About Radical Film Festival

The Bristol Radical Film Festival returns this October for its 7th year celebrating political, activist and experimental filmmaking. This year’s programme combines urgent contemporary political subjects with an eclectic mix of archive gems, basking in reflection on the 50th anniversary of the progressive political upheavals of 1968. As ever we’re showcasing the winners of our international short film competition, and rather than continuing our nomadic tradition, this year we return to 2017’s excellent hosts at the Trinity Arts Centre. Together we continue build awareness for our programme of radical and progressive film for an increasingly inclusive audience.

This year’s selection of radical cinema includes the first British feature made by a black director (Pressure, Saturday), for which filmmaker Horace Ové holds a Guinness World Record; one of Ken Loach’s first works, a story of worker revolt so radical even some leftists were up in arms about it (The Big Flame, Saturday); and a docu-fiction exploring the current refugee crisis that Michael Sicinski called “one of the most conceptually rigorous documentaries I've seen” (Stranger in Paradise, Sunday).

This year’s selection of radical cinema includes the first British feature made by a black director (Pressure, Saturday), for which filmmaker Horace Ové holds a Guinness World Record; one of Ken Loach’s first works, a story of worker revolt so radical even some leftists were up in arms about it (The Big Flame, Saturday); and a docu-fiction exploring the current refugee crisis that Michael Sicinski called “one of the most conceptually rigorous documentaries I've seen” (Stranger in Paradise, Sunday).

'Caution: excessive sound levels' - earplugs are available at the bar for 50p

Bristol Doors Open Day is a once-a-year chance to explore fascinating buildings, join guided tours and enjoy a range of events and activities – all free for the day.

Join us at Trinity and see how this iconic ex-church has become a cultural hub for the city, hosting over 300 events and activities for over 60,000 people every year. View our beautiful upstairs spaces and the stained glass windows in the dramatic Fyfe Hall.

Don't miss the guided walk through the Old Market area (12pm, book in advance)

and the current photo exhibition in the Graffiti Room: Anita Corbin's Visible Girls: Revisited

Drop-in - free entry

IGNiTE resident Roxana Vilk shares her project during the induction day Sep 2018 photo @ Alexa Ledecky

“My hopes for the residency are that the idea will grow in a very collaborative, beautiful way into a piece that reflects the incredible diverse communities around us here and the heartfelt stories that bind us together as humans.” IGNiTE resident

We’re delighted to introduce the 2018 cohort of IGNiTE artists in residence. Over the next six months, these four Bristol based artists will develop exciting new work in collaboration with communities at Trinity.

Roxana Vilk will invite people to collectively celebrate heritage though lullabies sung at night in her project ‘Across Our City At Night’.

Ania Varez's invites people to experience emotional pain as a collective and across borders in her project ‘Guayabo’ (or, Grief Party).

Vicki Hearne’s ‘Practically Perfect’ is an intergenerational project exploring the common pressures felt by generations of women.

Viki Browne’s ‘Hyper Fem’ explores gender empowerment and the performance of femininity in a male dominated drag world.

Photographer Anita Corbin shares some thoughts with the 2018 cohort during their induction day photo @ Alexa Ledecky

Each artist has been chosen because their practice puts co-creation with communities at its core, aiming to connect to new audiences and sparking debate. Their projects tackle big issues to do with identity and our place in the world, exploring themes such as migration and gender empowerment.

Our  residency programme is now in its third year and aims to increase the diversity and representation of art, artists and audiences, whilst offering artists an opportunity to test out new ideas, reflect on their practice and make new connections.

Julia Thornycroft is a member of the IGNiTE programming forum, who collaboratively help select this years residents. Photo @ Alexa Ledecky

Whether artists are at the very beginning of an idea or taking a project they have already developed in a new direction, we encourage artists to use their time with us to take risks and experiment – all within a supportive environment.  All four artists will receive professional support, the use of Trinity’s performance space the Fyfe Hall, and a bursary. You can find out more about the featured artists and their projects by visiting their profile pages here.

Roxana, Ania and Vicky in the studio listening to music tutor Dave as he explained more about our Youth Music project, Making Tracks. Photo @ Alexa Ledecky

Through the year we will be blogging about Roxana, Ania, Vicki and Viki’s journeys and letting you know about sharing any opportunities for the public to take part. Sign up to our mailing list to keep updated.

We wish the artists all the luck and cannot wait to see their projects take shape, find out more about IGNiTE here, including our Autumn Season of shows.

About IGNiTE

IGNiTE is Trinity's in house programme of world-class, innovative theatre and dance about issues that matter to people now, starting conversations and sparking debate. IGNiTE is supported using public funding by Bristol City Council and by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

Philip Butterworth, the Touring lead for the South West, will talk about ArtsCouncil England’s (ACE) Project Grants.

The session will include:
- A brief outline of the changes to ACE's project funding programmes
- What assessors and decision makers will look for in an application
- The differences between applying for Project Grants and Developing YourCreative Practice
- A chance to ask any questions you may have about Arts Council Funding

The session will last approximately 1 – 1.5 hours and is intended for both firsttime applicants and artists / arts organisations with more fundraising experience.

This session is being hosted by Theatre Bristol - find out more about the ArtistSupport we offer here: https://theatrebristol.net/artist-support/

Wednesday 11th July
2.30PM - 4PM 
At: Trinity Community Arts

We anticipate this session will be popular so please book a free slot on eventbrite to ensure your place.

* Music Production

* Song & Lyric Writing

* Drum & Vocal Tuition

* Beat Boxing

* ATM music college DJing & Film Sound FX masterclass

FB Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/204017563631469/

Thursday afternoon (1pm - 3pm) will be dedicated to a series of live performances.

All abilities welcome. Limited space.

Email: training@3ca.org.uk or call: 0117 935 1200 or pop in to reception to book your space now!

Jackie Hagan's This Is Not A Safe Space celebrates the weird, the wonky, the unruly, and the resilient (Oct 19)

Our Autumn 2018 season of our in house theatre and dance programme, IGNiTE , presents four shows whose themes ask: How far have we actually come?

"Politics, race, gender, sexuality, poverty, crime, austerity, pay gaps, #metoo our society seems deeply polarised. IGNiTE presents four shows that are in different ways providing a snapshot of our divided times and ask: how far have we come?” Rhiannon Jones Programme Manager

Launching on October 19 with award winning comedian and writer, Jackie Hagan’s This Is Not A Safe Space. Commissioned by Unlimited, Jackie conducted interviews with people from all over the country living on the fringes and the spaces in between. These are not sob stories - they are well rounded lives full of the spiky humor and the complicated weirdness of being human. Jackie weaves these narratives together with poetry and anecdotes, in a performance celebrating the weird, the wonky, the unruly, and the resilient.

An all female cast feature in The Forecast, by Limbik Theatre (Oct 20). Based on George Saunders’ short story The Semplica Girl Diaries. Set in the not too distant future, the latest must-have consumer craze and status symbol are Human Garden Ornaments; women, from developing countries, hoisted up in affluent backyards, thin wires through their brains connecting them to news, travel, weather. In The Forecast, we hear what life is like for the four of them in this dystopian theatre piece. It could never happen...could it?

Rachael Young and badass band of super-humans embrace Afrofuturism and the cult of Grace Jones in: Nightclubbing (Nov 2)

Next up, join award winning Rachael Young and her badass band of super-humans as they embrace Afrofuturism, the cult of Grace Jones and intergalactic visions to start a revolution in Nightclubbing (Nov 2). This explosive dance performance traces the connections between Grace Jones’ 1981 landmark album ‘Nightclubbing’ and a London club's refusal to admit three Black women on the grounds of race in 2015?

'It is more than OK to be this way' in Sardoville's For Only An Hour (Nov 24)

Tackling the continuing oppression of LGBTQ++ community, Sardoville’s one man romp For Only An Hour (Nov 24) is a queer manifesto told through dance, song, spoken word and performance art. Created in response to the 2017 persecution of the LGBTQ++ community in Chechnya, this show is about celebrating who we are, and offering support to a new generation by saying: it’s more than OK 'to be this way'.

Get involved

IGNiTE resident artist Vicki Browne will develop a new piece of work 'Hyper Fem'

Throughout the season there are opportunities for public to take part and get more involved. From joining in the conversation in one of our post show talk backs, dancing the night away at our post show club night following Nightclubbing’s to signing up to one of our Artist led workshops. Keep an eye on our website for updates.

As part of the IGNiTE programme Trinity will be supporting four resident artists across the year who will receiving professional support and developing work in Trinity’s performance space – Fyfe Hall. Bristol based artists Ania Varez, Roxana Vilk, Vicki Hearne and Viki Browne will all receive professional help and support, rehearsal space and a bursary to develop new work at Trinity.

Previous IGNITE residents include performance artist Caroline Williams, dance practitioners Ella Mesma,  Sara Dos Santos and Latisha Cesar, theatre makers Uninvited Guests and Back in 5 Minutes Squad who joined up with disability led arts organisation Art in Motion.

Tickets to all IGNiTE shows are priced at £11 standard and £9 for concessions and can be purchased online at trinitybristol.org.uk

IGNiTE is Trinity's in house programme of world-class, innovative theatre and dance about issues that matter to people now, starting conversations and sparking debate. IGNiTE is supported using public funding by Bristol City Council and by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

September Flash Sale 2018

Blink and you’ll miss it – the Bristol & Bath Culture Flash Sale returns

We’re excited to be taking part for the first time in one of the biggest arts sale in the UK!  Culture fans can save money on thousands of tickets throughout Bristol, Bath, and beyond, in a 24-hour flash sale from 10am on Thursday Sep 6

Take a punt on something new, grab a bargain and kick off your autumn with a barrow-load of amazing culture.

What's on offer at Trinity

Trinity will be offering 20% off our IGNiTE theatre and dance programme and to our Outdoor Cinema Screening

Discounted tickets will be on sale for just 24 hours and are strictly limited – once they’re gone, they’re gone.

How to book Flash Sale tickets at Trinity

Book via the show links below from 10am Sep 6.

Use FLASH20 at the checkout to receive your 20% discount. There is a maximum of 6 x  tickets per transaction. Flash sale tickets are inclusive of booking fees.

Get ready for Afrofuturism and the cult of Grace Jones in Rachael Young's Nightclubbing Nov 2

Theatre & dance sale

This Is Not A Safe Space - Jackie Hagan Fri 19 October

The Forecast - Limbik Theatre Sat 20 October

Nightclubbing - Rachael Young Fri 2 November

For Only One Hour - Sardoville Sat 2 November

The Shape of Water Sept 9, screening as part of our Outdoor Cinema series

Outdoor cinema screenings

Dancehall Queen Sat 8 September

Thelma and Louise Sun 9 September

The Shape of Water Sat 15 September

Under the Skin Sun 16th September

What’s on offer across Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas

For a full list of organisations taking part and links to all available offers, go to the Visit Bristol website at visitbristol.co.uk or search using the hashtag on Twitter #CultureFlashSale.

Get 20% off tickets to Dangerous Corner by Next Stage Theatre Company

Get 25% off bands C,D and E tickets for Mozartfest

Full list of all the Flash sale deals can be found here.

Voting for Trinity in the scheme could mean we secure a grant of up to £4000 (photo @Khali Ackford)

This October and September you can help Trinity secure a grant of up to £4000 in Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme.

To vote, you will need to make a purchase within store of any value. Customers will receive one token per transaction, it's not necessary to purchase a carrier bag in order to receive a token. Add your token to Trinity’s Conservation Project to vote. Voting for Trinity's Conservation Project will mean up to £4000 could be secured for continued investment in Trinity’s future.

Below a list of Bristol stores taking part in the voting on our project.

Axbri Rd Express (BS4 2RU); Bedminster Express (BS3 3NN); Blenheim Court Express (BS1 3LA); Brislington (BS4 5AY); Bristol Metro (BS1 3DW); Bristol Paragon Express (BS1 2HJ); Canons Express (BS1 5TY); Clare St Express (BS1 1XR); College Green Express (BS1 5SP); North St Express (BS3 1HB); Totterdown Express (BS3 4RJ); Whitchurch Express (BS14 9HX); Wine St Express (BS1 2PH).

Voting closes 31 Oct 2018

Students gather in Fyfe Hall for a session professional DJ and Foley sound for film (photo @ Alastair Brookes)

Our Summer Music Sessions are an opportunity for young people of all abilities to come to Trinity and try out different accepts of music making. The sessions are delivered over two days, meaning young people have the opportunity to take part in a variety of workshops and sessions.

Young people perform with the in-house band (photo @ Alastair Brookes)

This year we worked in partnership with Access Creative College who delivered workshops in professional DJ and Foley sound for film, while our own in-house team of awesome tutors, Al, Ed, Matt, Oli and Jack, delivered sessions ranging from live performance to Vocal Recording to Beat Making.

"I love music. More time!! Make it longer, thank you!" Participant, Summer Music Session

Our highlights include a beat boxing shows case from professional performer Jack Salt (The Inexplicables, Ushti Baba) and welcoming Charlie Grier from Access Creative Music who shared his DJ’ing skills to the group.

Students had the opportunity to perform with professional musicians (photo @ Alastair Brookes)

"We should have these sessions more regularly for everyone to mix and share ideas" Participant, Summer Music Session

Some brilliant performances from young people – Sam performed his original songs (from his new EP recorded at Trinity), Collins rapped over live beats provided by Charlie from Access Creative Music, Rob playing Djembe drum as part of the live performance backed by Trinity house band
and the final live performance showcase with support from Oli (on the drums) Matt (on the bass) and Charlie on the decks.

Georgia came along for the Summer Sessions and really enjoyed getting involved and trying out the different music making activities (photo @ Alastair Brookes)

Aged 13 - 25 and want to gain new music making skills? Then get in touch with Dave.

Trinity's Summer Music Sessions are delivered as part of Making Tracks, a collaborative project between Basement Studios, ACE and Trinity. Making tracks is funded by Youth Music.

The Shape of Water, September 15

And.. it is that time of year again where we set up the Outdoor Cinema in Trinity Garden and over two weekends you get to enjoy the late summer heat, listen to some great music, enjoy a nice bit of food (if you like) and watch some classic movies as the sun sets.

This year we’ve curated films around the theme of Fairy Tales for Troubled Times, choosing four films that look at the idea of being another in a world that doesn’t accept you.

We kick off with a "rags to riches fairytale set in the phantasmagorical world of Jamaican dancehall" as we team up with Come The Revolution to present Don Letts' first ever feature film Dancehall Queen (Sep 8).

Someone said get a life… so they did. Hailed as one of the greatest road movies of all time, Ridley Scott’s Thelma and Louise (Sep 9) charters the trail and tribulations of two women’s crime spree across the American Southwest.

Set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1963 Guilermo Del Toro’s, The Shape of Water (Sat Sep 15)  is an other worldly fairy tale about love and the fear of the unknown.

Scarlett Johansson stars in the indie drama, Under The Skin (Sep 16). Part road movie, part science fiction, part real this is a tale of an alien in human form and is all about looking at our world (or, at least Glasgow) through alien eyes.

Our Outdoor Cinema's start a 7pm, and before the films start (at around 8:00pm, when the sun sets) you can grab yourself a drink at the bar, get some movie theme inspired food, and have a bit of a boogie to some music from 7:30pm.

Outdoor Cinema tickets start at £10 standard / £6 conc, click on the links below to reserve yours now.

Dancehall Queen September 8

Thelma and Louise September 9

The Shape of Water September 15

Under The Skin September 16

Their latest, “terrifically atmospheric” (Steve Lamacq) release builds recorded birdsong into an immersive soundscape. Filling Trinity with an unforgettable sonic bath, this will be a treat for fans of Cinematic Orchestra, Portishead and Steve Reich.

Plus support TBA

This is a standing Colston Hall Presents show at Trinity Centre

On sale Tuesday 21st August at 10am