Wednesday 12 November saw the launch of Reel Talk – our new neighbourhood film club in partnership with David Lean Cinema. Designed to bring local people together and get under the skin of bold (and sometimes bewildering!) movies, the event ensured a night-out that was thoughtful, fun and full of meaningful conversation.
Arrival
On arrival, guests were handed their Blockbuster Membership Card – a nostalgic nod to old-school video shops, which doubled as their drinks token to collect a free wine or Gin & Juice (the Dr Dre and Snoop collab, chosen for the film-appropriate car on the can).
Guests also passed through The (NO) Name Badge Station, where they picked a sticker featuring a film they’d seen. It was a simple icebreaker that worked brilliantly in sparking early conversations among strangers.
Setting the Scene
The evening opened with a lively conversation between our host Pilar Nalwimba and Louis Holder from Disauthority. The dynamic between them was instant and infectious. Before the film even began, they had the room fully tuned in as they chatted about:
- the current state of the film industry
- the craft and chaos of post-production
- memorable moments from the Disauthority archive, and
- an exciting tease of a brand-new feature film Disauthority will soon be shooting right here in Croydon.
That final announcement earned the biggest buzz of the night – especially with an audience made up of locals, film fans and people working across different sectors within the industry.
After the screening of ‘A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey‘ (no spoilers here!), Pilar and Louis returned to the stage for an accessible but insightful breakdown of the film itself. Their easy rapport helped build a friendly, low-pressure environment – one where audience members felt comfortable jumping in with questions, interpretations and reflections. Exactly the kind of open, curious atmosphere we hoped to create.
Encouraging Conversations
We designed the night to include plenty of ways to get people chatting (and incentivised them further with prizes from Coco & Nut Coffee!)
Once the film ended, Pilar kicked off discussion in the room by asking everyone for one word to describe their experience of the film. This mini warm-up quickly stirred debate – and even introduced us to a new word – “sonder”.
That energy carried over to The (One Word) Review Board, where everyone was invited to write down a word that captured the film for them – with no repeats allowed. The result was a varied set of reflections that showed just how differently we can all interpret the same story.
Another major hit of the night was the Video Rental Store. Each VHS case contained a conversation card with a question inspired by the film’s themes of vulnerability, self-exploration and human connection. Guests paired up, cracked open their “video”, and used the prompt inside to guide a more meaningful chat. From what you told us afterwards in the DMs, some of the richest conversations of the night happened there.
And for those feeling creative, the Postcard Collage Station invited guests to design a motivational postcard for someone on their own “Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey” – a playful nod to the film. With stickers and craft supplies strewn across the table, people really went for it, producing everything from heartfelt messages to humorous cut-and-paste masterpieces.
Together, these activities created a friendly environment that made it easy for people to meet. Congrats to all the prize winners.
Silly Snacks
The Chippy Sandwich Stand was initially met with confusion (“…wait, what?”), followed by curiosity, and ended in laughter as those in the know tucked into Tayto crisp sandwiches – a much needed companion to the drinks flowing from the bar.
It was silly, unexpected, communal… and our kind of vibe.
Why Reel Talk matters
At East Croydon Cool, our mission is to connect people. In an increasingly polarised and lonely world, finding ways to meet and talk to the people who live around you isn’t just nice – it’s necessary. Events like Reel Talk remind us how powerful a shared space can be for breaking down barriers, sparking conversations and helping neighbours become part of each other’s stories.
And with people not going to the cinema as much anymore (thanks in part to streaming platforms and endless content at our fingertips) Reel Talk was a reminder of something on-demand technology can’t replace: the magic of the communal watching experience.
Sitting together in a darkened room, reacting collectively, laughing at the same moments, sharing the same silence creates a feeling you can’t replicate on a sofa at home.
Reel Talk exists to champion not just film, but the conversations, connections and community that unfold around it.
With thanks to…
A huge thank you to everyone who made this possible especially our Partners at Disauthority. Running events is not for the weak (!) and requires more investment than ticket sales alone can cover. The Disauthority team recognised what we were trying to create and were keen to throw their support behind it.
What’s Next
Want to stay updated on future Reel Talk events, local screenings and early ticket releases?
Sign up to the East Croydon Cool newsletter HERE or the David Lean newsletter HERE.
VIDEO (courtesy of MLX Digital UK)
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