Contemporary Films: An Illustrated Talk

2026 marks the 75th anniversary of Contemporary Films, a pioneering film distributor that paved the way for world cinema in the UK.

The son of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, Charles Cooper founded and ran Contemporary Films with his wife, Kitty. Both members of the Communist party, they saw cinema as not just an end in itself, but a vehicle for change.

They introduced UK audiences to the classics of Soviet cinema and the new waves of Eastern Europe, as well as progressive film movements worldwide from Cuba to China. Heavily involved through documentary screenings related to everything from Black Power to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, the Coopers, and later programmer Eric Liknaitzky, didn’t just signify change, they embodied it with a discerning vision that cut through cinema, politics and geography.

Daniel Bird, a friend and collaborator of Contemporary Films during their later years, will give a talk on the maverick distributor, illustrated with 16mm reels from their archive.

For more information or to discuss any access needs, feel free to email us at info@flatpackfestival.org.uk or call us on 0121 771 1509.

See the whole festival programme here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/flatpack

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).

Solidarity 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.