Ian Francis, Flatpack Director, said: “We thought our tenth birthday jamboree would be a tough act to follow, but we couldn’t be more excited about this year’s line-up. What’s been really striking is how keen people have been to get involved, whether it be visiting artists, new partners or local venues. The festival has taken on a real momentum and with such a wide and varied programme we’re sure there’s something for everyone.”

The festival will begin with a spectacular opener in Birmingham’s iconic Grand Hotel featuring mesmerising shorts from Segundo de Chomón and a live score by Stephen Horne. Other standout events at this year’s festival include AROUND CHINA WITH A MOVIE CAMERA which explores 50 years of Chinese history with a live score by Ruth Chan and a rare screening of Matthew Barney’s epic multimedia project THE CREMASTER CYCLE, a series of five films that explore the processes of creation.

Deborah Pearson will combine film and live performance in her poignant comedy documentary HISTORY HISTORY HISTORY and audiences can marvel at Frank Borzage’s dreamy silent melodrama LUCKY STAR with a live score from Ela Orleans. NATURE’S DANCE: PAINLEVÉ LIVE will celebrate the pioneering filmmaker Jean Painlevé, whose films explore the wonders of the natural world. This special one-off event accompanies the first solo UK exhibition of his work at Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery and will feature live performances by Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and jazz orchestra Sid Peacock & Surge.