FlatPack Festival: preview with @Timmy666
Back for its ninth incarnation, Flatpack is here to bring film into full view.
Flatpack is immersive, disruptive and joyfully subversive, challenging your perceptions of all things audio and visual (not just film), and bringing experiences not just to the cinema screen but venues across the city.
Take your pick from a veritable smorgasbord of variety – feature previews, documentaries, experimental film, short film competition programmes, installations, coffee tastings and parties … as well as a VHS seance, 8Bit computer games, the films of Roy Andersson and so much much much more.
So whether it is a warehouse in Digbeth or a cafe in Balsall Heath, there’s plenty of different places to experience this year’s vibrant festival and to bring films to new audiences.
Amongst the highlights this year, I’m keen to see some of the documentaries of the late great Philip Donnellan, whose works are being shown as part of a tribute. Donnellan’s works were groundbreaking, providing a voice to people who were seldom given television time. There are a variety of showings including restored version of The Colony (1964) and folk legend Peggy Seeger in conversation.
Another highlight is The Paper Cinema, who return for the first time since Flatpack’s 2009 incarnation. Watching what they do is to be seen to be believed – combining cardboard cuts, live music and some very clever digital filmmaking techniques, they will be providing a unique take on The Odyssey.
I’m really just scratching the surface though, as proven by 29 events alone on Saturday 21st, a truly reflection of the sheer amount of diverse activity happening!
The Paper Cinema’s Odyssey (Trailer) from The Difference Engine on Vimeo.
For those folks who want the complete Flatpack experience, they are offering a limited edition pass (called The Flatpass) or you can take advantage of their 5 for 4 offer, 4 standard priced (£8.00) screening tickets and receive an additional 1 free.
Browse the full programme here and have a great 10 days!
By Tim Wilson @Timmy666
#AtTheFlix
