We are delighted to announce the return of in person Lunchtime Talks! Our talks will now be both in the building and streamed live, so you can join us from the comfort of the Studio or the comfort of your own screen, in your own space. 

Capacity will be limited and we are asking people to book in for the talks, if you can. Please feel free to turn up on the day, although we can't guarantee there will be a space.

Booking your free ticket here.

In this talk, Dr Emma Agusita and Dr Katie Davies will discuss their research project in which film was used to explore and bear witness to the experiences of binational families and couples trying to cope with the UK’s hostile immigration environment. Captured just before and during the Coronavirus outbreak and in the lead up to Brexit, from multiple locations across the world, the resulting 26-minute film, ‘Divided by Law’, reveals personal accounts of how the interviewees navigate their way through the UK family immigration regulations, encountering prolonged periods of separation from their partners and families with distressing consequences. In May 2021, the film was selected for international competition in the 67th Oberhausen International Short Film Festival, where it won a jury special mention award.

Black and white image of Westminster

Katie and Emma will discuss the film and their collaborative approach to the project, which received support from Reunite Families UK, a national voluntary campaign group and support network for British and non-UK families separated by UK immigration rules. The project drew on Emma’s previous research work using visual and creative methods to examine experiences of family separation due to UK family immigration law and Katie’s research work using filmmaking practice to explore the construction of collective identities, with a focus on exploring the role of the state in identity construction. Emma is a lecturer, researcher and creative producer focusing on media, communications and culture, with an interest in social justice and civic participation. Katie is a moving image artist, lecturer and researcher whose work employs and explores critical practice-led approaches, with an interest in how moving image can produce new and reimagined places and identities. The project was funded by the University of the West of England and supported by its Digital Cultures Research Centre to which Emma and Katie are both affiliated.

Poster for the film 'Divided by Law'

Watch 'Divided by Law' Film (26 mins)

Join us, on Friday 19th November, 13:00 - 14:00 for the talk and to take part in the discussion afterwards. Come to the Studio, or join us on YouTube Live here.

The Studio is wheelchair accessible, and the events space has a hearing loop. The last talk of every month is BSL interpreted. 

*Please note this is a hybrid event and will be live streamed so please be aware you will be in the live broadcast and recording when watching in the Studio.

Address:

Watershed, 1 Canon's Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX

Directions:

The Lunchtime Talks take place in the Pervasive Media Studio Event Space. To access the Studio, please go to the main Watershed Box Office entrance and go upstairs to the Café Bar. Walk across the cafe bar, turn right and walk towards the double doors. Go through into the corridor and walk all the way down until you reach the Studio. A member of staff will sign you in, and check your ticket, if you have booked.