MIF23: Jenn Nkiru

Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor

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Jenn Nkiru

29 June 2023

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Visionary filmmaker Jenn Nkiru has described her process as “cosmic archeology”. Drawing from the history of Black music, Afro-surrealism, experimental film and the Black arts movement, the artist has directed music videos for the likes of Neneh Cherry, Beyonce and Kamasi Washington and developed her own distinctive style through films Rebirth is Necessary and Black to Techno.

Now she is turning her attention to Manchester and the ways in which its industrial history and sleek modern architecture intertwine. In a new, as yet untitled short film for Manchester International Festival’s Virtual Factory, Nkiru weaves together new footage and archive material to “explore parallels between architecture and the human body – and how they both shapeshift through time and space.”

The film marks the final commission in MIF’s Virtual Factory series, which invited artists to create online works inspired by the architecture and site of Factory International’s new space. Previous artists to have worked on the series include, LaTurbo Avedon, Tai Shani and videogame designer Robert Yang.

Where to go near MIF23: Jenn Nkiru

Manchester
Restaurant
Salt & Pepper

Chinese inspired British food in the centre of Manchester, backed up by plenty of well-deserved local hype.

Morning Glory - Coffee Cup
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Morning Glory

Morning Glory positions itself as a grab-and-go spot, with just 12 seats inside serving coffee, bagels and sweet treats.

The Warehouse In Holbeck
Leeds
Event venue
The Warehouse In Holbeck

Run by acclaimed theatre company Slung Low, The Warehouse in Holbeck is home to boundary-pushing performance and community projects.

Leeds
Event venue
The Attic

Tucked away above the bustle of Merrion Street, The Attic is one of Leeds’ most distinctive small venues – intimate, unpretentious, and steeped in DIY spirit.

The Chevin is a great place for visitors to do lots of different activities and is open all year round with 5 free car parks. To help you find out whatís best for you we have divided this section up into some of these different activities.Please be aware that The Chevin is a working estate so you may see vehicles including timber-extraction lorries using some of the tracks.Self-guided WalksThe Chevin is a big place and there is a good network of paths to make your own circular walk, but if you want to follow a themed trail there is a Geology Trail, Heritage Time Trail and a route for Tree Spotters.Bikes & HorsesThere is an extensive bridleway network on the eastern parts of The Chevin that caters for a range of abilities.Orienteering and GeocachingTwo orienteering courses and a number of geocache sites are waiting to be discovered.Climbing & BoulderingThere are many fantastic crags for climbing and boulders for bouldering.Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs
Leeds
Restaurant
Oporto

For many years, Oporto has been a beacon of alternative energy on Leeds’ Call Lane – serving up great food and drink alongside resident DJs and live music.

Manchester
Gallery
Black Redstart Gallery

Black Redstart Gallery is located in the Northern Quarter and runs a busy programme of exhibitions from emerging and established artists.

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