iniva is thrilled to announce our new project, Visualising Contemporary Art Histories — iniva’s Moving Image Collections which is supported by the BFI Screen Heritage Fund, awarding funds from the National Lottery.
This project celebrates iniva’s moving image archive, focusing on underrepresented voices and stories from the Global Majority, in particular, the Global South.
The unique collection includes 350 catalogued DVDs and VHS tapes, alongside approximately 2,000 uncatalogued items of different media. These materials, largely inaccessible to the public, document iniva’s rich programming history, addressing enduring
themes such as Black diaspora, migration, cultural memory, race relations in Britain, desire, and personal migrant experiences.
The collection features influential works by artists such as John Akomfrah and Horace Ové, whose films provide critical reflections on the Black British experience, post-colonial identity, and community resilience; Anand Patwardhan’s documentaries that tackle India’s socio-political issues, including caste discrimination and religious intolerance; and Zarina Bhimji’s poetic films that explore displacement and the lingering impacts of colonial histories.
The global perspectives are further represented through the works of Park Chan-wook and Park Chan-Kyong, who blend Korean history with contemporary narratives; Bouchra Khalili’s films highlight migration and belonging and Majida Khattari and Cecilia Vicuña works engage with themes of gender, tradition, and environmental activism, offering powerful and innovative perspectives.
By cataloguing and sharing these moving image works iniva’s project ensures that these critical cultural narratives are preserved, accessible, and celebrated. It highlights the ongoing relevance of these themes, fostering dialogue with contemporary filmmakers and increasing knowledge for future audiences.
Stay tuned for our upcoming progammes for this project!