BRISTOL.- From 18-28 August, Arnolfini welcomes touring exhibition Playback, a dynamic display of over 200 short films made by up and coming artist filmmakers from all across England, many from Bristol.

Presenting films that cover a wide variety of subjects and art forms, Playback reflects the concerns and vision of a diverse pool of young people working with film today. From narrative films about drag queens, super-heroes, job centres and zombies to animated stories that feature talking goldfish and radioactive snails.

Hand-drawn animations tell the story of Syrian refugees rescued by Greek fishermen whilst explorations of cities like Manchester, London and Birmingham are seen alongside imagined futures and digital worlds.

Poetry and spoken word features in films about feminism, age, identity, the prison system and the shipyards of the North East. Powerful films with a focus on dance are seen alongside surreal dreamscapes and comic tales.

“Playback draws on the positives of a culture that is increasingly dominated by images and a generation that is highly literate in digital media and film. Young people are often criticised for spending too much time on their phones or screens, but Playback allows young people from all walks of life and backgrounds, to communicate and express their ideas and creativity through the medium of film.” Corinne Orton - Playback Tour Manager

The award-winning short films included in the interactive exhibition were created by 16-24 year olds, many with no previous experience in industry, following a nationwide open call. Many of those selected have now embarked on successful careers with film studios, in the fashion and music industries and in the art world.

Bristolians exhibiting in Playback who have already gone onto celebrate further achievements include Issy Snailman, who recently received the Best Emerging Talent Award (16-19) at BFI Future Film Festival, remarkably for her first ever film; Marnik Loyson, who is now working for Aardman studios and Bristol University 2016 graduate Eno Mfon, who has recently been commissioned to write a full-length play for Theatre West, in partnership with Bristol Old Vic.

Playback travels across the length and breadth of the country in some of England’s major galleries, cinemas and arts venues until March 2018. Other locations include London, Manchester, Newcastle and York with more to be announced.