Friday the 10th February saw Dene Films mark their 20 year anniversary with a retrospective screening of their work at the Tyneside Cinema.

With a big box of popcorn and a glass of wine upon arrival the invited guests’ spirits were high. Nostalgia was definitely in the air. As the guests took to their seats, ITV Tyne Tees presenter Ian Payne took to the podium to welcome everyone and introduce Dene Films MD Steve Salam.

Looking out across the filled cinema seats Mr. Salam was visibly humbled by the support of his peers and proud of the achievements his company has made over a 20 year span. The show took the form of a 20 minute reel of clips starting with Dene's first ever production for SCS and finishing with the BAFTA nominated film for the BBC, Stammer School.

After a short interval, a pair of classic cinema usherettes, dickie bows and all handed out ice-cream and 3D glasses in anticipation of Dene Films' greatest achievement to date. A screening of their 20 minute 3D epic that was commissioned by the Vindolanda Trust “Edge of Empire” which can currently be seen at the Roman Army Museum at Carvoran on Hadrian’s Wall. As the guests filed into the Tyneside bar next door the wine was flowing and there was much reminiscing as well as new connections made.

Steve Salam commented “I have been overwhelmed by the support from colleagues, clients and business partners who have shared in our celebrations”

As Dene Films makes plans to expand in the Chinese market in 2012, as well as grow their market share of broadcast and commercial production throughout the UK, the next 20 years look bright for this pioneering North East film company.