Nationhood, individuality and power are explored in a programme of artists’ film screenings taking place in the UK and China this summer, courtesy of UK artists’ film platform videoclub and Hong Kong based video art organisation, Videotage.

Both Sides Now explores the differences and political and social connections between the UK and China & Hong Kong. Several films explore the civil disobedience campaign Occupy Central, a pressure group asking the Chinese govt for electoral reform. Others explore subjects such as the sex industry, urbanisation and immigration – universally relevant societal themes. Bringing together artworks that investigate and respond to past and recent political and cultural events, including Hong Kong’s Umbrella Revolution and the handover of Hong Kong to China.

Jamie Wyld, Director of videoclub says: ‘Artists’ film has always been a medium that raises political issues in a less direct way that narrative film. All of the artists selected for this year’s Both Sides Now programme use thoughtful, challenging and provocative approaches to exploring the implications of wealth creation, capitalism and its proposed decline, and what they mean for the individual. It’s a hugely relevant subject for us as a global community.’

Both Sides Now is curated and produced by videoclub (UK) and Videotage (Hong Kong). The aim is to open up dialogue between Chinese, Hong Kong and British film artists and audiences, working with artists’ moving image to reinterpret the experience of here and now for both cultures.

A wider programme of activity will take place in the UK, China and Hong Kong, including an exhibition and residency at Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art, and a programme of activity in Shanghai, Wuhan and Hong Kong.

Venue and screening details:

Electric Palace Cinema, Hastings
Date and time: Sunday, 12 July 2015 at 8pm
Price: TBC
Address: 39A High Street, Hastings TN34 3ER
Web / contact / tickets: www.electricpalacecinema.com / 01424 720393

Fabrica, Brighton
Date and time: Tuesday, 14 July 2015 at 7pm
Price: £3 / £0 concessions
Address: Fabrica @ Friends’ Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AF Web / contact / tickets: www.fabrica.org.uk / 01273 778646

Aspex, Portsmouth
Date and time: Wednesday, 15 July 2015 at 6:30pm (6:15pm doors open) Price: TBC
Address: The Vulcan Building, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth PO1 3BF Web / contact / tickets: www.aspex.org.uk / 023 9277 8080

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