On Saturday a new community film bringing together children, older residents and people from diverse cultural backgrounds across Glasgow will receive its premiere.

Created through a series of workshops at Garnethill Multicultural Centre (GMC), Meet Me at the Centre captures stories, memories and everyday experiences from people connected to one of Glasgow's most diverse and welcoming community spaces.

Led by artists Connie Woods and Laurie Knott, the project has involved members of the Centre's seniors' group, local children and participants from GMC's popular Conversation Café.

Together they have learned filmmaking, animation, scriptwriting, prop-making, recording and performance techniques, with participants shaping every stage of the creative process.

The resulting film reflects on Glasgow as a shared home, exploring themes including memory, identity, friendship, migration, food, community and belonging.

"Filmmaking offered a way for people with different interests, abilities and experiences to contribute their own ideas and creativity. Every group brought something unique. The children were colourful and experimental, the seniors shared memories and local knowledge, and the Conversation Café participants brought stories, cultures and perspectives from across Glasgow and beyond."
Connie Wood

"Because Garnethill Multicultural Centre has been part of the community for so many years, there are countless memories connected to the building and the people who come through its doors. We wanted the film to celebrate those connections and the fact that everyone is welcome here."

Throughout the workshops, the group explored creative prompts including writing letters to their younger and future selves, sharing favourite recipes and family traditions, recording stories about places they have lived, and reflecting on what matters most to them.

One particularly memorable activity invited people to pin their countries of origin and former homes onto a large world map, creating conversations and connections across generations and cultures.

The project has emphasised collaboration and participant ownership, ensuring contributors have been involved not only in telling stories but in deciding how those stories are represented on screen.

The title Meet Me at the Centre references Garnethill Multicultural Centre itself, which acts as a meeting point between different communities, generations and experiences.

Audiences attending the screening can expect what Woods describes as "an experimental, eclectic and honest film" that reflects Glasgow's diversity and the care and creativity of those involved in making it.

Following the screening, audiences are invited to join a community celebration at Garnethill Multicultural Centre featuring food, artwork displays and opportunities to meet participants and project collaborators.

Reflecting on the impact of the project, Woods said: "I hope people feel proud when they see their own contribution become part of something bigger. The film shows the threads that connect us all, with GMC as the place where those threads cross. Every participant is an essential part of this film, and I hope the screening sparks conversations, confidence and perhaps even some new friendships."

The screening forms part of Glasgow 2026 Festival's programme of community-led projects celebrating creativity, participation and connection across the city.

It takes place at Glasgow Film Theatre on Saturday 1 August from 11am. It’s free to attend, but tickets must be booked in advance by clicking here.