern Ireland’s only operational picturehouse, the Strand Arts Centre, hosted a special preview screening of Ridley Scott’s spectacle-filled action epic, Napoleon in partnership with the movie’s producer, Mark Huffam last night (Wednesday 22 November).
Guests enjoyed a Moët & Chandon champagne reception on arrival, before film critic Brian Henry Martin led a conversation with the film’s Ballyclare-born producer, providing the audience with exclusive, inside knowledge into the creation of the film, which stars Oscar winning actor, Joaquin Phoenix.
This special event is one of several fundraisers the Strand has lined up before it closes its doors in early 2024 to undergo a transformational £6.5 million redevelopment project. The proceeds from the Napoleon Q&A will contribute to the remaining 10% of funds that are still to be raised through the support of public funding, special screenings, and corporate sponsorships.
Mimi Turtle, CEO, the Strand Arts Centre, said: “Following the recent announcement that unveiled our exciting redevelopment plans to restore and rejuvenate the Strand for future generations to come. Mark has played a fundamental role in making the film and TV industry in Northern Ireland what it is today, so we’re thrilled to have him on board in supporting the Strand, with this special fundraiser, which is the first of many initiatives we’ll be running in the coming months.”
Oscar-nominated producer Mark Huffam, who is best known for bringing award-winning HBO series Game of Thrones to Northern Ireland, has credits on a wide range of blockbusters including Saving Private Ryan, Mamma Mia, The Martian, The Northman, and House of Gucci. In 2011, he was awarded a CBE for his services to the film and television industries and continues to be an advocate for positioning Northern Ireland as a key location to produce large-scale film and television productions.
Commenting on the upcoming Q&A session, Mark Huffam, said: “I’m very happy to do what I can in supporting the Strand’s efforts to reach the remaining amount it needs to complete the redevelopment project. What makes the Strand different is that it celebrates a unique variety of films and gives movie fans an iconic setting to not only watch a new release or large-scale blockbuster, but also to see a more diverse genre of films, including smaller-scale, local productions.
“It’s been exciting to hear about the Strand’s upcoming redevelopment project, particularly around the plans to increase the volume of workshops and classes for the creative industries. In the last 10 years, Northern Ireland has experienced exponential growth within the film and television sector, and in order to maintain this, it will be key that local talent has spaces like the Strand to foster creativity and enhance skillsets.”
To find out more about the Strand Arts Centre’s programme of events, or how you can support the redevelopment, visit www.strandartscentre.com or connect with @StrandArtsCentre on Facebook and Instagram.