Tyneside film mogul celebrates 35th anniversary

A North East film mogul has reached the landmark of 35 years of in the industry after making over 200 films.

Founder of Swingbridge Media, Hugh Kelly is one of the region’s most prolific directors, specilazing in films focusing on communities and individuals facing poverty, unemployment and mental health issues.

The people at the heart of his films were involved behind the camera as well, giving them the opportunity to develop skills in film-making and broadcasting.

To celebrate his 35th Anniversary, Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema are screening two films this month, with a Q&A with Hugh after each screening.

Hugh said, “Since I set up Swingbridge Media in Newcastle in 1979, the company has made over 200 films and shown how living in the North East has changed over the last four decades.

“It has been an incredible journey, and we have not only documented the history of the region, but also given people training in film production, camera skills and interview techniques to enable them to tell their own stories.

“The anniversary screenings at Tyneside Cinema will be a fantastic chance to see a selection of Swingbridge Media’s work, and find out how far we’ve come in 35 years.”

The events are supported by the Remaking Society Project, collaboration between grassroots-based artists, such as Swingbridge Media, and researchers funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council, looking at how creativity can help re-build communities, particularly in the context of current public spending cuts and falls in living standards.

On 5 May Tyneside Cinema will screen State of the Region, focusing on how the area has changed over the past four decades.

Whose Culture Is It? will be screened on 12 May, a collection of films about the impact of the arts on local communities.

Jonny Tull, Cinema Programme Manager for Tyneside Cinema said, “Tyneside Cinema is very proud to welcome back Hugh Kelly to mark the 35 years of his work with Swingbridge Media.

“Hugh is one of the North East’s most experienced and unconventional filmmakers, and it is a real treat to be able to present a selection of Swingbridge Media’s films on the big screen, and hear from Hugh about how he has made his films and the challenges he has faced along the way.“