Meet the projectionists: Cesar Mendive

What and where was your first job as a projectionist?  

At the Odeon Surrey Quays back in 2010. 

How did you first get into it, and was the training on the job? 

Like many of us I started off as cinema host (Odeon Kensington RIP), but I’d always try to spend more time with the projectionists than selling popcorn. I quickly became supervisor and a year after I got a full time position as projectionist at Odeon Surrey Quays where I got fully trained in 35mm and digital projection.

My chief at the time left and had to step up as I was the only full timer in the team. There was a lot of trial and error involved. My position disappeared in 2012 as part of the national digital rollout, but I was lucky enough to be selected as part of a small team to run all the Odeon cinemas in the West End, where I spent two years.

I then joined Michael Ford’s team at the BFI IMAX where I was first exposed to 15/70mm and 5/70mm. I fully remember being blown away, and have continued my training there.

Of all the films you have projected over your career, is there one screening that stands out most vividly in your memory, and why? 

I’ve taken part in countless world and European premieres over the years and have run shows for film directors and A-list Hollywood stars, but one that stands out is when we hosted the premiere for Interstellar (2014) with Christopher Nolan and part of the cast. That felt truly special.

What is the future for projecting analogue film? 

I think there will always be a place for analogue projection. Digital technology is improving exponentially, and we have to go with it, but film is just a different animal and I think we’ll learn to appreciate it even more as it becomes rarer. 

Why is projecting film special, and different to digital projection? 

Running film is where your skills as projectionist are put to the test the most. It’s more challenging, but also rewarding. I really like the organic look of film and its imperfections. It just looks more real than digital to me. It’s like listening to a CD at home, but then going to see the band play live; it’s a completely different experience. 

What is the common misconception you’ve encountered of what a projectionist does? 

“Oh, so you watch all the films!”

What’s the best war story of a projection that went horribly wrong? 

I can think of many (very much still suffering PTSD from some of them), but dropping the 35mm print of Harry Potter 7 (2010) on the opening weekend must be up there. Also having to perform open heart surgery on the projector right before a high profile event.

The BFI Film on Film Festival runs 8 to 11 June 2023.