Nanook of the North Film screening with piano accompaniment

Flaherty made his film of Eskimo (Inuit) life following six years as an Arctic explorer for the Canadian Northern Railway. Seizing upon the idea of structuring his movie around characters who re-enacted episodes of their lives and participated in the shaping of the film.

Flaherty was not trained as an anthropologist, but he wisely guides our discovery of the people and their activities and ninety years later, Nanook of the North remains as completely engaging as it was in 1922 and a huge influence on many ethnographic films that followed.

Bristol Ideas, the Royal Photographic Society and South West Silents are proud to present this new high-definition version from Lobster Films, Paris which was originally sourced from Flaherty’s personal 35mm print. Live musical accompaniment by Meg Morley.

Nanook of the North is part of Bristol Ideas’ 2022 series Modernism1922 which explores the worlds of film, literature, music, politics and more 100 years ago. It is run as a tribute to Kevin Jackson. His book, Constellation of Genius: 1922: Modernism and All That Jazz, tells the story of that remarkable year.

This screening is part of Opening Up the Magic Box, a heritage element of Film 2021 which marks the centenary of the death of Bristol-born film pioneer William Friese-Greene and the 125th anniversary of the first public cinema screening in Bristol, which took place at the Tivoli on 8 June 1896, as well as celebrating Bristol – a UNESCO City of Film since 2017. It is generously funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Meg Morley is an Australian-born pianist, composer and improviser who creates music within diverse artistic genres (silent film, contemporary dance and ballet, solo piano, contemporary jazz ensembles and electronic music). Classically trained from the age of two, she has worked extensively with various dance companies (English National Ballet, Rambert Company, Matthew Bourne and Pina Bausch) and performs and composes for international silent film festivals, institutions and film organisations (Il Cinema Ritrovato, British Film Institute, Flatpack Festival, Nederlands Silent Film Festival and South West Silents).

Booking Information

In the interest of audience and staff safety we are grateful if you would continue to wear a mask if possible and make space when moving around the venue. Please stay home if you’re experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (these are listed on the NHS website) or if you’ve recently been in contact with someone who has the virus. 

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CONCESSIONS apply to Full Time Students, Job Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit claimants, over 60s, disabled people and RPS members. The PARTNER RATE is for staff, students or members at the following organisations: Arts Council England, Bristol City Council, Business West, University of Bristol and UWE. Please note that you will be asked of proof for your eligibility of a concession or partner rate ticket. No refunds/exchanges are possible for tickets already purchased at the higher price.

One free carer ticket can be provided for each paying disabled visitor, please contact us before booking to arrange.

We only refund tickets if the event is cancelled. If the event online has to move online your ticket is automatically transferred or you can request a refund. Events start punctually and, out of consideration to other audience members and speakers, our policy is not to admit or issue refunds to latecomers. Full Terms and Conditions here.

Accessibility: Royal Photographic Society

One free carer ticket can be provided for each paying disabled visitor, please contact us before booking to arrange. More information about the Royal Photographic Society can be found here.

• Within RPS House, all areas are fully accessible with a lift, ramps and restrooms on each floor.
• If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us on RPSHouse@rps.org in advance so the team can assist you in your visit.
• Though there is some accessible parking in Paintworks, there are private parking spaces that can be reserved for those with accessibility requirements. Please contact RPS in advance if you would like a space reserved.
• From street level car parking there are lifts available to reach RPS House on the raised ground floor.
• There is level access to the event space.
• There are toilets for public use.
• Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.