7inch stories
This year marks twenty years since Flatpack's first film night in the Rainbow pub in Digbeth. Back then we were known as 7inch Cinema, and were just a bit scrappier than we are today. Not much else has changed, we're still all about bringing people together, and we've lost none of that DIY sensibility. We asked a few people who were around for those early gigs to reflect on what they meant to them, what they're up to now, and how things have changed.
SIMA GONSAI
What are your memories of 7inch?
7 Inch Cinema gigs are some of the best times I've had in Birmingham. I moved to Brum in 2000, studying at Uni. I was secretly obsessed with Len Lye and made a lot of work experimenting with celluloid film - painting, drawing, scratching, bleaching, printing, projecting, you name it, I was doing it! I met a collective of artists at 7inch who I still work with today. Little did I know how many artists were out there, also obsessed with film. 7inch presented a new world of networks in a new city, I had great fun socialising, watching and experimenting - the vibe was awesome.
Why do events like this matter?
Events like these help you to find your 'crew' of people - a place to feel at home amongst those who have the same sense of fun and art. I formed the best collaborations and friendships during a time when mobile phones and the internet was non existent - nothing beats the hubbub of live screenings, music and performance!
What are you up to these days?
23 years on, I'm still creating and making and really fortunate to be hanging with the same people, talking film and feeling at home.
How do you think Birmingham and/or Digbeth have changed since the 2000s?
The vibe in Digbeth has gone from underground to overground and then some! There's such a lot going on in Digbeth now, it celebrates every experience, I don't know where to start! But there's still a bit of mystery - if you dig a little deeper you'll find a gem!
MATT WATKINS
What are your memories of 7inch?
Slightly out of focus, monochromatic, with dust spots
Why do events like this matter?
Nothing compares to watching self-made films in a room with other people, a chance to gauge reactions, comprehension or criticism IRL.
What are you up to these days?
Still making art / film as Beat13.co.uk
How do you think Birmingham and/or Digbeth have changed since the 2000s?
Better coffee and more pizza
NINA JONES
What are your memories of 7inch?
I hadn't spent much time in the metropolis that was Birmingham and had only ventured a few miles from the sleepy town of Malvern, so I recall this time being a bit of a shock to the system but I was captivated by this community of misfits and filmmakers. I wanted in! In those days I think the screen was a bedsheet and the films were a heady mix of abstract chaos and the odd student ditty. I felt like I had found my people. The likes of Katy Connor, John Bradburn and Scott Johnston were such an inspiration for me and without 7 Inch I'm not sure I would have continued my pursuit into the realm of filmmaking.
Why do events like this matter?
Events like this are invaluable to rookie filmmakers and the act of watching films with an audience is becoming a rare commodity to young filmmakers in our current media consumption trends. The variety of films on offer at these events are inspirational, thought provoking and important. They force us out of cinematic comfort zones and help us expand our understanding of film and its potential. Most importantly, they are just really good fun and the people I've met at 7inch all those years ago are still friends to this day. What we need now more than ever is a community to rally around us and give us hope for the arts and all it brings.
What are you up to these days?
Although I was encouraged to seek out opportunities in our nation’s capital I just couldn't leave this little scruff of a city behind. It was the best decision I ever made. After several years of freelancing on various film projects I found myself in post-production and worked as an editor for many years (and still do). 6 years ago I decided to lean into my love of teaching filmmaking and took on the role of Film Technician at the University of Birmingham and I am now the Film Manager there. I get to be a part of the future of our young filmmakers, which is something I really love.
How do you think Birmingham and/or Digbeth have changed since the 2000s?
The changes in Birmingham have been immense but it is still very much the city I walked into all those years ago as a tiny inexperienced film student. There are the obvious developments in infrastructure, but the heart of Brum is still the same and its people are still as warm and wonderful. There's a certain pride that comes with being a Brummie, and it has nothing to do with fancy buildings, trams or international sporting events, it's just in the air and earth. 15 years ago Brum felt alive with potential and its doors would be flung open wide for anyone and everyone with an idea and it's those ideas which become 7inch and then 7inch becomes Flatpack and the future is whatever you want it to be if you're in Birmingham.
SEAN SPENCER
What are your memories of 7inch?
An opportunity to see interesting films by local contemporaries in a positive atmosphere, and often make new friends.
Why do events like this matter?
They act as a good point of support and connection for regional filmmakers. I firmly believe that if you can't see it, you can't be it. Trying to enter the film industry if you are based in the West Midlands has always been difficult because local filmmakers were often only supported to make short films, they then found the leap to a sustainable career without leaving the region really difficult. That is still very much the case unfortunately as much of the film and television industry that Birmingham used to have has been incentivised to move to other parts of the country.
What are you up to these days?
I write and direct film and television. I most recently directed A Town Called Malice for Sky.
How do you think Birmingham and/or Digbeth have changed since the 2000s?
I think Birmingham has become a more international city with a focus that has shifted away from the arts towards business and retail, which has created a lot of positive change but I think has also limited the artistic reach of the city.
JACK SPICER ADAMS
What are your memories of 7inch?
I remember going to 7inch at The Rainbow when I definitely wasn't old enough to be in a pub. My dad took me along - one of his work colleagues had recommended it to him, and I must have been 16/17 years old at the time. It's a little hazy but I think I remember watching the music video for Atomic by Blondie (which is kind of odd now I watch it again) and a short film made out of a lot of colourful string. I also remember a short film called Telling Lies. At that time pre-YouTube I was into watching animations and short films online but I hadn't ever been to anything where stuff was shown live.
Why do events like this matter?
Knowing that events were being put on about things I was into was a big deal - I could go and engage with interesting things and discover stuff I'd never seen before. I think that matters at whatever age you are.
What are you up to these days?
I'm a photographer now, I mainly take photos of food for a living. I was into photography when I first went to 7inch but I didn't think it would take me down the path it has taken me now.
How do you think Birmingham and/or Digbeth have changed since the 2000s?
Digbeth seems a lot softer now, I used to go out to a few nights (when I was of legal age) at The Rainbow and then parties at Eastside Projects and Vivid, there were old boozers in Digbeth and arty parties and then clubs in warehouses but there was no real cohesion to any of it, which made it a bit more unknown, maybe a bit more edgy. I think Digbeth transformed to appeal to a larger audience now, you can see that it's a lot busier at night with bars/places to do activities, it feels like it's come together a lot more, it feels like there's been a lot more money spent on it so it doesn't feel as wild.
JOSEPH POTTS
What are your memories of 7inch?
I remember the buzz and excitement of the early 7inch events. It was a creative and social happening. You didn't want to miss out! It showcased an array of super interesting selection of shorts and arts films, during the emerging era of youtube availability of such diverse content with local filmmakers and artists connecting and appreciating new work. It was fun and unlike anything else in Birmingham. With that 'd.i.y' ethos about making things happen.
Why do events like this matter?
7inch helped to define what being creative in Birmingham meant. It also was a fantastic way to meet the creative community of Birmingham/ Digbeth too.
What are you up to these days?
I'm still a freelance filmmaker working in arts and corporate video. I'm also developing my abstract moving image work thanks to a recent Arts Council grant, and you can see some tests and work in progress on my instagram.
How do you think Birmingham and/or Digbeth have changed since the 2000s?
Obviously Birmingham and Digbeth have changed over the years, yes it's being gentrified and made more commercial, but there are pockets of mindful fun to be had still!
We'll be celebrating twenty glorious years of showing strange films in unlikely places at 7inch's second home Hare & Hounds on Thursday 18 May. Get your tickets here.