Swedenborg Film Festival 2016

Showcasing new works by artist filmmakers, the SFF returns on 26 November with an exciting and topographical-themed programme.

At the close of the evening, SFF guest judge—filmmaker Andrew Kötting—will announce the winning film and the 2017 call for entries.

The SFF has received a huge response from thousands of filmmakers around the world since its launch in 2010 with its selected programme of short works exploring the singular legacy of the Swedish philosopher, scientist and mystic Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772), a seminal influence on Romantic, Symbolist and Surrealist traditions, and in particular the great English artist William Blake. The SFF boasts a commitment to show the work of international filmmakers who are engaging with themes similar to those that energized Swedenborg. This year entrants have been invited to explore the concept of ‘topographies’—a notion encountered in the work of John Rogers, Iain Sinclair, Andrew Kötting and Emanuel Swedenborg.

ANDREW KÖTTING is an acclaimed artist, writer and filmmaker. Known for films such as Gallivant (1996), Ivul (2009) and Swandown (2012), his work explores and retraces journeys—many taken around the British countryside—where tradition, myth and memory overlap.

IAIN SINCLAIR is a writer, poet and filmmaker known as a chronicler and critic of ever-changing contemporary London. His works include Downriver (winner of the 1992 James Tait Black Memorial Prize), London Orbital, Hackney That Rose-Red Empire and Blake’s London.

JOHN ROGERS is a writer, filmmaker and author of This Other London–adventures in the overlooked city. His documentary films include London Overground and The London Perambulator. John is also a co-presenter of Ventures and Adventures in Topography on Resonance FM.

THE SWEDENBORG FILM FESTIVAL is curated by Gareth Evans, writer, presenter, producer (Patience: After Sebald; By Our Selves and Unseen) and Film Curator at the Whitechapel Gallery, London; and Nora Foster, Communications Manager Frieze and formerly Assistant Curator, The Swedenborg Society.