OUT OF THE CAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES MAJOR UK RURAL CINEMA INITIATIVE FOR 2027–2028

Celebrating MIPCOM, independent filmmaking and an exciting new partnership with Independent International Cinema Screen to bring the magic of cinema to rural communities across Wales and Derbyshire.

October 2026 | UK Film & Entertainment News

Bringing the Big Screen to the Heart of Rural Britain

Out of the Can International Film Festival is proud to announce an exciting new chapter in its commitment to independent filmmaking, cultural accessibility and community engagement.

Celebrating MIPCOM 2026 and the international film and television industry, the festival is unveiling plans for its UK Rural Cinema Screening Initiative 2027–2028, developed in partnership with Independent International Cinema Screen (INDI).

The initiative aims to bring high-quality cinema experiences directly to some of the UK's most rural and underserved communities, with an initial focus on Wales and Derbyshire.

Under the banner:

"BIG SCREEN. SMALL COMMUNITIES. EXTRAORDINARY STORIES."

The programme will celebrate the power of storytelling while creating opportunities for rural audiences to experience independent British and international cinema closer to home.

A New Vision for Accessible Cinema

For many people living in rural Britain, enjoying a cinema experience can mean travelling considerable distances to the nearest multiplex or independent picture house.

Transport limitations, geographical isolation and the decline of local entertainment facilities can make accessing cinema particularly challenging.

The Out of the Can Rural Cinema Screening Initiative aims to help address these barriers by bringing screenings directly into the communities themselves.

Working alongside Independent International Cinema Screen, the festival plans to explore accessible screening opportunities in villages, small towns and rural community venues.

Potential locations include village halls, community centres, heritage buildings and suitable outdoor spaces.

The ambition is to create welcoming cinema experiences that bring people together, encourage cultural participation and make independent film accessible to audiences who might otherwise miss out.

Wales and Derbyshire: The First Destinations

The proposed 2027–2028 programme will initially concentrate on two distinctive regions of the United Kingdom.

Wales: Celebrating Cinema, Culture and Community

With its spectacular landscapes, historic communities and strong creative heritage, Wales provides an inspiring setting for the rural cinema initiative.

The programme aims to explore opportunities for independent film screenings in communities where access to regular cinema programming may be limited.

Alongside international independent films, the initiative hopes to provide a platform for Welsh storytelling, regional filmmakers and films reflecting the cultural identities of local communities.

Derbyshire: Bringing Independent Film to Rural England

Derbyshire, home to the Peak District and numerous rural villages and market towns, will form another important part of the initiative's proposed launch.

The programme aims to connect audiences across rural Derbyshire through screenings, community events and opportunities to discover filmmaking talent.

By exploring partnerships with local venues, community organisations and cultural groups, the initiative hopes to develop cinema experiences that reflect the needs and interests of participating communities.

A Partnership Built Around Independent Cinema

The collaboration between Out of the Can International Film Festival and Independent International Cinema Screen (INDI) represents a shared ambition to expand opportunities for independent filmmaking and film exhibition.

Together, the organisations aim to develop a rural screening programme that celebrates cinematic creativity while encouraging stronger connections between filmmakers and audiences.

The proposed initiative will focus on four key ambitions:

• Cinema accessibility: Bringing independent film screenings to communities with limited access to cinemas.

• Filmmaker opportunities: Creating additional exhibition possibilities for emerging, independent and international filmmakers.

• Community engagement: Encouraging shared cultural experiences and opportunities for audiences to connect.

• Cultural celebration: Showcasing stories from different backgrounds, regions and filmmaking traditions.

The initiative also aims to explore opportunities for filmmaker discussions, special presentations and community-focused film events as the programme develops.

Celebrating MIPCOM and International Collaboration

The announcement comes as the global entertainment industry gathers around MIPCOM 2026, one of the international television and content industry's major annual events.

While international markets provide opportunities for content creators, producers and distributors to develop new business relationships, Out of the Can International Film Festival is highlighting another essential part of the screen industry's future: ensuring that audiences can experience the stories being created.

The rural cinema initiative reflects a commitment to connecting the international creative community with audiences beyond major cities and established entertainment centres.

It also demonstrates how independent film festivals can explore new approaches to film exhibition, audience development and cultural inclusion.

Supporting the Next Generation of Independent Filmmakers

At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to celebrating independent cinema and giving filmmakers opportunities to reach new audiences.

Independent films often tell powerful, original and culturally significant stories, yet many struggle to secure widespread theatrical exhibition.

Rural screening programmes could provide another route for these films to be discovered and appreciated.

The proposed programme will aim to create opportunities for audiences to experience a diverse range of storytelling, including British independent cinema, international films, documentaries and emerging filmmaking talent.

For filmmakers, the initiative offers the prospect of connecting directly with audiences in communities that may rarely have access to dedicated independent film events.

More Than a Film Screening

Cinema has always been about more than what appears on the screen.

It is a shared experience that can bring people together, inspire conversations and create lasting memories.

For smaller rural communities, a local film screening can also become a valuable social and cultural occasion.

The Out of the Can Rural Cinema Screening Initiative aims to celebrate that spirit by creating events where audiences of different ages and backgrounds can gather, discover new stories and share their love of film.

Whether hosted in a village hall, a local community venue or a suitable outdoor setting, the ambition is to make each screening feel like a special occasion.

Looking Ahead to 2027 and 2028

The initiative is planned to develop across 2027 and 2028, beginning with opportunities in Wales and Derbyshire.

Further details regarding participating communities, venues, screening dates, film programmes and local collaborations are expected to form part of the next stages of development.

Out of the Can International Film Festival and Independent International Cinema Screen hope to work with community organisations, local authorities, cultural partners, filmmakers and venues interested in helping bring the project to life.

The long-term ambition is to explore how this approach could support greater access to independent cinema across rural Britain.

A New Chapter for Out of the Can International Film Festival

As Out of the Can International Film Festival celebrates independent filmmaking and international storytelling, the launch of its proposed rural cinema initiative represents an exciting step towards making cinema more accessible.

By taking film beyond traditional venues and into the heart of local communities, the festival aims to help create a future where geographical location does not determine access to cinematic culture.

From the valleys of Wales to the villages of Derbyshire, the message is clear:

Great cinema belongs to everyone.

And sometimes, the most extraordinary stories deserve to be shared in the smallest communities.