THE pictureeast steering group
creating a community-driven film festival
At the very core of PictureEast Film Festival lies the invaluable contribution of our Steering Group. The Steering Group is made up of long-standing members of the local film community, who live and work across the boroughs it serves. It has been instrumental in shaping the festival every step of the way — from its initial setup to programming, operational execution, and branding.
Thank you to our steering group
Supported by The New Black Film Collective and Film London, the Steering Group has worked to authentically capture the vibrant spirit of Newham and Barking & Dagenham.
Throughout the festival’s development and delivery, Steering Group members have contributed across all areas of activity through monthly online and in-person meetings. This includes shaping the programme, supporting marketing and audience outreach, leading and participating in community engagement activity, identifying and setting key festival priorities, hosting screenings in local venues, and taking on in-person volunteering roles during events. Their collective knowledge, creativity, and dedication have been central to ensuring PictureEast is not only a high-quality film festival, but one that is genuinely rooted in, and representative of, the communities it serves.
We are profoundly grateful to the Steering Group for their dedication, creativity, and passion for enriching the festival with their unique perspectives and ensuring it resonates with the people it represents. Their hard work has shaped PictureEast into a festival that is not only a celebration of film but also a true reflection of the community that inspires it.
Curated community cinema
This incredible team stems from our Curated Community Cinema initiative, representing long-standing members of our thriving local film community. In 2025, we expanded the group to include a wider range of creatives, community cinemas, and local organisations from Barking & Dagenham in addition to Newham, ensuring the festival meaningfully reflects the voices, priorities and lived experiences of both boroughs. This expansion has fostered strong partnerships with key local venues and organisations such as The Boathouse Community Cinema, Kingsley Hall, and One Room, strengthening the festival’s connection to grassroots film culture and community spaces. Their commitment and involvement have been a cornerstone of PictureEast’s development, ensuring the festival remains deeply rooted in the culture and tales of the boroughs it serves.
