University of Birmingham students support the 2025 Flatpack Film Festival

PhD students Katie Day (PhD Drama and Theatre Arts Practice-based Research and Performance) and Ryan Colton (PhD African Studies and Anthropology) secured competitive funded internships with Birmingham-based Flatpack Film, one of the UK’s leading film programme and festival organisations.

This year, the University of Birmingham’s 125^th Anniversary year, Flatpack’s Festival programme included events that recognised the talent, creativity and achievements of two of the University’s prestigious alumni: influential surrealist artist, zoologist and author of The Naked Ape (1967), Desmond Morris (BSc Zoology, 1950); and actor, singer and musician Tim Curry (BA English and Drama, 1968).

Ryan worked as a Project Researcher on the Desmond Morris strand of events, the focal point of which was the screening of Time Flower (1950), one of Morris’ earliest experimental films. Thought lost for many years until recently rediscovered, this was its first public screening since 1951. Ryan’s work focused on researching Morris’ time in Birmingham during the 1940s and 1950s, both at University and as a member of the nationally prominent Birmingham Surrealist Group. As well as supporting the screening of Time Flower as part of the 2025 Festival, Ryan’s work will also feed into both the University’s 125 Anniversary exhibition and a new independent documentary on Morris scheduled for 2026.

Katie’s internship, supporting the Tim Curry programme of activity, focused on an immersive Cluedo-themed murder mystery and screening of the cult 1985 comedy film Clue at Highbury Hall, the former residence of the University’s founder Joseph Chamberlain. Cluedo – the board game upon which Clue is based – was devised in the 1940s by Birmingham resident Anthony E. Pratt. Katie worked on event promotion, marketing, planning and logistics, and coordinated student performers from the University’s Department of Drama and Theatre Arts in the interactive elements. Katie also supported the development and delivery of associated workshops and research activities as part of the design for the interactive aspects of the event.

Katie said: "The internship with Flatpack provided me with an excellent opportunity to see close up how the University collaborates with local culture and heritage sector partners. It gave me a useful understanding of the differing priorities, operating demands, and timescales of the partners, whilst jointly putting together an ambitious and well-received immersive event."

Amy Smart, Flatpack Head of Partnerships, said: "Our University of Birmingham Interns brought boundless creativity and dedication to these projects. Their vision transformed these events into something truly unforgettable. We're grateful and proud to be part of a programme that empowers creative talent to shine.”

These Internships were funded by the University’s College of Arts and Law and delivered through the Culture Forward initiative, a University-convened network of Birmingham and West Midlands-based arts, cultural, creative and community organisations. Culture Forward provides a forum for the University to work collaboratively with these sectors locally and regionally across research projects, public programmes, community engagement and student opportunities.

Remarking on the partnership with the University, Ian Francis, Director of Flatpack, said: “Flatpack events can be pretty complex, with lots of background research and/or a mix of different artforms involved, and that's why the University has been a perfect partner for us over the years. It's a pleasure to be able to tap into all that research expertise, the amazing collections and most importantly the open, collaborative ethos that you find across the staff and student body.”