FILM MAKING SINCE 1967

Altrincham Cine Club was founded on 1 July 1967 by a group of enthusiastic filmmakers with a shared passion for creating and showcasing films.

As video technology became increasingly popular, the club adapted to the changing landscape of filmmaking. In 1998, members voted to rename the organisation Altrincham Video Society (Registered Charity No. 507682), reflecting its growing focus on video production.

Today, the Society is dedicated entirely to the art of filmmaking. Members collaborate to produce well-crafted films, combining creative storytelling with high-quality cinematography and editing, both for personal enjoyment and for wider public audiences.

Just one year after its formation, the Society achieved remarkable success with its first club production, Child’s Eye View.

In 1968, the film was entered into the ROSPA National Film Competition, where it won First Prize in its category, earning £100. It then went on to secure the prestigious Group Award, winning a further £100 against the winners of other competition categories, two of which later achieved Ten Best honours.

Despite its success, Society members felt the film did not yet meet the standards required for the international Ten Best Competition, and chose not to submit it.

The years that followed proved the Society’s confidence and ambition were well founded.

Since those early achievements, Altrincham Video Society has earned six Ten Best awards, including two Gold Trophies and a Second Place Award.

The Society has also enjoyed considerable success on the international stage, receiving more than 70 awards worldwide, including Best Film honours in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

These accomplishments reflect the creativity, dedication, and technical excellence of generations of Society members.

Altrincham Video Society is affiliated with The Film & Video Institute (formerly the Institute of Amateur Cinematographers), a national organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting amateur filmmaking and video production.

The Society has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Institute, sharing its commitment to encouraging creativity, developing filmmaking skills, and celebrating excellence in film and video production.

For more than half a century, Altrincham Video Society has provided a welcoming environment for filmmakers of all abilities. From its beginnings as a cine club in 1967 to its current role as an award-winning filmmaking society, it continues to inspire members to learn, create, and share their passion for film.