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John Smith: Hotel Diaries

An award-winning experimental filmmaker who is noted for his use of humour in his films, which typically explore the medium of filmmaking itself

John Smith is an award-winning experimental filmmaker who is noted for his use of humour in his films, which typically explore the medium of filmmaking itself. Many of John Smith’s films playfully deconstruct the conventions of filmmaking, and challenge the audience’s conditioned expectations of narrative and the filmic medium.

Alongside film, John Smith also makes video and instillation works – many of which have been shown in cinemas, art galleries, and on television all over the world. His work has been awarded major prizes at a number of international film festivals, and retrospectives of his work have been exhibited throughout Europe.

Watershed's relationship with John Smith is long-standing, and in 2002 Watershed produced a publication - John Smith: Film and Video Works 1972 – 2002 - in partnership with Bristol-based moving image projects agency Picture This, to coincide with a major touring retrospective.

As part of May ’68, When Culture Was Radicalised, Watershed hosted a series of talks and screenings reflecting on the cultural significance of the Sixties in the context of the modern world.

In 2008 Watershed invited John Smith to present the UK premiere of his feature film Hotel Diaries, which took place as part of May ’68, When Culture Was Radicalised. Made in hotel rooms across the world over a period of six years, the film combined a series of video recordings - each relating personal experiences and reflections to conflicts in the Middle East. Following screenings at Watershed, the season went on a national tour, including Showroom (Sheffield), GFT (Glasgow), FACT (Liverpool), Curzon Cinema (Soho), Tyneside Cinema (Newcastle), and Leeds International Film Festival.

Ended in November 2008

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