A grainy black-and-white photograph showing various protesters at what appears to be a demonstration or picket. The protesters are holding placards with slogans including "DOWN WITH UNION MANAGEMENT COALITION" and "FROM THE COTTON [FIELDS] TO THE [FACTORY]", protesting against conditions faced by Black workers in industry.

Flatpack 2026: Handsworth Songs + Q&A

About Flatpack 2026: Handsworth Songs + Q&A

Forty years ago a new work by Black Audio Film Collective premiered as part of the Birmingham Film and Television Festival at the Triangle Arts Centre in Aston. Commissioned by Channel 4 and the BFI, Handsworth Songs was not your typical TV documentary. Drawing on 16mm footage, news reports, archive material and a stew of interviews and voiceover, the film used an evocative collage approach to reflect on the aftermath of the disturbances which took place in UK cities - including Birmingham - during 1985.

That Triangle screening was a first opportunity for local audiences to see the film, but it was also a thank you. BAFC were based in Hackney, and their work in Birmingham was supported by a network of small organisations including Ten.8 Magazine, Birmingham Film & Video Workshop, Macro Films and many others.

This rare opportunity to see Handsworth Songs will also include an opportunity to hear from some of those who helped to make it happen.
 

Booking info

To book Accessible tickets and free Companion tickets, please visit our Accessible Bookings page. Companion tickets will initially show a standard ticket price, but once your account is set-up and you are logged in, this will be reduced to £0 at checkout.

Duration includes trailers, adverts and any Q&A/panel. For events such as NT Live, Colour Box and Reel & Meal there will be minimal advertising. We do not admit latecomers after the main feature has started and we have a limited food & drink policy.

MAC’s cinema programme has been generously supported by BFI Film Audience Network and Film Hub Midlands.

Dates and times

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