Black Country Special + Q&A

Two brilliant artists assemble for one special screening.

Outsiders may jumble us together, but Birmingham and the Black Country are in fact different planets. While city folk struggle to navigate a cluster of villages which suddenly became an industrial powerhouse in the 18th century, that apparently chaotic hodgepodge has become fertile ground for the creativity on show in this double bill.

Dion & the Unicorn (dir: Dan Watts 2024, 40 mins)

Filmed during preparations for Dion Kitson’s first solo show at Ikon last year, this documentary captures the Dudley art prankster in full flow – revisiting his childhood bedroom, slashing trampolines and discovering the face of Thatcher on an ironing board.

Nothing Happens Everywhere (dir: Tom Hicks 2025, 5 mins)

As Black Country Type, Tom Hicks has built his own world of colour and form by photographing homemade signs and weird juxtapositions in the Black Country landscape. Now he’s made that world move. Following a silent outing at Hicks’ recent solo exhibition at BCU Parkside, this is the very first screening of the sound edit of Nothing Happens Everywhere, complete with a new poem by Liz Berry.

We’re delighted that Dan and Tom will all be present to talk about their work, and the programme will also include some surprises from the archive.

What are Solidarity tickets?

We recognise that not everyone has equal access to live events and that the cost of entry is a barrier to some people. Solidarity tickets are free tickets available for anyone who needs it. If you're not sure whether that's you, refer to our guide below (thank you to Matchbox Cineclub for sharing this guide).

Solidary tickets are for you if you agree with any of the following statements:

• I frequently stress about meeting basic needs (including food, clothing, housing and transportation) and don’t always achieve them.
• I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs.
• I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing.
• I sometimes can’t afford public or private transport. If I own a car/have access to a car, I am not always able to afford petrol.
• I am unemployed or underemployed.
• I qualify for government and/or voluntary assistance including: food banks and benefits.
• I have no access to savings.
• I have no or very limited expendable income (expendable income might mean you are able to buy tea or coffee at a shop, go to the cinema or a concert, buy new clothes, books and similar items each month etc.)
• I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them.
• I cannot afford a holiday or have the ability to take time off without financial burden.