Tag: Research

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

Trans Week of Awareness is observed from 13th-19th November. It’s a week to celebrate the achievements and contributions of trans people. The end of Trans Week of Awareness is marked by the Trans Day of Remembrance on November 20th. This year there are a number of events happening in the United Kingdom and throughout November to raise awareness of trans issues.

Dementia-friendly screenings create a slice of normal life for people living with dementia, a chance to experience film in a relaxed and supported environment. Cinemas across the UK are providing screenings throughout the year, but World Alzheimer’s Month is an opportunity to highlight these events.

Dementia-friendly screenings are sometimes called relaxed screenings, though these can also be suitable for people with multiple sensory sensitivities or different conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or learning disabilities.

Screenings are adapted to make the environment more suitable for people living with dementia. Sometimes, simple adaptations can be enough for someone to experience a slice of ordinary life and enjoy a cinema experience with their companions.

Find out more about running dementia-friendly screenings here or check out the downloads on this page.