The annual festival, which takes place from 1st to 12th October and is now in its third year, will be hosting an exciting programme of film screenings, local and professional artist Q&As, filmmaking and music workshops, industry professional masterclasses and mentorships, arts exhibitions and live music.
Keaton B McD, the festival’s creative director, said: “The festival is known for its strange stories and experimental content – and that is something we will continue to celebrate again this year.”
Take a seat and get comfortable for this year’s UNTHINKABLE Film Festival. There are so many highlights:
Warm the Outside Pool Up: Hull Artist Research Initiative (HARI), 25 Francis Street, Hull, 1st to 31st October
The opening night of our exhibition showcases local artists’ talent. The prompt for this exhibition was selected from a call out by UNTHINKABLE. Over 300 responses were gathered and one, ‘Warm the outside pool up’ was selected. We then invited artists of all disciplines who live in the Hull region, to respond to the prompt. 50 artists responded of which 30 were selected to feature in the exhibition. There will be two prizes for the best responses judged by Mary Anne Hobbs and Richie Culver. The show is in partnership with Hull Artist Research Initiative in their new and exciting arts venue – post-war industrial space on Francis Street, Hull.
For tickets, please visit Unthinkablefilmfestival.com.
Sofa Cinema: Humber Street Gallery, 2nd to 12th October
Our new pop-up ‘Sofa Cinema’ at Humber Street Gallery will be screening over 70 short films showing from all corners of the world. Our carefully selected programme reflects important stories from some of the most exciting up-and-coming directors. Each screening will be followed by a Q+ A where you will have the chance to pick the brains of the artist behind each film. We’ve also extended our usual short film programming and have a diverse selection of four longer-form films which range from delving deep into tradition and change in sheep farming in the Lake District, to the insight of a small community in Afghanistan. There’s something for everyone. It’s your chance to see the next in line to the big screen, from the comfort of a sofa with like-minded individuals and in the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city.
For tickets, please visit Unthinkablefilmfestival.com.
Bombed Buildings: Maister House, 7th October
Step inside Maister House for a one-off performance of HØUSE, an improvised sound work by experimental composer BØMBED BUILDINGS (Stewart Baxter). Created as a visceral response to the spaces of this historic Georgian building, HØUSE layers tape loops, guitar, and haunting orchestral textures performed with Daniel Thompson and members of the Eclectic Orchestra.
Part installation, part live composition, this immersive evening will feature special guests, a screening of the ‘making of’ film, and the launch of a limited vinyl edition – each handmade in Hull and pressed with unique B-sides featuring voices from Jehnny Beth, Kate Stables, Chiedu Oraka and more. 7pm on 7th October.
For tickets, please visit Unthinkablefilmfestival.com.
Iration Steppas: The Polar Bear, 3rd October
Iration Steppas Sound System is the foundation of the West Yorkshire underground bass music scene. The partnership between Mark Iration and Dennis Rootikal in the ’90s led to the development of the most progressive style of reggae and dub, which inspired a generation of new sound systems and dub producers. This will be the first time Iration Steppas has brought this sound system to Hull, so come and join us on this historic moment in the city at the iconic Polar Bear from 7pm to 2am.
For tickets, please visit Unthinkablefilmfestival.com.
Brassed Off: Middleton Hall, University of Hull, 8th October
A screening of Brassed Off will be one of the highlights of the festival. The film stars Ewan McGregor, Pete Postlethwaiteand Tara Fitzgerald, and there will be a Q&A with Bridlington-born director Mark Herman, also known for box office hits such as The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and Little Voice. This uplifting film tells the story of the fictional Grimley Colliery band, based on the real GrimethorpeColliery Band, as they face the closure of their mine and fight for survival. The film explores themes of class solidarity, economic hardship, and the resilience of community.
To book for Brassed Off: www.ticketsource.co.uk/middleton-hall
Tickets: £7, students/concession £4.
Award Screening: Hull Truck Theatre, 11th October
Get ready to enjoy an evening filled with excitement, entertainment, and recognition of the outstanding achievements of international filmmakers whose films will be shown on the big screen. Each film has been carefully selected from hundreds of amazing submissions to be shown for your entertainment.
Two films from each of the screenings over the festival weeks have been chosen for this award screening, bringing together an amalgamation of genres and styles, including documentary, animation, fiction and more, all screened for you and our panel of judges.
For tickets, please visit Unthinkablefilmfestival.com.
Plus there’s Cosey Fanni Tutti at Humber Street Gallery, Industrial Coast and Richie Culver at HARI and an I.Jordan DJ set at Hull Fair – all as part of UNTHINKABLE. For full details of the programme, please visit Unthinkablefilmfestival.com