Voices from the Other Side: Animated Films Created in Prisons
In this session Tony Gammidge will screen a number of short stop-frame animated films made by participants on mental health wings in men’s and women’s prisons.
The films are deeply felt, raw and personal and offer a glimpse into the filmmakers often traumatic pasts (and present) but also their resilience, imagination and humanity. Films about shame, violence, addiction, trauma, donkeys, football, family, escape, addiction, attachment, love and connection. Some of the films made for the children they are separated from but also inspired by them and films made as a way to understanding and meaning. The films often express things that words cannot; they touch on experiences often too hard to articulate in any other way. They give us a rare insight into life in custody behind locked doors and a world that is often not seen, they also though touch on life in general, the joys and suffering we all experience. They are most importantly though very much human stories with all the mess and beauty that brings. will contextualise the films in terms of what happened during the process and the impact the films have had on the filmmakers and audience and why these films are so important in the mental health and criminal justice systems. Gammidge will also make links with psychoanalytical and particularly trauma theories as a way of placing this work in within a therapeutic context. There will be time for questions and responses from the audience.
SPEAKER
Tony Gammidge is an artist, filmmaker and state registered art therapist. He has worked in the NHS and forensic settings and is also a member of the Art Refuge team who work with asylum seekers and refugees. He has been running animation projects in mental health settings, prisons and with asylum seekers and refugees since 2008 and has made with participants over 40 films in that time many of which have been shown in conferences, galleries and museums including at the Tate Modern and the Royal Festival Hall.
Complement your visit to the Freud Museum with one of our weekly tours or talks led by staff, volunteers and guest speakers.
The talks are free with your admission ticket. Book your admission ticket now!
The event will be held on the first floor of the Museum during regular opening hours. Unfortunately, the Freud Museum does not currently have step-free access. Advance booking is highly recommended, as capacity is limited.
Concessions/Members/Patrons: Please show proof of eligibility/membership card on arrival.
