Play Back Forward

Play Back Forward explores the legacy of Brighton and Hove’s early film pioneers, George Albert Smith, Laura Bayley, and James Williamson. The exhibition weaves together archival films, creative responses by young people, and new collaborative works by artists Chahine Fellahi and Annis Joslin.

This exhibition reimagines the archive as a time machine, opening up new ways of seeing, sensing, and making. Through responsive displays, interactive devices, and immersive artworks, visitors are invited to bring the archive to life, engaging with the timeless magic of light, shadow, and motion. A space to drift through cinematic time, and an invitation to dream with our eyes open.

Play Back Forward is inspired by the Film and Media collections of Brighton and Hove held at Hove Museum of Creativity and Screen Archive South East. In this exhibition, early film tricks meet contemporary experiments; analogue processes and digital play collide, and past technologies echo visions of the future – creating an evocative space to investigate the city’s rich film heritage. Find out more here.

Press Play – a free activity day for children and adults will take place on 25 October, find out more here. Press Play is a hands-on creativity day for children, families, and adults curious about film and media heritage.

Play Back Forward is part of Days of Wonder, a three-year project exploring the heritage of film and media in Brighton & Hove. Curated and produced by Corridor and videoclub in partnership with Brighton & Hove Museums and Screen Archive South East. With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, and BFI/Film Hub South East.

What to expect

Immersive experiences that bring film archives to life through light, shadow, and movement.

Archival films by pioneering Brighton & Hove filmmakers, shown alongside new artworks by contemporary artists and creative work by local young people.

A playful mix of old and new: historic film tricks meet digital experimentation, sparking visions of the future.

A dreamy, sensory journey where you can engage your senses and interact with film in fresh, imaginative ways.

Accessibility and inclusion

Free to visit, wheelchair accessible, seating available

Audience target/s

Everyone

Audience type / suitability

Everyone; children and families

Organiser

videoclub & Corridor