The Darkroom

Looking forward to seeing this exhibition

We want to invite all analogue filmmakers to submit their films for consideration to be part of an upcoming Motion Film Festival by Mella Travers 'AgBr'. Please send a scan of your films through WeTransfer ([email protected]) - The deadline for sending your film is 8 pm on the 13th of November.

All films must be made with analogue stock (Super 8/Double 8/16mm/35mm) but are required to be scanned before submission. A high-resolution scan will be needed for the festival but at this stage, you can send a medium-sized scan. Please do not send the analogue Version of your film to us as we will not be able to show it or be responsible for it.

We encourage submissions from artists at all stages of their careers; we are interested in showing a mixture of artist's first films and some longer feature films.

We will get back to you to let you know if your film has been selected as soon as we can after the deadline
Thank you for being involved!

The Darkroom was set up in 2010 in Smithfield, Dublin. In 2015 we moved to our home in Stoneybatter. We have kept analogue processes - both stills and motion film - on the map here in Ireland since. We have worked with numerous artists, supporting them in making great works, and have facilitated many artist residencies. We believe we are an essential space for artists in Dublin.

Unfortunately, we have to leave our premises by the end of the year. It is difficult for art spaces to stay afloat, and without a building, it is not any easier. We have set up a gofundme campaign and are asking for support so hopefully we can secure a new spot and keep The Darkroom alive. Our fear is, without support, that this resource will be lost for good. If you have the means and would like to support us; we would greatly appreciate any donation, big or small. Thank you for your continued support as always! ❤️

Also, if you could share our post and campaign link, that would be really helpful! The link to our gofundme can be found in our bio.

https://gofund.me/734754e4

Keep The Darkroom Alive, organized by Mella Travers The Darkroom was set up in 2010 in Smithfield, Dublin. In 2015 we moved to our home in Stoneyba… Mella Travers needs your support for Keep The Darkroom Alive

UPCOMING ARTIST VISIT AND SCREENING: ‘Dancing Shadows’ - This Saturday September 9th 7pm at The Darkroom.

We’re very excited to have artist Erin McCuskey visit us from Australia for a retrospective of her film work, including a three-channel screening of her work 'Precious Fragments'. Put this date in your diary and be sure to join us!

In fusing analogue film (created and archival), music, dance, literature, theatre, and a visual artist's perspective into digital cinematic works, these are films that are at first sensual and delightful, and then resonant with a power poetic and deep.

“McCuskey is a film artist of the highest calibre, utilising dance and music together with archival footage, to create a sensual and experimental aural and visual feast. Her work celebrates families and communities, through a female sensibility, and through the richness of memory and the lands we live on and come from." (Bill Mousoulis - Unknown Pleasures).

“The work is haunting and sophisticated.” (Peter Tammer - Independent Filmmaker)

Duration 90 mins plus Q and A with the artist and intermission.

Image: Do Not Go Gentle (2017) by Erin McCuskey

Join us this Thursday the 3rd of August at 6.30pm for Suella Holland’s Artist talk on her current exhibition ‘A Joining of Self’. Hear more about Suella’s journey and the methodology behind this important work.

“‘A Joining of Self’ is a site-specific portrait of fragmented childhood recollections of abuse; incorporating memories of different fabrics, dissociative experiences and phrases of manipulation that were used to threaten and enforce secrecy, ultimately breaking a silence that has been kept for 40 years.

Suella Holland has recreated scenes from her past and utilised photography and stitching as a means of expression. Photographed on film with the abuser’s twin lens reflex camera, she has converted the male gaze to that of the female child’s and taken back control of the past.
A reclamation of power, ‘A Joining of Self’ comes face to face with that past and strives to choose courage over fear and acceptance over criticism.”

Part of the Photo Ireland Festival Programme of events.

Read more about this exhibition on our website.

Artist Suella Holland, behind our current exhibition ‘A Joining of Self’ will be here at The Darkroom tomorrow if you want to call in and view some of her powerful work on show. An artist talk will be given by Suella here at The Darkroom on the 3rd of August at 6:30pm to close the exhibition.

“‘A Joining of Self’ is a site-specific portrait of fragmented childhood recollections of abuse; incorporating memories of different fabrics, dissociative experiences and phrases of manipulation that were used to threaten and enforce secrecy, ultimately breaking a silence that has been kept for 40 years.

Suella Holland has recreated scenes from her past and utilised photography and stitching as a means of expression. Photographed on film with the abuser’s twin lens reflex camera, she has converted the male gaze to that of the female child’s and taken back control of the past.
A reclamation of power, ‘A Joining of Self’ comes face to face with that past and strives to choose courage over fear and acceptance over criticism.”

Part of the Photo Ireland Festival Programme of events.

Read more about this exhibition on our website.

Some behind the scenes of the making of some large format prints of Claire McCluskey's work.
If you’re interested in beginning your journey into analogue photography and darkroom processes, our next ‘Intro to Film Photography’ weekend is the 12th and 13th of August! You’ll learn everything from how to use your film camera to developing your film and even printing an image! (35/120mm film to be used)

Read more about this course and book your spot on our website while there’s still availability!

Let us know if you’ve any questions!