The silver screen's gentle glow has never felt so warm as it does in Bristol's Watershed cinema, where a new generation is rising to keep the flame of 35mm film alive. Amidst the sea of digital screens that dominate modern cinema, Patrick Welsh, a 25-year-old dynamo, is single-handedly spearheading a quiet revolution – and he's not alone. As one of a dwindling band of projectionists learning to master the intricate art of 35mm, Welsh's dedication to preserving this craft is as infectious as it is vital.
Welsh's journey into the world of projection began in the front-of-house trenches at Watershed, where he'd 'beg' for every chance to learn the intricacies of 35mm from his mentor, Ewan Dunford. The 47-year-old veteran projectionist has been sharing his wealth of knowledge with Welsh over the past year – a nod to the days when training was a constant and necessary part of any aspiring projectionist's toolkit.
Welsh's transition from the digital world to the tactile demands of 35mm has been a baptism by fire. 'It's not just pressing play,' he explains with a grin, 'it's an art form that requires patience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the machinery involved.' Dunford concurs, likening the process to threading a sewing machine or playing a musical instrument – a skill that demands finesse and practice.
The advent of digital cinema in the early 2000s sent shockwaves through the industry, decimating training opportunities for 35mm projectionists. But, just as vinyl records and film photography have experienced a resurgence among younger audiences, so too has the appreciation for the unique experience offered by 35mm. The demand for these screenings was even highlighted three years ago when 'Oppenheimer' brought retired projectionists back into service to meet the growing demand.
For Welsh, there's no substitute for the human touch of 35mm film – a tactile connection that bridges the gap between audience, projectionist, and film. When he's upstairs in the projection booth, his hands cradle the delicate reels, imbuing the experience with an authenticity that digital just can't replicate. This is more than just a screening – it's a relationship forged between people, machines, and the art itself.