2680 out of 7000 languages spoken in the world are endangered. Only a few hundred languages have genuinely been given a place in education systems and the public domain, and less than a hundred are used in the digital world.
International Mother Language Day has been observed every year since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. In 2019, the United Nations declared The Year of Indigenous Languages (IY2019) to raise awareness and recognise the important cultural value that they bring to our world.
The UN has proclaimed 2022-2032 the International Decade of Indigenous Languages to draw global attention on the critical situation of many indigenous languages.
This is a great time to focus on planning screenings of films not in the English language, learn about the challenges Indigenous languages face by connecting people through language and culture through film.
February is LGBTQ+ History Month in the UK, a time to celebrate the rich histories, creativity, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and gender‑diverse communities. Cinemas and film exhibitors can play an important role in visibility, education and inclusion.
Ways to get involved:
Screen diverse films: Highlight stories by and about LGBTQI+ people — including trans and non‑binary filmmakers and characters — past and present.
Host events: Organise discussions, Q&As, or panels that explore LGBTQI+ history, current issues and lived experiences.
Create inclusive spaces: Ensure your venue is safe, accessible and welcoming for all LGBTQI+ audiences and staff.
Partner locally: Work with LGBTQI+ organisations to support community events and amplify LGBTQI+ voices.
Context on transgender inclusion (UK):
Transgender and non‑binary people in the UK continue to face significant legal, social and healthcare challenges. Recent legal rulings have narrowed the legal recognition of gender under equality law, and many trans people report difficulty accessing public spaces and healthcare services, as well as high levels of harassment and a sense of insecurity in daily life. Polling has found a majority of trans people feel unsafe in public and face significant barriers to basic services and facilities [1].
By centering LGBTQI+ history and acknowledging the lived realities of trans communities today, cinemas can both celebrate diversity and show solidarity with audiences who continue to fight for equal rights and recognition.
[1] https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/10/27/trans-poll-uk-yougov-goodlaw-project
Project overview Derbyshire Film is a network of voluntary promoters who use digital projection equipment to provide film screenings in village halls and other alternative venues, particularly in rural areas where cinema is not otherwise available. Why the project matters The project arose following research with local people, who said that the one artform they … More
In this article the author breaks down data about visits to institutions by people from different socio-economic class for us to understand how to make venues more accessible.
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This resource is a report on engaging refugees and asylum seekers in museums looking at the impact of a number of programmes in the North of England.
Project overview The Dragon Café was opened on Borough High St, London, in October 2012, founded on experience of mental health service environments, and looking to create an alternative social model of creative interaction. It is a safe space with good value, freshly prepared, vegetarian food, art on the walls and free wellbeing activities ranging … More
Project overview We offer fortnightly screenings which are branded as “relaxed” as part of our cinema programme. The films selected are usually new releases which are also screening at other times. The relaxed screenings involve certain modifications in terms of presentation (raised light level, lower sound, no ads or trailers) and we make the space … More
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