From Cine Club to Video Society

Altrincham Cine Club was founded on July 1, 1967. However, with the rise of video technology, the members voted to change the name to Altrincham Video Society in 1998 (Registered Charity Number 507682). Today, the Society’s active membership focuses entirely on video production, creating well-shot and expertly edited films for both members’ enjoyment and public audiences.

In 1968, the Society produced its first “Club” movie, Child’s Eye View, and entered it into the ROSPA National Film Competition. The film won first prize in its category, earning £100, and then went on to claim the Group Award (another £100) by beating the winners of other categories, two of which went on to win Ten Best trophies. Despite this success, the Altrincham members at the time felt their film was not up to the international Ten Best standard and chose not to enter it into that competition.

Since then, Altrincham Video Society has gone on to win six Ten Best awards, including two Gold Trophies and a second-place award. The Society has also garnered numerous accolades in international competitions, including Best Film awards in the USA, Canada, and Australia, with over 70 international awards to its name.

The Society is affiliated with the Institute of Amateur Cinematographers, an organization dedicated to promoting quality amateur film and video production. The Society has long supported the Institute and, in keeping with the evolving times, now operates under the name The Film & Video Institute.