Mystery is the theme for this year’s Compass Film Festival at the Mivart Street Studios, writes Sam King.

Compass Film takes this year’s festival of cinema and arts in a new and mysterious direction… Inhabiting a space at the top of Mivart Street Studios, Easton, the venue will be transformed into a world of creativity, bringing the South West an exciting programme of film, poetry, visual art, and theatre. Culminating in a culturally angled programme of international cinema over the weekend of 17th–19th October, this year’s Compass points direct us to an intriguing selection of films from Poland (North), Pakistan (East), Somalia (South) and Argentina (West). The programme celebrates the creative wealth of these migrant communities in Britain, as well as from the host countries themselves.

In the run-up to the festival a series of creative workshops will allow community members to lend their hand at authoring this magical space, transforming it into the mysterious urban world that will house the festival and bring art and culture to the heart of the community of Easton.

The programme kicks off with two poetry slam events, open to local schools and to the wider community, and hosted by some of Bristol’s top wordsmiths. Also on the cultural menu: a buffet of visual art, incorporating a VJ event as well as the Mivart Street artists’ own work, generously exhibited as part of the
Compass of Mystery Festival. Additional events include a run of home-grown theatre, a short film competition, a mysterious kids’ matinee, and a series of musical events. The main film screenings will be supported by critical discussion and a series of workshops, seminars and talks.

Festival organiser Tara Sachdeva says: ‘The theme of mystery allows us to explore the parameters of myth, mythology and suspense. Dipping into a diversity of ideas, from alternate worlds, the occult and film noir to sci-fi, the conspiracy theory and the old-fashioned detective story, we will push the parameters of mystery and unveil some new truths!’ .

The Compass of Mystery Festival at Mivart Street Studios, Easton, Bristol runs from September 26 – October 19, 2008. The festival is arranged by Compass Film in partnership with Swedish-based organisation Film International. It uses the imaginative framework of the compass axis to direct audiences across the cinematic globe. Each year focuses on a different theme – 2006 was Horror and 2007 Resistance. For more information, please visit the Compass Film website: www.compass-film.co.uk