The British Council and South East Dance launched Forward Motion, as part of the Dance for Camera Festival 2008, on 6th December at the Sallis Benney Theatre, University of Brighton.

Featuring historic, seminal and ground breaking films, Forward Motion creates a moving snapshot of Britain’s prolific screen dance output. A British Council project co-produced with South East Dance and supported by Arts Council England; the collection has been curated by an expert committee comprised of representatives from these three organisations alongside artists, producers and academics.

Forward Motion is designed for screenings and events in the UK and worldwide over the next three years, not only celebrating British screen dance talent but also engaging new artists, markets, audiences and participants in this exciting artform. A website with space for film galleries, competitions, and a unique education resource will launch in summer 2009.

Click here to watch the Forward Motion promo trailer

The Forward Motion collection includes:

FORWARD MOTION: INTROS
Professor Liz Aggiss introduces the genre of screen dance. This programme includes short dance films with artist interviews. Includes Touched by Wendy Houstoun and David Hinton, Tra La La by Magali Charrier and the rarely seen gems Basini by Liz Aggiss and Billy Cowie and Sardinas by Lea Anderson.

FORWARD MOTION: INSIGHTS
Dr. Vena Ramphal presents a programme of experimental films with artists discussing their work. Features the enchanting Hands by ex-Royal Ballet soloist Jonathan Burrows and filmmaker Adam Roberts, Vanishing Point by Rosemary Butcher and Horizon of Exile by Isabel Rocamora (winner IMZ best screen choreography 2007).

FORWARD MOTION: ARTISTS’ CHOICE
High profile dance makers introduce a film that has inspired their practice. Includes Akram Khan introducing Lloyd Newson’s multi-award winning The Cost of Living; Rosemary Butcher selecting an excerpt of Feature Film by visual artist Douglas Gordon; and Shobana Jeyasingh choosing Miranda Pennell’s Tattoo.

To download the full Forward Motion programme please click here.

Are you interested in screening Forward Motion? Please click here to download our sales pack. For more information, including details of our special early bird discount, email us at forwardmotion@britishcouncil.org

The British Council and South East Dance worked with an expert committee to curate the programme. The committee includes (with their occupation at the time of consultation):

• Professor Liz Aggiss, University of Brighton and artist
• Vicky Bloor, Head of Screen Dance, South East Dance
• Steven Brett, Drama and Dance Adviser, British Council
• Morag Deyes, Artistic Director, Dance Base
• Emma Gladstone, Producer Live Screen, Sadler’s Wells
• Cathy Gomez, Drama and Dance Adviser, British Council
• Nicky Molloy, Director, Dance4
• Mairead Turner, Chief Executive, South East Dance
• Jamie Watton, Senior Dance Strategy Officer, Arts Council England
• Marisa Zanotti, University of Chichester and artist

The previous edition of Forward Motion toured to over 20 countries between 1999 and 2004. If you would like to view the previous programme of films please click here.

Contact forwardmotion@britishcouncil.org for more information.