Hansel definition: ‘a gift to commemorate an inaugural occasion, the launching of a new boat, the birth of a child, a new home, new enterprise.’ John J Graham – The Shetland Dictionary.
Shetland Arts is delighted to announce that it has chosen the first ‘runner’ for Hansel of Film. ‘Gypsy Waggon Artist’ Rory Coxhill will be transporting the films from Ucheldre community arts centre, Anglesey, to the Belfast Film Festival, in a van covered with colourful Pakistani art. The van was painted by Rory and artist Haider Ali for the 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
A Hansel of Film – Shetland to Southampton and Back is a relay of screenings of short films made by the public from all across the UK. It is part of the London 2012 Festival, a spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration from 21 June and running until 9 September 2012 bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK. Members of the public can get involved by submitting a film, volunteering to transport the films between venues, and/or attending an event. The films are relayed between participating venues by ‘runners’; that is, creative and energetic individuals who will employ whatever means of transport they can devise to get the right films to the right venue on time; creative individuals like Rory.
Rory says he wants to take part in Hansel of Film because when people see his van it makes them smile. He said: “I want to take Pakistan Truck Art to a wider audience. Travelling in this van would expose the unique mobile canvas to people, making them smile.”
Shetland Arts/Hansel of Film Project Manager, Kathy Hubbard said: “It’s very exciting to have our first runner recruited – and the painted van is sure to go down well with the communities it visits.”
You can get involved with Hansel of Film by submitting a film, volunteering to become a runner and/or attending an event. Tickets for the events are free but booking is strongly recommended. To get involved or for more information, please visit the website http://hansel2012.org
