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Why sharing films is the next best thing to making them
Katrin, one of a large group of cold water swimmers called the Chester Frosties, has now hosted two editions of an LMFF Community Event with group leader Dianne. At one time she harboured the dream of being a documentary filmmaker, but now she's making up for it by sharing the films instead.
Discover the joys of sharing adventure by being your own host - listen to the full Chester Frosties Podcast here, or read on...
The Chester Frosties is a large group of cold water swimmers who like to get out whatever the weather. As they've grown they have also become active in sewage prevention campaigns and helped promote water safety in the outdoors.
"Making films was the more difficult route."
What Katrin looks for in her film choices
For Katrin, it's all about the characters and their stories. Even though the club is all about swimming, she doesn't limit herself to the water. If the story is good enough, says Katrin, it will appeal to people even if they aren't usually interested in the sport or activity that's within the film.
The films that grab her attention are the ones that aren't necessarily made by filmmakers. Sometimes she will pick something out because she likes the way the adventurer has taken on the challenge of making a film and tells their story how they see it. Katrin likes the idea that these films will inspire other people to do the same.
"Well he's not a filmmaker, but he made a brilliant film."
Katrin picks out some brilliant examples of films that went down well
Flow, which won our People's Choice Award in 2024, features two young mountain bikers from Wales called The Trailrippers. Apart from the excitement of watching them ride, Katrin could relate to the mother and her role in supporting her kids and the fear she must feel when she sees them riding so hard. So in it went!
Another favourite was From the Alps to the North Sea, which was included in her curation because she recognised that the band involved in making the film, who were touring using pedal power only, had turned the process of making the film into an adventure in itself. In her words it made her feel like she could go and do something like that too.
"We always ask our audience which films they like the best."
Why sharing films was a great adventure
Adventures are all about getting outside of your comfort zone, says Katrin, and that's exactly how it felt putting on a film night. She's not a fan of public speaking but put herself up there so she had no choice but to overcome her fears.
"It gives you that kick afterwards."
And we picked a charity that suited our group..
The RNLI has benefited hundreds of pounds from Katrin and Dianne putting their film nights together - an organisation close to their hearts.
#adventurefilmmaking #coldwaterswimming #documentaryfilmmaking #communityfilmnight
