Marking Britain’s historic status as a place of sanctuary for threatened European artists, this evening of films, sound works and readings marks the creative contributions to the UK of the remarkable filmmakers Robert Vas and Werner Kissling, the indomitable artist Kurt Schwitters and singular poet Ivan Blatny, with a special appearance by filmmaker and cultural activist Andrea Luka Zimmerman.
Zimmerman's Merzschmerz features a number of Kurt Schwitters’ captivating children’s tales, told in a series of short videos in which children revisit what they remember of each recently read story, and relay it in the company of an older family member, neighbour, guardian or friend. As the children furrow their brows in concentration, or smirk in advance at the funny things they are about to impart, their excited faces are echoed by the indulgent, quizzical smiles of the adults, creating a moment of togetherness, and adding to the pieces’ infectious charm.