The cinematic universe of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger whose creative partnership in the 1940s created some of the most stylistically ambitious, thematically rich, subversive, and sensual British films ever made.
Conceived by the BFI and delivered in partnership with FAN, Cinema Unbound was the greatest celebration yet of this extraordinary duo of filmmakers.
Powell and Pressburger not only transformed British cinema, but the vast, subversive, and seductive creative universes they created has gone on to influence the world of cinema and bled into wider popular culture – allowing for numerous entry points into their work for audiences in line with BFI’s Screen Culture 2033 priorities.
Projects funded in Wales:
- Chapter
An in-depth programme about the Welsh connection and themes of Spirituality, Sex and Obsession in the work of Powell and Pressburger. Opening with a reintroduction to Barry-born actor Roger Livesey; we discuss Peeping Tom’s impact on the evolution of the horror genre; the influence of Christianity, particularly the concepts of eternal life and sacrifice, as well as the spectre of temptation and sex; finishing with the corrosion caused by obsession. The season will be the only chance for audiences to see the films in Wales on 35mm and will open up, contextualise and reframe the work for a younger audience.
