Surrey Hosts Historic Film Convention as Celluloid Makes Comeback
The Magic of Celluloid Returns to East Surrey
The quiet commuter town of Oxted is set to become the focal point for cinema purists this weekend as it hosts the historic 50th anniversary of the British Film Collectors Convention (BFCC). Taking place at a local community venue, this landmark event marks a triumphant return for a hobby that was once forced into the shadows. For decades, private ownership of official film prints, especially 35mm reels, was legally grey, leaving passionate preservationists facing potential prosecution. Mark Stuckey of the charitable trust Film is Fabulous recalls an era when collectors had to operate underground to keep physical film alive. Today, however, local interest is surging. This weekend's convention in East Surrey offers a rare opportunity for the public to experience the warm, vivid colours of genuine projected cinema, spanning from vintage Super 8 gauges to theatrical 35mm prints. Organisers are preparing for a busy turnout, welcoming both veteran archivists and a new generation of younger enthusiasts who are discovering the tactile magic of analog film, drawing parallels to the recent global revival of vinyl records.
From Underground Obsession to Local Preservation
The resurgence of film collecting is deeply felt across Surrey's towns, where dedicated hobbyists go to extraordinary lengths to protect physical media. In nearby Dorking, local collector Arthur Pendelton represents this passionate community. Arthur famously chose to postpone a long-overdue bathroom refurbishment, diverting the savings he had set aside for professional bathroom fitters into acquiring a rare, vintage Super 8 print of a classic sci-fi film. ‘My family thought I was mad to delay the bathroom refurbishment,' Arthur laughs, ‘but once we set up the projector and saw the stunning color range, even the bathroom fitters we eventually hired agreed it was worth the wait.' This dedication is what keeps social history alive. Convention organiser John Clancy, who has been captivated by moving images since childhood, notes that many priceless films are lost when elderly collectors pass away and their families unknowingly discard canisters into skips. Through organizations like Film is Fabulous, local enthusiasts are working tirelessly to rescue these treasures, ensuring that silent-era masterpieces and regional newsreels are preserved.
Preserving Our Social History: How Surrey Residents Can Help
For Surrey residents, the Oxted convention is more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it is a call to action for local heritage preservation. As house clearances and attic tidy-ups take place across the county, valuable pieces of social history are frequently at risk of being lost forever. Organisers urge locals to check their lofts and garages for old metal canisters or film spools before clearing them out. Instead of throwing them away, residents can bring these items to the BFCC or contact Film is Fabulous for identification and preservation support. The broader community impact of this revival lies in securing our shared visual history, offering a tangible link to the past that digital formats simply cannot replicate. Whether you are a curious newcomer or a homeowner looking to trade your weekend home improvement projects for a unique cultural experience, the Oxted event provides a welcoming space to learn, trade, and appreciate the celluloid medium. Keep an eye on local community boards for upcoming screenings, and join the effort to keep Surrey's cinematic legacy rolling.
Source: Film collecting was outlawed, now fans say it's making a comeback
