Philomela's Chorus: 4 short films
Using the Greek myth of Philomela as a point of departure this ambitious collection of short films will give voice to female encounters and experiences often ignored or unseen. Like Philomela, our artists and collaborators will find inventive devices and ways to tell their stories. Tinged with a tone of both mystery and mischief we will offer our carefully selected artists a unique opportunity to produce a short film.
Jacqui Davies will be working with software executive, Eric Collins and cultural historian and curator, Michael Prokopow, as well as curator, writer and educator, Karen Alexander, to commission four short films by known and emergent female BAME artists.
This project aims to amplify and reveal many women’s encounters of challenging social exchanges, so often rendered unimportant or invisible.
Jay Bernard
Something Said
In 1981 the New Cross Fire tragically claimed the lives of 13 young black people and was met with state, media and police indifference. Haunted by that history, and in the context of the recent rise of the far-right, Something Said resurrects the spirit of Yvonne Ruddock, whose 16th birthday was being celebrated the night of the fire.
Phoebe Boswell
The Words I Do Not Have Yet
A salute to women in history who have used their bodies in protest when they haven't been permitted to use their voices, this film reflects upon the collective strength and subversive potential of women standing together and using their voices in collaboration.
Beverley Bennett
Amine
A tapestry of voices reveal the multi-faceted complexities and experiences of what it is to be a black woman today.
Nicola Thomas
Mel’s Lament
Drawing on the ancient Greek story of Philomela and Tereus, Mel’s Lament imagines a present-day version of the couple and the complexity of their relationship.
Find out more about the project and artists here