The city of Brighton is a renowned hub for artists and creatives from all walks of life. It is also a state of mind, an attitude, a spirit: one that dares to be itself. This is the core of Brighton Rocks International Film Festival’s ethos. As the city’s biggest forum for independent cinema, we are proud to showcase some of the most original and boundary-pushing films being made outside of the mainstream.
EXPLAINED
Brighton is known the world over for its liberal values, and it has long since been a byword for tolerance and inclusivity. Brighton pioneered alternative living arguably as early as the 1800s when the life-loving Prince Regent moved to town. Brighton was a favourite playground of the swinging 60s, home to mods, rockers and, like its Pacific cousin San Francisco, the artists, writers and musicians of counterculture. The city’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community had its first march in 1972, and Brighton Pride has since become one of the world’s biggest celebrations. It is a high honour to represent the city’s rich heritage in the sphere of independent film.
What are we looking for in Brighton Rocks submissions? First and foremost, originality. We want films made with passion and conviction that reflect their creators’ unique experiences and artistic vision – films that touch the heart and stimulate the mind. Conversely, we are not looking for the kind of stories that we are bombarded with on television and at the multiplexes, aka the soulless mainstream.
Second, we are looking for films that are boundary-pushing and experimental. We want to see how the medium of film can be used in exciting new ways, to be taken on unexpected journeys and to get a glimpse of what the future has in store for us!
Lastly, we add in hushed tones, that we enjoy films that are provocative.
“Provocative?” you may query. “Is that compatible with values of inclusivity and tolerance?”
We believe it is – that it is a false dichotomy to say that if you have progressive values, you must also wish to cancel content that doesn’t conform to your way of understanding the world. Society’s relatively more tolerant social climate, and Brighton’s unique identity, were forged precisely by writers and artists who fearlessly challenged and rethought the world around them over many decades. Sometimes that means being exposed to ideas that we don’t necessarily like, which is healthy so long as differing perspectives can be expressed with respect for others. Outside of the academic argument, we are of course happy to cancel hate and prejudice. These have no place in the films we champion.
Brighton Rocks film festivals have welcomed thousands of filmmakers and filmgoers to Brighton over the past seven years. Each event has been a moveable feast of film treasures with a carnivalesque atmosphere and a confluence of every age, race, creed, class, identity, gender and sexuality. It is a beautiful thing to behold. We very much hope to be able to share this unparalleled experience with you at our forthcoming festivals.
Dr James Rowlins & Sarah Smith – Directors of Brighton Rocks International Film Festival
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