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Stims: Towards a Neurodiverse Cinema (15*) + Filmmaker ScreenTalk

Relaxed Screening / Emerging Film Curators Lab

,Cinema 3
A hand holds a compass.

Explore a collection of eight short films, spanning animation to documentary, by five neurodiverse directors, followed by a filmmaker panel discussion, exploring what a neurodiverse cinema looks like.

Stimming term used by neurodivergent people to describe the noises and movements they sometimes make to feel calmer. In Stims, we explore a collection of eight films by neurodiverse filmmakers who refuse to bow to the norm, celebrating neurodivergent ways of seeing in front of and behind the camera, through comedy, experimenta and animation.

Their films all explore movement and changing environments from an array of neurodivergent perspectives. The event considers what a neurodiverse cinema looks like, and how it can be achieved.

This screening will be followed by a ScreenTalk with directors Georgia Kumari Bradburn, Edward Smyth and Alex Widdowson, hosted by event curator Lillian Crawford, an autistic writer and co-host of the Autism Through Cinema podcast.

Tagged with: Cinema ScreenTalks Relaxed Screenings More...

Curated by Lillian Crawford

Programme

Drawing on Autism

An animated exploration into the ethical issues that arise when a non-autistic filmmaker attempts to represent an autistic documentary participant.

UK 2021 Dir: Alex Widdowson 10 min

 

Mahon Chorizo Avocado

An experimental comedy about custom-made sandwiches, deformed pigeon feet, temperatures, the best cookies in London, bamboo mustard, equipage, Cece, autism, ADHD, and Edward Smyth’s life at 21.

UK 2020 Dir: Edward Smyth 7 min

 

Wave 3 (Cancelled?)

A film which explores neurodiversity, celebrating alternative ways of being, and finding joy through distinctive special interests.

UK 2022 Dir: Edward Smyth 5 min

 

In Motion

An exploration of the emotional experience of autism, normalising and celebrating different forms of stimming.

UK 2022 Dir: Sophie Broadgate 2 min

We’ve created these invisible systems and structures

A documentary exploring the thoughts, words, and visual ideas of over 30 autistic and neurodivergent women, non-binary, and trans people.

UK 2021 Dir: Sophie Broadgate 6 min

 

Danse Russe

A silent film inspired by a William Carlos Williams poem in which a mother takes out one of her old ballet costumes and starts to dance again.

Australia 2021 Dir: Sophia Rose O’Rourke 8 min

 

Out of Water

An alien returns to Earth with a charismatic scientist; however, her security lies in the balance when she suspects that he is hiding something from her.

UK 2022 Dir: Georgia Kumari Bradburn 15 min

 

A Brief History of Circles

An experimental video essay which uses circles and waves to explore neurodivergent experience.

UK 2023 Dir: Georgia Kumari Bradburn 8 min

How is this screening relaxed?

A relaxed event takes place in an environment that is specially tailored for a neurodiverse audience, as well as those who find a more informal setting beneficial.

The cinema environment is tailored to the needs of the audience.

For this screening:

  • The lights are dimmed, though not off.
  • The volume levels a little lower than usual.
  • You are free to move around the screen and to enter and exit the cinema at any time, with easy access for any wheelchair users.
  • You're free to make noise in these screenings.
  • Staff are trained and ready to assist with any help you or other audience members may need while you're at the cinema at Barbican.

A visual guide to our cinemas is available on request – just click on the Visual Stories tab on our Accessible Events page. For more information please contact the Box Office.

Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.