Bystander Awareness Day: Film Screening & Panel Discussion

About

Friday 13 March 2026 | 5pm - 8.30pm
Nottingham Contemporary
Free event

Join Nottingham Contemporary 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
• 7.30-8.30pm - Panel discussion led by Shamsher Chohan, Communities Inc.

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.

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.