Bookshop site partners with Modern Films to support indies

Online retailer Bookshop.org is partnering with Modern Films on a new initiative to support indie bookshops and film institutions across the UK after a challenging 15 months owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

The collaboration with the London-based film company is led by special virtual screening rooms that audiences can visit to watch the best of indie cinema. Ticket sales will be split between indie bookshops, indie cinemas, and cultural institutions, meaning audiences can give much needed support to cultural outlets at no extra cost. Customers can also purchase a range of books from Bookshop.org and browse lists of recommended reads by indie booksellers.

"Lady Boss: The Jackie Collins Story", which celebrates the trail-blazing life and legacy of the bestselling author, will be available to stream through the Modern Films x Bookshop.org screening room from Friday 2nd July, as well as indie cinemas. The release will be marked with a premiere on 1st July in Mayfair that will be streamed live into cinemas nationwide and will include a Q&A with Mariella Frostrup, writers Julie Cohen, Daisy Buchanan, Yomi Adegoke and the film’s director, Laura Fairrie.

Audiences are also able to watch the latest releases from Modern Films, including "Poly Styrene: I am a Cliché", the story of the first woman of colour in the UK to front a successful rock band, "Sisters with Transistors", the untold story of electronic music’s female pioneers, and the upcoming "The Witches of the Orient" that features the 1964 Olympic Gold medal winners who influenced a genre of manga and the long-running anime series "Attack No 1".

Kiri Inglis, marketing manager at Bookshop.org said: “Being able to work with Modern Films on this exciting new project allows us to branch out further in our support of indie businesses. We know there is an appetite for film among our customers and vice versa and offering both audiences the chance to connect with books and film simultaneously will bring a benefit to both indie bookshops and local cinemas.”

Marie Palmer, impact outreach manager at Modern Films, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Bookshop.org as we are aligned in our mission to support independent cultural institutions. We hope together we can allow audiences and readers to enjoy a crossover of films and books and support the independent bookstores and cinemas that are so central to our communities.”