SHOUT21, the festival of queer arts and culture for Birmingham and the West Midlands has announced its programme for 2021. The welcomed event will be running from the 5th to 28th November, with plenty in store for all.
SHOUT21 presents a broad range of queer culture, reflecting the kaleidoscopic diversity of LGBTQ+ communities in our city and region.
A wide range of diverse events to attend throughout November
SHOUT21 opens with an all-female queer comedy night at the Glee Club. My Comedy X SHOUT boasts a line-up of comedic greats from the likes of Shazia Mirza to the most exciting new acts on scene, Chloe Petts.
Be prepared to be transported to Subside Bar on 14th November where you will be greeted to Queer Stories from the Home of Metal. Emerging in the West Midlands half a century ago, heavy metal has soon become one of the world’s most popular forms of culture. Now it’s time to celebrate the queerness that’s always been part of metal. In a scene that’s endlessly theatrical in music and costume, blending escapism, fantasy, and outsider culture.
If heavy metal isn’t your thing, take a historical trip to Spain for Hispanic Breakdown: The Copla Musical. Held at the MAC on 11th November, in the heat of the Spanish Civil War, follow drag artist La Gitana’s story as she is rescued by a group of Republic fighters. She then sets out on a mission to spy on the forces that captured her. The artist moves continents, becomes a drag sensation, finds love, yet struggles to merge her Spanish past with her American future.
Wherever you are, SHOUT is accessible for all
Throughout the month there will also be several workshops that can be done in person and online. Attend Digital Shout Outs, presented on SHOUT’s YouTube channel, partnered with Round Lemon, a Birmingham based art collective. The workshop led by artists Dyson Ryan Asbury, Bethan Jayne, Andreea Pîslaru, William Shoal & Carmela Vienna will showcase creative ideas and practices that challenge the notion of body, identity, and sexuality.
Or write creatively with #Softlads: Creative Writing Workshop that responds to the fabulous tapestries created by Oliver Bliss. During the workshop, you will have a chance to creatively respond and explore the themes of Oliver’s works through your creative writing practice.
SHOUT it out, SHOUT it loud
Artists in SHOUT21 will explore issues from the historic erasure of trans people to abuses of power, from online expressions of masculinity to the giving and taking of offence. The festival also finds a home for a schlock horror drag monstrosity, a radical trans dance party, an intergenerational singalong and, of course, runway divas battling it out in the legendary Vogue Ball.
It’s a whirlwind three weeks of workshops, exhibitions, theatre, dance, films, talks, music, and creative experiences, in ten different Birmingham venues as well as a substantial online and digital programme.
Unmissable, Educational & Inclusive
With lots of events planned through the month, there will be something for everyone this SHOUT Festival. You can find out more on the events on their dedicated website here.
Why SHOUT and representation matters for LGBTQ+ in STEM
When it comes to looking at actual stats of the number of LGBTQ+ people currently working in STEM, they are very difficult to find. STEM Women estimations suggest that LGBTQ+ people are roughly 20% less represented in STEM fields than expected. In 2013 the Queer in STEM survey found that more than 40% of LGBTQ+ people in STEM are not ‘out’ due to working environments.
Therefore, when arts and cultural events like SHOUT take place, it becomes a vehicle through which we can educate on the LGBTQ+ experience and create a more inclusive and encouraging environment which can attract and retain LGBTQ+ talent in STEM and continue shrinking the skills gap.
Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.
Now Halloween is officially over, we’ve kicked off the festive season here at Millennium Point. Our impressive 39ft Christmas tree is back by popular demand, adorned in 23,000 energy saving LED lights. Built by The Christmas Decorators it takes just over eight hours to complete -see the time lapse below!
The tree is accompanied by two nutcrackers and a (currently) nameless bear giving visitors lot of opportunities to snap a festive selfie.
Along with the decorations, a festive schedule brimming with fun activities is planned through the next two months for everyone to enjoy.
Feel Christmas all around you with themed wine and Love Actually
Feel the love this Christmas with a screening and themed wine tasting experience of the seminal 2003 festive rom com, Love Actually. Millennium Point have once again teamed up with movie geeks The Wine Events Company for a fun and unique wine tasting. This festive event will include five themed wines and a very big screen, all for the price of £31.95.
The event will be a safe, fun, and interactive ‘wines and movie’ event in our multi-award-winning venue with one of Birmingham’s biggest screens.
The film is showing on the 5th December, the doors will open at 4pm with the event starting at 5pm. There are limited tickets available so make your you secure your ticket for this fantastic festival event.
Have yourself a merry little ginmas with the Christmas wine and spirits fair
The Christmas wine & spirits fair is back after taking a forced Covid break in 2020. You don’t need to just be a wine fan for this event, there will be lots of spirits on show, including plenty of different gin’s, whisky, cognac, and some winter liqueur treats. Although not confirmed, but there might even be some beer and cider for you this year!
As well as spirits there will be a huge range of still, sparking & dessert wines. With a range of wines from modern classics to new quirky favourites, including some super special wines. The event will be held on 27th November, you can book your tickets on their website here.
Make Millennium Point your place to go this Christmas with our bespoke packages
While we can’t guarantee snow, we can promise an outstanding Christmas party experience at our multi-award-winning venue, in Eastside Birmingham. We have two packages available for up to 354 guests, where you can choose from a glamorous VIP Film Premiere Party, reminiscent of classic Hollywood glitz, or a more traditional, yet stylish, party accompanied by a sumptuous three-course meal.
Whichever you choose, you can be assured that you and your guests will receive outstanding hospitality, which is big on quality without maxing the company card. Find out more about our Christmas packages here.
Make your event sparkle when booking with Millennium Point
Choose Millennium Point this Christmas to book your event with our beautiful tree on display to give your event the wow factor at no additional cost. Our multi-award-winning venue has 17 versatile spaces to choose from ensuring the perfect space is offered for your event.
If you have something in mind our friendly events team have over 40 years in events experience and are happy to help. Get in contact for any questions you may have on our refurbished website here.
Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.
Join Millennium Point Events at CHS Birmingham, on 26th October at the ICC in Birmingham City Centre. Our friendly team will be based on Stand G7 to discuss all your event and venue needs and show off our multi-award-winning service. The event features an abundance of stalls from venues and event suppliers. Alongside this a host of insightful talks relating to the events and hospitality industry.
CHS Birmingham is the event for event planners, agents, venue finders and EAs/PAs. A show that’s committed to the events industry, displaying the very best talent, creativity, and inspiration in Birmingham.
Come say hi to our friendly team on stand G7
Millennium Point are thrilled to be attending CHS Birmingham, meet new friends and showcasing our 17 versatile event spaces, including our 354-seater refurbished Auditorium. With various set-ups and packages to choose from, whether it is a meeting, film screening or away day, our friendly team will be able to help.
With Christmas just around the corner our events team are excited to talk about our new range of bespoke Christmas packages. Guests can choose from Hollywood Glitz or a dinner dance party. For smaller groups our Christmas shared dinner film and party extravaganza is the one to talk about.
Don’t forget to ask about our virtual and hybrid events. Maximise the reach and impact of your event with Millennium Point. We understand that the new normal means different methods of meeting for events, but we can help with that. With four packages available there will be something suitable for any of your event needs.
Our Sales Manager Vikki Webb will be available at the event to arrange a meeting to discuss your needs. As well as what our award-winning venue can offer. Vikki will also be free to contact after the show to answer any queries. Don’t forget to ask about how you can increase your corporate social responsibility when booking with us.
You can book a meeting with us once registering for a ticket here.
Proud to be sponsoring the Education Programme
At this years CHS Birmingham, Millennium Point will be sponsoring the Education Programme. The programme features speakers from across the corporate agency and association worlds.
In true CHS style, their focus will be direct and to the point, looking to answer two key questions:
- What do we need to know?
- Who do we need to be?
The seminar programme will feature several topics which will be split between high-level strategic thinking, and impact learning sessions. They will look to prepare visitors for their business and personal futures. The seminars run from 9:45 till 4:30 and is sure to be an educating day.
For more information on what topics and speakers will feature click here.
Can’t make it? We’re still here to help!
If you’re unable to make the event in person or virtually our team are still available to help. Get in contact here.
Or discover more about our event spaces and packages on our new and improved website here.
Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.
St Basils are back planning the oldest and biggest sleepout in the UK in Birmingham. On Friday 3rd December, the event is now being held at a new venue, the versatile event space Millennium Point. Previously held at Birmingham Cathedral, the organisers are hoping to fill it to capacity this year. The event will be held from 6pm till 6am and £10 to take part.
Due to last year and the pandemic, 2020’s sleepout was cancelled. Usually, the event raises over £100,000 so the organisers are hoping that this year’s is the bigger than ever. The aim is to appeal not only to the adventurous nature of people. But also, to their willingness to support young people with additional challenges of homelessness through these difficult times.
You can register for the event here.
Helping the future engineers, doctors, and computer scientists of tomorrow
Supporting young people improves the chances they have for their future. Helping provide a safe space, education and resources allows them to build better foundations for later life. As a strong supporter for education for STEM, Millennium Point were thrilled to be involved.
Abigail Vlahakis, the CEO of Millennium Point said “It is a pleasure to support the important work St Basils achieves every year in tackling youth homelessness. Young people, many of whom have not engaged in education, training, or employment, are feeling abandoned by our society. However, with a little support, these very same young people could be the engineers, doctors and computer scientists of tomorrow which drive our local economy forward. Millennium Point is determined to raise awareness for this issue and proud to be working alongside the brilliant and passionate team at St Basil’s to end youth homelessness.”
(L: Jean Templeton – CEO of St Basils, M: Abbie Vlahakis – CEO, Millennium Point, R: Professor Paul Cadman, St Basils Board Member)
Homelessness shouldn’t be part of growing up
St Basils work with young people ages 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to enable them to find and keep a home, grow their confidence, develop their skills, increase opportunities, and prevent homelessness.
Jean Templeton, CEO of St Basils said “St Basils aims to help prevent youth homelessness in the West Midlands, advising and assisting over 4000 young people at risk of homelessness each year, housing over 1000 and supporting some 750 young people at any one time. We don’t believe that homelessness should be part of growing up for any young person and the money raised from this event will go towards ensuring young people feel cared about and have a safe, decent and affordable home and trusted, skilled support to enable them to develop their skills and confidence and move on with their lives.’
Challenge yourself and make a difference
The Big Sleepout sees hundreds of people from companies, families and groups taking part by challenging themselves, raising money and having fun; particularly in the much coveted ‘creative shelter competition’ with carboard provided yet again by long-time supporters Schumacher packaging.
Barrie Hodge, Head of Fundraising and Communications at St Basils said “We get regulars and people who are doing it for the first time, all helping each other on the night, and it makes for a great atmosphere. The creativity that some people put into the creative shelter challenge is truly amazing and we recognise that with prizes on the night. But despite the fun people have at the Big Sleepout we never lose sight of why we are doing it in the first place. All money raised will help services tailored to support young residents to build confidence and gain skills, and training and employment to ensure they can break the cycle of exclusion and homelessness. We need the support of our local communities and businesses to ensure we can create a brighter future for Birmingham’s young people”
Can’t make it to Millennium Point, you can still make a difference
St Basils will also be running ‘The Big Sleepout from Home’ at the same time. So, if you can’t make it to Millennium Point, you can still get involved in your back garden, office, community hall or ‘sofa surfing’ at home.
You can find out more and apply for your Big Sleepout pack by emailing [email protected].
Supporters can also make one off donations here, it costs £5 a day to support a young person and keep them at a St Basils project.
Want to book an event space with Millennium Point?
The multi-award winning Millennium Point has 17 versatile event spaces to choose from and an excellent events team to help you with your event.
For further information about the event, charity, or venue you can get in contact with our team.
Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.
New £70m restoration project revealed by STEAMhouse, boosting STEAM prospects in Eastside Birmingham.
STEAMhouse who currently operate from our multi award-winning venue at Millennium Point, have released updates for their new £70m restoration project. The listed Belmont Works had it’s scaffolding removed for the first time since development work began in February 2020, edging closer to the full opening next year.
STEAM prospects in Eastside boosted
The new development is a winner for Birmingham Eastside, offering more opportunities within STEAM in the region. Once completed, STEMhouse will serve as a home for businesses, academics and creative partners to work alongside each other on several areas including business ideas, concepts, creations and technical disciplines.
New home for School of Computing and Digital Technology
Part of STEAMhouse’s new project will unveil a new home for Birmingham City University’s School of Computing and Digital Technology. BCU deputy vice-chancellor Julian Beer said: “Reaching this milestone is not just a real landmark for the development of our STEAMhouse project but also for the changing landscape of our city’s Eastside.
“It is a credit to all that, despite the complexity of the project and the challenges presented by the covid-19 pandemic, that all partners involved in the project have been able to make such significant progress.
“As the region enters its recovery from the impact of the last 18 months, projects like STEAMhouse are essential to ensuring we provide a platform for new business, the creation of jobs and the generation of growth.”
STEAMhouse to open it’s doors in time for 2022/23 academic year
STEAMhouse will officially open it’s doors in 2022, welcoming businesses and students that are seeking opportunities to work on industry projects. These projects will boost innovation by combining technical science, technology, engineering and maths, with a form of art added to boost STEAM learning.
How Millennium Point supports education in the region
Our charitable trust is passionate about creating new opportunities within STEM for young people. As part of our trust program we run two annual campaigns to help shape young peoples futures.
Our grants scheme supports and contributes more than 5 million back into the West Midlands region through STEM related projects and events. This helps support deprived areas where many young people are missing out on the learning needed to boost their career prospects.
Below shows an example of the type of projects we fund.
STEM grant applications now open
Applications for the Millennium Point Charitable Trust STEM Grant Programme is now open! Grants from £1,000 to £20,000 can be made available to individual applicants ensuring the right resources can be supplied to support students. To apply simply click the button below.
WIN a fully funded degree
We also fully fund an undergraduate degree each year in partnership with Birmingham City University. Our Scholarship program begins with an application process, with the lucky finalists being selected for a chance to win a FREE degree. Each finalist presents a solution using STEM to a current ongoing issue, in front of a panel of STEM experts. Below is a video showing this year’s winner, Asima Adnan’s story. Asima began her fully funded degree in September.
Apply for the 2022 Scholarship
For more information on how to apply or get involved in the 2022 Scholarship program please click here.
Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.
Shown in our 354-seater refurbished Auditorium, a taste of anime cinema heads to Millennium Point. Taking place on Saturday 23rd October 2021, Birmingham Anime Film Festival is for fans old and new. ‘Anime cinema has always been at the forefront of innovation’, the day aims to help connect minority and young audiences to Japanese anime cinema.
The film festival forms part of the BFI Japan Season and will be the UK’s first dedicated anime film festival. Celebrating the best of a traditional art form.
Grab some merch from Coco Monkey and the gang with UK’s Award-Winning Anime, Manga & Video Games Specialist Merchandise store Tokyo Toys. Set up on Platform there will be stalls for comic books, paraphernalia, and comic tables.
Each film will cost £6 per person to watch as well as gain access to the stalls on our Platform. Guests can also purchase a Super-Duper Day Pass for £10 which allows access to all screenings and stalls. The films available are Cowboy Bebop, Batman Ninja, Seoul Station, and Mortal Kombat. You can book your tickets here.
Once upon a time, in New York City in 1941
Bebop Cowboy starts with cocky Spike Spiegel and the crew of his spaceship, Bebop, an intrepid band of bounty hunters, land on Mars in the year 2071 chasing an enormous cash reward. The four-person team, also including looming cyborg Jet Black, fearless Faye Valentine and tech expert Edward, are in search of ex-military officer Vincent. The former hero has become a biological terrorist with an arsenal of devastating nano-bots that he’ll let loose on Alba City on the night before Halloween if his demands aren’t met.
The film starts at 14:30 and finishes at 16:30, just enough time to grab some bell peppers and beef, or maybe a Piyoko before the next film is due to start.
Beware of the Quake Engine
Batman Ninja takes a journey across the ages as Gorilla Grodd’s time displacement machine transports many of Batman’s worst enemies to feudal Japan – along with the Dark Knight and a few of his allies. The villains take over the forms of the feudal lords that rule the divided land, with the Joker taking the lead among the warring factions. As his traditional high-tech weaponry is exhausted almost immediately, Batman must rely on his intellect and his allies – including Catwoman and the extended Bat-family – to restore order to the land and return to present-day Gotham City.
The film starts at 17:00 and ends at 19:00 just as it hits dusk, will you become the protector of Gotham?
Will you survive Seoul Station?
Taking place in and around Seoul Station, a young runaway woman must try to survive in a world that sees her as disposable. The story revolves around two main characters: Suk-gyu, a father who searches for his runaway daughter (Hye-sun) who he finds is still alive. Just as he is about to be reunited with her, a zombie epidemic breaks out in Seoul. The film serves as a prequal to the live-action film Train to Busan by the same director.
The film starts at 18:00 and ends at 19:30, make sure you don’t miss your train after.
Is the fate of the Earth realm going to be safe?
Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion’s revenge centres around the titular character seeking his revenge on those who murdered his family and clan after being resurrected by Quan Chi, while Johnny Cage, Liu Kang and Sonya Blade are chosen to participate on the Mortal Kombat tournament for the fate of Earth realm.
The film starts at 20:00 and ends at 22:00, ending the festival and time to go home to your clan.
Secure your tickets before they run out here.
Book with us
The Auditorium is a stunning event space, perfect for making a big impression and suitable for delegates up to 354. You can find our more information on our website here.
For further information about the event, charity or venue please get in contact with our team.
Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.
The Business of Science Conference held at Millennium Point saw a successful discussion of collaborative and innovative topics on Thursday 8th October. The conference had a variety of speakers and discussion panels with a lot of emphasis on innovation and sustainability.
Andy Street, Mayor of West Midlands, opened the event on the day. With his own presentation he gave an overview on what’s happening in the West Midlands. This included the excellent news of Coventry being the first all-electric bus city.
Finishing off the day the Innovative Awards took place for inspiring students and their project ideas solving future problems.
Sustainability is a journey not a destination
Amongst some of the thought-provoking topics throughout the day was Dr Simon Grant from Thomas Swann. His presentation ‘Sustainability – the future agenda’, Simon explains his organisation’s journey towards sustainability. The Technical Director goes on to speak about how science and innovation has changed their business over the years.
Throughout the day there was other insightful presentations about topics on the commercialisation of innovation of science. The morning segment of the BoS conference also saw Rhys Morgan, Director of Engineering and Education, RAe presenting ‘The Hamilton Commission – Science Inclusion’. His presentation discussed important recommendations and how we need to find other approaches to STEM engagement. Rhys goes on that there needs to be ‘better careers support for Black students and scholarship programmes for black students’.
The morning ended with three parallel breakout sessions involving ‘STEM Skills’, ‘The Science of Wellbeing’, and ‘The Use of Advanced Materials to Support Sustainability’.
The relationship between innovation and creativity
Vanessa Currie, Head of People – Learning and Development at Millennium Point joined a panel discussing ‘Innovation – the need for creativity’. On the panel was also Steve Bennett, Managing Director, Founder & Business of Science and Dr Martin Stow, Director at Nexus Leeds. Dr Martin Stow spoke on how the COVID crisis and lockdown has had a significant negative impact on innovation.
Vanessa discussed Millennium Point Trust’s STEM programmes and the creativity and innovation in the school projects that are achieved. By having STEM projects such as building Lego cars it allows groups of students to collaborate creatively and helps learn new interests and topics. She continued how the trust helps develop the talent pool for the West Midlands with the grant and scholarship programmes. Over the past 7 years Millennium Point Trust has supported 140 projects through the STEM grants initiatives.
After the discussion panel three breakout sessions took place –
– Stand-alone careers session for students
– The Business of Science Advisory Sessions to support commercialisation
– Industry 5.0: How robotics, digital and smart come together for a more resilient future
Dreaming big to solve future problems
To end the day the presentation of the BoS Innovation awards took place. The BoS Innovation Awards has the aim of encouraging students to create and dream big on ideas that could solve future problems. Throughout the day the student’s posters had been displayed for visitors and guests to see.
Want to book with Millennium Point?
For further information about the event, charity or venue please get in contact with our team.
Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.
We are thrilled to announce we have a new role within our Facilities Department as a Facilities & Compliance Manager.
Working closely with the Facilities Director you will be responsible for the safe, secure, and effective running of the building and tasked with the day-to-day management of facilities operations at Millennium Point.
Millennium Point is a multi-use, multi-tenanted site and the post holder will need to adhere to all relevant legislation, regulations, and codes of practice, in order to provide an efficient, effective and economic Estates and Facilities Management service for Millennium Point Property Limited (MPPL), its tenants and visitors. The post holder must be of the highest calibre, action orientated with all the necessary qualifications and experience.
There will be a huge focus on compliance and energy management, ensuring that the building is fit for purpose and maintained to a high standard, while working to a Net Zero Carbon journey plan.
The Facilities and Compliance Manager will also be responsible for providing or arranging any required facilities’ support for the Events business.
The ideal candidate will need to have the following experience:
- Significant experience in an Estates and Facilities management role or environment
- Experience of managing a team Experience of dealing with commercial leases
- Experience of managing compliance
- Experience in maintaining the fabric of buildings and Mechanical and engineering services
- Experience of managing energy and an interest in sustainability
- Have Health and Safety NEBOSH or IOSH qualification
If this role sounds interesting and you would like to find out more, click here to see our full job spec, and apply today. We can’t wait to meet you!
Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.
Testing his film on one of Birmingham’s biggest screens for the showing of the crime thriller film Bluff, our team caught up with Birmingham filmmaker Sheikh Shahnawaz to find out more about his upcoming film showing taking place at Millennium Point.
After introductions, we were treated to an exclusive peak of the first ten minutes of the film. It instantly sets out what is sure to be a captivating story, leaving questions that can only be answered by being pulled into the rest of the film.
A British Crime Thriller
Asking about the film, Bluff is where ‘the line between duty and criminality begins to blur for an undercover cop infiltrating a dangerous network while posing as a heroin addict’. Sheikh adds that the film also touches on ‘lies we tell ourselves to make ourselves feel better’.
Talking about the screening, it isn’t the first time he has had a film shown on the 354-seater Auditorium screen. The filmmaker also had a short film featured at Birmingham film festival at Millennium Point in 2018. The Bluff creator comments that being back at Millennium Point with a feature length film feels like he has come full circle and how it’s natural progression to have created the film.
COVID and Continuity
But just like any film, the production and shooting had its challenges, especially shooting over the pandemic. The Birmingham filmmaker spoke about writing the film for 8 months and only started shooting just a few months before news of COVID hit. The Bluff creator goes on to say when writing the characters, he already had the actors in mind and wrote the roles for them. Instead of going to the pub, Sheikh and the actors went out to make the film on weekends and go for food after, but everything halted when lockdown happened.
When lockdown lifted, trying to film in the new normal had a whole new set of tasks to look at, from added safety signs that weren’t there before to new hair styles from the actors. With safety signs he continued that he didn’t want to remove them, so cleverly shot around them. Some of the actors had cut their hair and had to grow it back out to look exactly like their character did in previous months. However, Sheikh mentioned it was nice to finally see the film fully shot and coming together.
Want to Make a Film? Just Pick up a Camera
When asked what advice Sheikh would give to budding film makers starting their career, he excitedly said ‘just pick up a camera’. He recalls when he first started filming when he was 15 just doing it for fun with his friends but the hobby grew into a career. The crime thriller filmmaker continued that people wanting to get into the industry should borrow a camera, shoot a film, and just share it with people.
When getting into filming Sheikh mentions that he must have spent thousands of hours honing his skills and another 10,000 hours to make the film into what it is. Shot on a Sony A7iii he has come a long way since his college days.
Gaining Inspiration
Going on to talk about where he got his inspiration from, he looks at the film director greats such as Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese. Sheikh spoke about how Nolan made his first film for $6,000, ‘if he can do it, why can’t I’? The crime thriller creator goes on to say that when you watch films made by certain directors you can tell who made them, and he wants to achieve that also, he wants his work to be recognisable.
Where to watch Bluff
Although the rest of the UK might have to wait till next year until it reaches wider viewing platforms it is one to watch out for. You can catch Sheikh’s other work on his YouTube here or keep up with his Instagram here.
Book with us
The space used for the event above is our Auditorium which is a stunning event space, perfect for making a big impression and suitable for delegates up to 354. You can find our more information on our website here.
For further information about the event, charity or venue please get in contact with our team.
Applications for Millennium Point Charitable Trust STEM Grant Programme is now open!
The Millennium Point Charitable Trust is once again preparing itself for a huge influx of applications, with the launch of its Small Grants Programme 2022. Grants from £1,000 to £20,000 can be made available to individual applicants ensuring the right resources can be supplied to support students.
Applications for the STEM Grant Programme are now open and set to close at 5pm on 3rd December 2021.
Endless possibilities with STEM
Over the past five years, the Millennium Point Charitable Trust has awarded over £2 million to charities, not-for-profits, community groups and schools to further STEM education. Millennium Point Charitable Trust has previously seen the rewarding outcome of past projects such as the Science Area at Ark Tindal Primary and Sensational Science at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The latest round of funding in 2021 saw a wide range of successful applications – from a proposal to build a fully operational light aircraft, STEM training toolkits for schools and a car engineering workshop for girls.
Last year Millennium Point Trust saw 70 applications from not-for-profit organisations in aim of receiving a share of the grant money.
Abbie Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point said: “Along with our hugely popular degree scholarship, the Small Grants Programme is why we do what we do – to promote STEM education across the region and increase the opportunities for the next generation via some of the most exciting career paths available.
“Every year the quality and volume of applications that the Millennium Point Charitable Trust receives is fantastic, and I’ve no doubt that will be the case again – I can’t wait to see them.”
Landmark Venue, Landlord, and Charity
All funding given by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust is made possible by the commercial activity that takes place in the 46,450 sqm landmark Millennium Point building. It all feeds back into the charitable trust, enabling it to donate and invest in Stem-related organisations, projects, and initiatives.
When booking events with Millennium Point you are widening your CSR and supporting the local region. Find out how and more about our unique event spaces here.
Apply for a grant today and support the future of STEM
At Millennium Point we believe that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is important for the future of the region, so we are excited to see what this year’s applications bring.
The next round of applications for the 2022 grant are now open and close at 5pm on 3rd December 2021.
You can apply for a grant on our refurbished website here – if you need any help look at our frequently asked questions page here.
Find more interesting content from Millennium Point over at our news section, or follow us for daily updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn with @MillenniumPoint. Millennium Point is a landmark public building and multi-award-winning events venue in the Eastside of Birmingham City centre. Profits from our commercial activity are invested by the Millennium Point Charitable Trust into projects, events and initiatives which support the growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and education in the West Midlands.