Worlds

upon words

Blue byApichatpong Weerasethakul, 2018

Worlds upon words

Wednesday evenings at 6pm GMT, 21st October 2026 - 3rd March 2027

Course description

This course explores the intimate, interdependent yet fragile relationship between words and images and their combined potency for the creation of (cinematic) worlds. Words can often be the starting point for a piece of moving-image, unlocking feelings that gradually evolve into audio-visual experience. It can also work in reverse, that an image or series of images emerge first and through writing we can explore the emotional landscapes they open out onto. From either position, words and images spiral together leading us further into our personal, subjective experiences to then move us outwards, connecting us to our outer social and political environments.

Across 4 months we will draw on the work of filmmakers, writers, cultural workers, critical thinkers, and somatic practitioners with the aim of cultivating an experience of presence in the world, reconfiguring ways of relating and re-imagining new narratives and processes for storytelling. Through a combination of presentations, screenings of extracts of works, discussions, writing workshops, sharing sessions and guest presentations, we consider why it is that we tell stories and new forms through which to tell them. This course intends to create a space to cultivate a relationship to our own language that will lead us to reflect on and shape our differing and shared experience of the world.

References and resources will be shared throughout our sessions and participants are invited to a community channel where they can co-develop a pool of resources and keep up with one another outside of our weekly meetings.

Course details and structure

The course is made up of 8 blocks spanning 4 months. Each block contains one presentation, discussion and practice session and one filmsong sharing session on alternate weeks. We also have two guest speaker sessions inside of Part 2 and Part 5. Presentation, discussion and practice sessions are 2 hours and filmsong sharing will vary between 90 minutes and 2 hours depending on the size of the group. Part 4 and 8 is dedicated to project development and/or reflection on practice.

The overall course structure is intended to foster an approach that is rooted in theory and practice and communal learning and independent exploration. This is because we believe that it is at this intersections that meaningful work and change occurs.

All session are held online on zoom.

  • Week 1
    In our opening session we will explore the elastic space between experience and language, where thought and motivation arise. This will lead us to an exploration of the somatic, silence and space as a primary location for the flow and sedimentation of experience. How can we follow this line of inquiry into the body to make space for a new sense of relatedness to emerge. We will explore the possibilities for images to arise from this place and practices for responsiveness to them.

    Week 2
    Filmsong sharing

  • Week 3
    In this session we will think about the parameters of the image and the word with particular emphasis on how this relates to memory. We will begin to explore the alchemical process of writing as emotional formulating - in what ways it retains feeling, and how it might embody loss. We will also begin to unravel the dimensionality of images and their making and reflect on our own position as viewers of cinema - the reciprocal process taking place between our perception and the presence of images themselves.

    Week 4
    Limitation of the image: working through memory, materiality and melancholia 

    Guest speaker session and conversation.

    Week 5
    Filmsong sharing

    Week 6
    Mid-session break

  • Week 6
    This week we will consider the ways in which writing relates to the unconscious and how structures for autobiographical language emerge through the intimate space of the journal. Reflecting on the films we will explore the fluidity and motion expressed through the production of images, as well as how their arrangement and an approach to sound can contribute to a rhythmic, layered and embodied film language.

    Week 8 
    Filmsong sharing and practice

  • Week 9
    We will come together to share an aspect of a project/idea we are developing for group discussion and ideas for moving forward.

  • Week 10
    This session will focus on correspondence and letter writing as a means for transmission and reception of feeling. Dating from the 18th Century letter writing creates a space where the psyche can find form and be shared through the hands of the receiver. The letter creates a mobile impression of both emotional and physical landscapes, allowing us to inhabit spaces and feelings beyond our personal realm of experience. We will reflect on how correspondence and the form of the letter is explored through filmic space and consider its invitation for dialogue, friendship and connection.

    Week 11

    Guest speaker session and conversation.

    Week 12

    Filmsong sharing

  • Week 13
    Language sketches a window into the relationship between the individual and society. In this session we will consider how storytelling can offer an exploration of agency that connects us more deeply to the collective through the creation of new systems of relating. We will explore our understanding of language, its limitations and (re)-arrangement to include visuality, editing and sound. What are the things we care about and worlds that we long for? How do we cultivate our voice to connect with the collective?

    Week 14
    Filmsong sharing

    Week 15
    Mid-session break

  • Week 15
    In this week’s session we will consider writing beyond text. We will explore works that don’t always rely on a linear narrative, are impressionistic and create a subliminal and experiential film language. How can we convey a sensation through writing that moves beyond verbal language and dialogue? How do we write the non-verbal? This session places its focus on the exploration of sensation and the present moment through an alternative approach to writing.

    Week 16
    Filmsong sharing

  • Week 19
    Our closing session will be dedicated to sharing work from the programme and reflecting on the experience. It’s an opportunity to consider what methods of practice were beneficial and to plan for sustained development beyond our meetings. 

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TESTIMONIALS

'It’s been wonderful to be in your class and to learn about moving image in such depth.' Asako Ujita

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'Bella was a great coach during our journey together, each week she prepared poignant presentations that helped frame each session, provided film links and suggestions, and encouraged interesting discussions around the films. I loved that Bella was so engaged throughout, giving recommendations based on interests and ideas, allowing space and time to all the different ideas and approaches that came up. I was a bit stuck with research and writing when I joined, Bella’s thoughtful construction and delivery of this course helped me hurdle a creative block.' Kaylie Kist

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'It was a pleasure to learn from you, you created such a welcoming and generative space!’ Bella Okuya

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'I really, really enjoyed all the films and resources you shared and sharing my work with others on the course, it was really eye-opening. It got me back in touch with the potential of film as a creative medium, I feel really energised to carry on writing and integrating it into my filmmaking!' Ray S.

〰️

‘Bella, thank you so much for curating such a rich and thought provoking series, and providing a welcoming environment for us all to share our thoughts and feelings about the themes and work you presented.’ Charlie Bird

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‘I just wanted to thank you so much for your beautiful classes. They were all so interesting and truly inspiring!’ Stephie Devred

〰️

‘Thank you so much for the wonderful sessions and beautiful creative space you created for us! The seminars are really inspiring and have sparked so many exciting ways of thinking about film, and it's been so good to think about how I could approach my own film.’ Saskia Wilson

〰️

‘ It’s always a pleasure being in this course, I am looking forward to it every week :) You created a very warm and trustworthy atmosphere in the group.’ Ioannis Valasakis

〰️

‘It’s been such a meaningful space for contemplation, expansion, and reflection.’ Darragh Amelia

'It’s been wonderful to be in your class and to learn about moving image in such depth.' Asako Ujita 〰️ 'Bella was a great coach during our journey together, each week she prepared poignant presentations that helped frame each session, provided film links and suggestions, and encouraged interesting discussions around the films. I loved that Bella was so engaged throughout, giving recommendations based on interests and ideas, allowing space and time to all the different ideas and approaches that came up. I was a bit stuck with research and writing when I joined, Bella’s thoughtful construction and delivery of this course helped me hurdle a creative block.' Kaylie Kist 〰️ 'It was a pleasure to learn from you, you created such a welcoming and generative space!’ Bella Okuya 〰️ 'I really, really enjoyed all the films and resources you shared and sharing my work with others on the course, it was really eye-opening. It got me back in touch with the potential of film as a creative medium, I feel really energised to carry on writing and integrating it into my filmmaking!' Ray S. 〰️ ‘Bella, thank you so much for curating such a rich and thought provoking series, and providing a welcoming environment for us all to share our thoughts and feelings about the themes and work you presented.’ Charlie Bird 〰️ ‘I just wanted to thank you so much for your beautiful classes. They were all so interesting and truly inspiring!’ Stephie Devred 〰️ ‘Thank you so much for the wonderful sessions and beautiful creative space you created for us! The seminars are really inspiring and have sparked so many exciting ways of thinking about film, and it's been so good to think about how I could approach my own film.’ Saskia Wilson 〰️ ‘ It’s always a pleasure being in this course, I am looking forward to it every week :) You created a very warm and trustworthy atmosphere in the group.’ Ioannis Valasakis 〰️ ‘It’s been such a meaningful space for contemplation, expansion, and reflection.’ Darragh Amelia

FAQ

  • This course is open to all with an interest in filmmaking and writing practice. No prior experience is required. The course offers a context, structure and accountability for getting started or continuing and deepening your creative work.

  • A computer or tablet for joining and participating in sessions over zoom is required. In addition, a sound and image recording device will also be helpful in order to fulfill (the optional) creative prompts.

  • Full and partial scholarships are available. Please get in touch on how to apply.

  • Yes! All sessions are recorded, and are made available the following day.

  • We meet for up to 2 hours each week, and there will be weekly practices and readings shared. It is entirely up to you how much much time you wish to dedicate to studying outside of our sessions together.

  • You don’t need a specific project in mind. These sessions are open and intended to enrich your creative practice. If you already have something in process, you are welcome to workshop and progress the project through the sessions.

  • We offer refunds up until 7 days before the first class. After this time, we cannot offer refunds as the course is planned and payed for by the sale of tickets. With this in mind, please carefully assess your capacity before signing up.

Please read our Terms and Conditions ahead of purchase.

Still have questions? Email us.

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