Multi-City Film Screenings
A series of film screenings across continents, bringing together funders for urgent conversations on online safety, AI and Big Tech.
The Challenge
The client needed support on a series of film screenings in Europe and the USA for their funded film Molly vs the Machines, a powerful true story about a father’s fight for online safety following the tragic death of Molly Russell.
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Each event needed to combine a film screening, panel discussion, drinks reception and private dinner for a select group of VIPs. This made venue sourcing complex, as each location had to offer the right atmosphere, an auditorium style screening space, a nearby reception area and a private dining room.
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The team also needed to coordinate speaker travel and accommodation, manage event collateral remotely and ensure each event felt carefully considered across different cities.
The Approach
Zentive began with the European events, as these had the shortest lead time. After initial planning, the European screening was to be held solely in Amsterdam. De Balie was selected for its character, central location, and suitability for the format.
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For the United States, Zentive proposed a range of venue options across New York and San Francisco. San Francisco presented a particular challenge due to a large city-wide convention taking place over the same dates. To solve this, the event was adapted across two venues, allowing the screening and dinner to take place in settings that suited each part of the day.
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Site visits in New York helped confirm the right venue choice. Branded popcorn boxes, custom place cards, books and tissues were arranged locally for each event, with all collateral delivered directly to the venues. Menus were selected with sustainability in mind, including no red meat at either of the US events. Attendance was also focused on local funders, helping to reduce travel related emissions.
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The Result
The series began in Amsterdam at De Balie, a beautiful 19th century theatre, where local funders gathered for a thought provoking and impactful evening. The screening was followed by a panel discussion and networking dinner, creating space for meaningful conversation and connection.
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In New York, the screening took place at Fouquet’s New York, a Parisian 1930s inspired hotel and cinema in the heart of the city. Funders watched the film before continuing conversations over drinks and dinner in the venue’s private dining room.
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The team then travelled to San Francisco, where the screening was held at The Battery before guests moved to Boulevard on the waterfront for dinner.
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Across all three events, the screenings and panel discussions created thoughtful conversations around AI, Big Tech and online safety. Each venue supported the tone of the film while giving guests space to connect, reflect and discuss the issues raised.
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“It was excellent. Thanks for all your support team. Food was incredible too. Both venues were gorgeous, excellent food and logistics mostly very smooth.”