Heart of the City: The Legacy of City Hospital

Born within the very walls he’s documenting, filmmaker Kyle Greene turns his lens on the sprawling heritage of the old Dudley Road Hospital (now City Hospital) to uncover a story of radical care and community defiance.

Far from a dry institutional history, Greene’s film captures the hospital’s evolution from its working-class roots as a direct challenge to the elitist healthcare systems of the past. This is a story of a "People's Hospital," built on a foundational spirit that saw local residents rallying to fund life-saving equipment and staff hosting cricket and football matches to keep the wards running.

The film shines a vital light on the Caribbean diaspora, whose contributions were the backbone of the hospital’s operation, navigating technological shifts and systemic trials with unwavering humanity. Through a moving blend of archival imagery and first-hand accounts—from those who delivered the care to those who received it—the film maps the lived experience of a Birmingham landmark. It’s a powerful, poetic tribute to the hands that kept the heart of Dudley Road beating.

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

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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).

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