Play Back Forward explores the legacy of Brighton and Hove’s early film pioneers, George Albert Smith, Laura Bayley Smith, and James Williamson. The exhibition weaves together archival films, creative responses by young people, and new collaborative works by artists Chahine Fellahi and Annis Joslin.
Exhibition dates and times: 4 October 2025 – 12 April 2026, open Thursday to Monday, 10am-5pm (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
Address: Hove Museum of Creativity, 19 New Church Road, Hove BN3 4AB
This exhibition reimagines the archive as a time machine, opening up new ways of seeing, sensing, and making. Through responsive displays, interactive devices, and immersive artworks, visitors are invited to bring the archive to life, engaging with the timeless magic of light, shadow, and motion. A space to drift through cinematic time, and an invitation to dream with our eyes open.
Play Back Forward is inspired by the Film and Media collections of Brighton and Hove held at Hove Museum of Creativity and Screen Archive South East. In this exhibition, early film tricks meet contemporary experiments; analogue processes and digital play collide, and past technologies echo visions of the future – creating an evocative space to investigate the city’s rich film heritage.
Play Back Forward is part of Days of Wonder, a three-year project exploring the heritage of film and media in Brighton & Hove. Curated and produced by Corridor and videoclub in partnership with Brighton & Hove Museums and Screen Archive South East. With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, and BFI/Film Hub South East.
