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Catherine Yass: Flood Barrier + conversation
Institute of Contemporary Arts
A tall flood barrier against a cloudy sky, in a washed out colourful photo
Flood Barrier dir. Catherine Yass, 2023

Catherine Yass's short film, Flood Barrier (2023), commissioned by Create London, takes us to East London in a mediative convergence of history and nature. Using 16mm cameras and analogue film stock alongside drone shot footage, Yass traces the delicate flight patterns of birds navigating the imposing Barking Creek flood barrier.   

The huge 1980s structure, reminiscent of a guillotine, holds historical weight in 2023, marking the 70th anniversary of the Great Flood of 1953 that displaced an entire Victorian village. Initially a symbol of human dominion over nature, the ailing barrier represents our shared responsibility amid rising sea levels and a shifting climate. The film captures the barrier's precariousness with light leaks into the camera, casting unexpected, solemn hues across the scene. The colours offer a glimpse into the bird's unique perspective, a world teeming with shades beyond human perception.   

Following the screening, Yass will discuss the complex layers of her work, giving insight into the film and its prescient themes with researcher, curator and artist Lucy Reynolds, and Nadeem Perera, Flock Together Wildlife Director.

Collaborating with the Progress Project in the making of the film, teenagers with various abilities bring diverse voices to the forefront, advocating inclusivity in our pursuit of environmental sustainability. Flood Barrier serves as a sobering call to acknowledge our shared responsibility amidst environmental change, prompting us to embrace a world where other species coexist with us on their terms. 
Flood Barrier is funded by Art Fund and Arts Council England, with additional support from The Elephant Trust. The associated engagement programme, Breaking Waves, was made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional support from Arts Council England and Art Fund. 
 
06:45 pm
Tue, 14 Nov 2023
Cinema 1

All films are ad-free and 18+ unless otherwise stated, and start with a 10 min. curated selection of trailers.

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