Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival

"I think I caught a glimpse of something invaluable that weekend at Alchemy: that another world is possible, in some ways already here and being imagined, and that together, we can and must bring it to life." —LITTLE WHITE LIES

"Alchemy's many, varied offerings felt remarkably cohesive thanks to the thematic threads running through the programme; it managed to bring the past into conversation with the present while foregrounding the importance of discovery and discussion. This, surely, is what film festivals are all about." —SIGHT AND SOUND

"Amid the array of films, what struck me most was the compassion and care evident in the design and delivery of the festival... Alchemy does well to evade the stereotypical snobbery of the film scene. It also offers a varied and exciting programme that thinks deeply and critically about the world — a concern limited not just to the subjects of the films, but one that extends to those attending and to the festival's neighbours." —ART MONTHLY

"The festival continues to be a partisan intervention... To attend Alchemy is to be immersed in ways of seeing that unmake hegemonic truth and power – and to be urgently reacquainted with the necessary imagination and sense of possibility we need to think our way out of the mess." —THE SKINNY

"A communitarian gathering that captures the best of what festivals can offer" —SIGHT AND SOUND

"All films were captioned, and many had audio descriptions too, demonstrating that the festival team's verbal commitments to questions of access and the democratisation of experimental film are not merely theoretical." —ART MONTHLY

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Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival is the UK’s festival of experimental film and artists' moving image, taking place each spring in the Scottish Borders.

Across an international programme of cinema screenings, live performances, moving-image exhibitions and new commissions, the festival is known for the openness, solidarity, humour and non-competitive nature with which it is delivered.

Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival is the flagship event of Alchemy Film & Arts, an organisation that works year-round with communities and artists both locally and internationally, using film as a way to come together, have conversations and strengthen community. We strive to create spaces in which collective expression, creative learning and critical thinking can take place.

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WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID ABOUT US:

"A film festival unlike any other in Scotland, with a distinctive focus on unusual, experimental filmmaking that blurs the boundary between cinema and visual arts."

"With their focus on community, education and inclusivity and their year-round events and programmes, Alchemy are showing how film festivals can be more than transitory parties for cinephiles and industry types. They’re building a lasting legacy for their community."

"We should not live in a world where Alchemy is one of the few outlying film festivals to stand vocally in solidarity with the Palestinian people and carve out space to celebrate Palestinian artists this year, but nevertheless, we do."

"A small but mighty, truly experimental and radical festival with an incredible programme and a ceilidh. A festival for filmmakers, I met some brilliant people there who I hope to keep in contact with long into the future."

"Experimentation is no more than a style if it doesn’t change the structures we participate in… If the current film industry specialises in the extraction and exploitation of human resources, then Alchemy is an exercise in radical imagination… A space of mutual aid, solidarity, a care network for both the people and the land…"

"It was really inspiring how you held the festival, the care and attention, and to see the way that relations are building in and around Alchemy in Hawick. I am already looking forward to next year!"

"Alchemy is a true flagship for inclusion."

"Really had a wonderful time screening with Alchemy! The communication was impeccable and it is clear they love filmmakers."

"Wonderful curation, beautiful festival, a dream for experimental filmmakers!"

"A truly wonderful film festival, run by people who are professional and passionate about experimental film. Both of these traits shine consistently through every step of the process."

"One of the best festivals out there."

“It is clearly impacting the community and nurturing creativity for all kinds of people be they from Hawick or international. I really can’t understate how brilliant a weekend it was.”

“Film festivals can sometimes feel airdropped into their surroundings. No such charge could be laid at the feet of Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival. With every edition, it feels more integrated with its community.”

“Something special is happening in Hawick, and these four joyous days were only the tip of the iceberg.”