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Born from an ongoing photography project of the same name, this short documentary series by British Punjabi documentary photographer Hark1Karan celebrates the Indian car community that thrives throughout the West London borough of Southall and their love of classic BMWs. With a bass heavy-soundtrack accompanying VHS footage, Zimmers of Southall (2021) takes a look at the Southall Punjabi community’s affinity for both classic car culture and dub music.
Zimmers of Southall 2 continues the series, highlighting the experiences of female drivers and what the subculture means to them in terms of autonomy and heritage. The significance cars take on in a diasporic context as a means of self-expression, key to forming identity and community, is explored through archival and recent photography, and intergenerational interviews.
The programme concludes with Dancing Before the Moon for which footage from Zimmers of Southall was re-worked to feature in this film which acted as the centrepiece of the British Pavilion at last year’s Venice Biennale of Architecture. Dancing Before the Moon observes rituals performed by the global diaspora in Britain, demonstrating an appreciation of land, community values and sharing space. Through dance, procession, games, growing and worship we are reminded that, irrespective of race, culture and socio-economic circumstances, we are all capable of inventing and transforming what's around us.
Hark1karan is a community photographer, whose work between South London, Southhall and the Punjab spans the breadth of the Punjabi experience. He will be in conversation with fellow Punjabi-Brits; artist and creative director Deep K Kailey and curator at the V&A and British Pavilion Meneesha Kellay, for a conversation delving into the challenges of representation, archiving subcultures, and the cultural legacy of Southall.
Zimmers of Southall 2 continues the series, highlighting the experiences of female drivers and what the subculture means to them in terms of autonomy and heritage. The significance cars take on in a diasporic context as a means of self-expression, key to forming identity and community, is explored through archival and recent photography, and intergenerational interviews.
The programme concludes with Dancing Before the Moon for which footage from Zimmers of Southall was re-worked to feature in this film which acted as the centrepiece of the British Pavilion at last year’s Venice Biennale of Architecture. Dancing Before the Moon observes rituals performed by the global diaspora in Britain, demonstrating an appreciation of land, community values and sharing space. Through dance, procession, games, growing and worship we are reminded that, irrespective of race, culture and socio-economic circumstances, we are all capable of inventing and transforming what's around us.
Hark1karan is a community photographer, whose work between South London, Southhall and the Punjab spans the breadth of the Punjabi experience. He will be in conversation with fellow Punjabi-Brits; artist and creative director Deep K Kailey and curator at the V&A and British Pavilion Meneesha Kellay, for a conversation delving into the challenges of representation, archiving subcultures, and the cultural legacy of Southall.
06:45 pm
Fri, 26 Jan 2024
Cinema 1
Ticket information
- All tickets that do not require ID (full price, disabled, income support) can be printed at home or stored in email
- For aged-based concession tickets (under 25, student and pensioner) please bring relevant ID to collect at the front desk before the event.
Access information
Cinema 1
- Both our Cinemas have step free access from The Mall and are accessible by ramp
- We have 1 wheelchair allocated space with a seat for a companion
- All seats are hard back, have a crushed velvet feel and they do not recline
- These are our seat size dimensions: W 42 x D 45 x H 52
- Arm rest either side of the seat dimensions: L 27 x W 7 x H 20
for the following requirements:
- We have unassigned seating. If you require a specific seat, please reserve this in advance
- Free for visitors where ticket prices are a barrier, please email
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no. 236848.