SouthseaScene

Frida Kahlo’s legendary style, lust for life, men, women, politics and her Mexican heritage has made her a ubiquitous feminist icon and style muse to generations. But what do we know of her as an artist?  Frida Kahlo was a prolific self-portraitist who used the canvas as a mirror through all stages of her vivid, turbulent and, at times, tragic life. Guided by the artist’s own words this personal and intimate film offers privileged and detailed access to her work, shining a light on the artistic talent so often over looked in accounts of her dramatic life. Frida in Blue Dress © Nickolas Muray Photo Archives “I never paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality” Frida Kahlo #EOSFridaKahlo Featuring interviews with world-renowned Kahlo curators, EXHIBITION ON SCREEN explores the extraordinary symbolism and themes in Frida Kahlo’s paintings. We examine her omnipresent self-portraits but also her less well-known works resulting in a feast of vibrancy and colour on-screen. Deeply m...

We live in extraordinary times and we know that over recent months some may have had more time on your hands than usual. You might have spent this time reading novels, catching up with gardening or perhaps you have been watching films? If you have enjoyed watching films – or you’d like an excuse to watch more - you might be interested in our new online film club ar The Spring. Launched last week on Wednesday 3 June, the film club is a chance to discuss some films and delve into the plots, characters, and cinematic techniques. It’s an excuse to watch some specially chosen (and free to view) films and think about them in new ways, in conversations led by some local experts and film fans. Like their successful online book group, The Spring’s online Film Club will be hosted on Zoom. Simply choose which event you would like to join and book your free ticket online (or by clicking the links below). A few days before the event you will be sent a link to the Zoom event so you can join in. The ...

The Guildhall is hosting a free event to celebrate the cultural and creative industries in the city on Thursday 31 January from 8:30am-1pm at Guildhall Studio, Portsmouth Guildhall. At the event, Cllr Steve Pitt,Cabinet Member for Culture Leisure and Sport at Portsmouth City Council, will talk about the importance of cultural and creative industries for the region's economic growth while Professor Trevor Keeble from the Faculty of Culture and Creative Industries at the University of Portsmouth will talk about employment and enterprise in the UK Creative Industries and in Portsmouth. There will also be key note speakers from successful international creative film, design and music industries who will be sharing their experiences, discussing future challenges and how we shape future growth in the city. Cllr Steve Pitt said: "There's a huge amount of creativity in the city and many cultural and creative industries to celebrate including literature, film and music, art, ...

As the temperature dips and rises, check out some indoors and outdoors events coming up. Dara O’Briain, one of the most recognisable faces on British TV, goes back to his day job as a world class stand up comedian. Dara will be at the King’s Theatre stage on 11 and 12 May with his show ‘Voice Of Reason’. Celebrate Yarn Shop Day on Saturday 12 May at Seeded in Winter Road in conjunction with Let’s Knit Magazine. There are many classes coming up at Seeded, including a calligraphy taster with Mary Noble on 17 May. Between 14 and 16 May join Portsmouth’s third Pint of Science, an international festival where scientists give talks on their research at your local pubs. On Friday 18 May, at 7pm, No.6 Cinema will host a screening of projects, created by final year students from a variety of courses at the University including Film Industries, and Media Studies. Portsmouth Film Society has announced its 5th Green Film Festival programme which will take place on 22 to 24 May in th...

Portsmouth Film Society has announced its 5th Green Film Festival programme which will take place on 22 to 24 May in the Eldon Building, University of Portsmouth. Part of a worldwide movement to highlight environmental issues through film, festival organisers have selected three films that touched different aspects of our world. The festival launches with the screening of Embrace, a film that tackles the global issue of body image and screened with the support of the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industry which is concerned with the impact the related fashion industry has on the overall wellbeing issue. Is there something we can do to ensure the survival of important food plants? The film Seed follows passionate seed keepers who are keen to ensure the survival of our food varieties. Before the screening, people can also hear a short talk by Dr Rocio Perez-Barrales, senior lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Portsmouth. Tackling hard issues isn’t al...

Portsmouth Film Society (PFS) continues to deliver on its mission to help break down social barriers and unite diverse cultures with the premieres of four short films on 30 May at the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth. Portsmouth citizens from all backgrounds have come together to tell their stories. Many people will be able to identify with the difficult subjects of these films; homelessness, substance misuse and recovery, disability and multiculturalism. Whether they have experience of these topics themselves, or only in passing, PFS hopes that projects like these will encourage discussion amongst their viewers. These short films are the result of a 20-week course held at the University of Portsmouth where participants were introduced to all aspects of film-making including script writing, casting, directing, filming and editing. They then became the producers, directors, screenwriters and actors in their own films. The program also included lectures by local film makers and an...

The best in comic book, TV, film and pop culture entertainment comes to Portsmouth on Saturday 5 th and Sunday 6 th May 2018 as Portsmouth Comic Con, International Festival of Comics hits the South Coast!       In one of the largest regional events of its kind, this brand new convention will celebrate the art of comics, illustration and the worlds of TV and film, providing fun for aficionados, lifelong fans and families alike. Glimpse behind the camera of Doctor Who , with one of its leading prosthetic makeup artists, see behind the scenes art from HBO’s Games of Thrones and dress in your best cosplay - prizes will be awarded on the day!     Portsmouth Comic Con, International Festival of Comics will feature some of the most important comic writers and artists in the industry, with many creators appearing in the UK for the very first time. All guests have worked on some of the biggest properties in genre including Star Wars , Game of Thrones , Doctor W...

The silhouette of Sherlock Holmes, with his deerstalker hat, pipe and magnifying glass, is instantly recognisable. The stories have been translated into many languages, and new stories are always being written. All over the world actors have made their name by playing the famous – and infinitely malleable – detective, and groups meet to discuss and dress as characters from the stories. But what is behind this extraordinary attraction to the character of Holmes?  Go along to the Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, to listen to Michael Gunton, Senior Archivist at Portsmouth City Library,  who will explore some of the reasons for our enduring fascination with Sherlock Holmes. Perhaps due to the hugely popular television series starting Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, Holmes is often mistaken for a historical figure, rather than a fictional creation. An extensive collection of items relating to Conan Doyle is housed in the Library’s second floor history suite, and M...

A SUMMER NIGHT’S SERENADE: THE LONDON MOZART PLAYERS, LAURA VAN DER HEIJDEN AND TIM POSNER. Portsmouth cathedral FRIDAY, 19 JUNE 2015 19:30 The UK’s longest-established chamber orchestra is joined for a very special evening by Laura van der Heijden (BBC Young Musician of the Year 2012) Tim Posner and the Festivities Youth Choir. This promises to be a perfect opening night event of Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Handel and Brahms. THE SWINGLE SINGERS: TIMELESS ; CONCERT.Portsmouth Cathedral SATURDAY, 20 JUNE 2015 19:00 With powerful and versatile voices, The Swingle Singers work classic music into wonderful and surprising new shapes. Be captivated by their dazzling and moving versions of timeless pieces. Whether it’s a Bach aria reimagined as a chilling murder ballad, or a meltingly beautiful interpretation of a favourite Beatles tune, The Swingle Singers bring their tireless invention and vocal mastery to an eclectic repertoire spanning five centuries. “The Swingle Singers pitched those...