Bystander Awareness Day: Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Join us for a relaxed, free community event as part of International Bystander Awareness Day (IBAD). An event supporting community learning about the impact of the bystander effect and how people can safely step in and help.
- FREE film screening – The Witness (2015)
- FREE Snacks and refreshments
- Live Orchestra
- Panel Discussion with local charities and community organisations
Free and open to everyone. Booking is required.
Running order
5pm - Doors open + welcome from Communities Inc and Nottingham Contemporary.
5.15pm - Live Music by The Collective
5.45pm - 15 minute break – grab some refreshments
6pm - 7.30pm - Film Screening - The Witness (2015, 1hr 29m) Director: James Solomon Executive producer: William Genovese
Bill Genovese revisits the murder of his sister, Kitty Genovese, and the long‑held narrative that many people witnessed her attack but didn’t act. The film unpacks that narrative and explores how the idea of bystander behaviour became central to social psychology.
Content Warning: This film includes references to real-life murder, rape, violent crime and trauma.
7.30-8.30pm - Panel discussion led by Shamsher Chohan, Communities Inc.
We’ll explore how the murder of Kitty Genovese became central to the idea of the bystander effect, and how The Witness challenges the long-held claim that dozens of people watched and did nothing. The discussion will examine:
- How media narratives shape public perception.
- Why people hesitate in moments of crisis.
- What the bystander effect really means.
- How we move from blame to practical responsibility.
The aim is simple: understand the psychology, question the myth, and focus on what safe, real-world intervention looks like today.
Communities Inc is about helping people to make connections that builds a sense of community in any environment. Communities are then better able to tackle common problems, to provide mutual support and to work together for a positive future with shared values.
The Collective are pupils from Nottingham who play brass and woodwind instruments. They play a wide range of musical styles, focusing more on jazz and salsa.
Give What You Can
Entry to our exhibitions, events, fairs and our family activities is free but we need your support. Your donations make it possible to keep doing everything we do: from our world-leading exhibitions to our activities for families, young people and schools. With your support we can continue making a difference to the cultural, educational and social life of Nottingham and the East Midlands.
Please support us with a donation and register for Gift Aid to add 25% at no extra cost to you.
Access
Find information about getting here and our building access and facilities here.
This event will be held in The Space.
Speakers will use microphones.
This event is wheelchair accessible.
If you have any questions around access or have specific access requirements we can accommodate, please get in touch with us by emailing info@nottinghamcontemporary.org or phoning 0115 948 9750.