From the 1980s until their decline in the 2010s, video stores were the beating heart of film culture – a magical place where anyone could get their hands on a film. Our Focus programme Hold Video in Your Hands invites you to rediscover the thriving scenes that sprung up around video stores – both on and off screen.
From Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 February, the community spirit of VHS culture will be revived at S/ash Gallery WORM, where collectors will share highlights from their archives with video fans and experts on the low-res format. Gather around the VHS player to enjoy everything from obscure cult classics to home movies. Bring your own tapes or simply drop in for a nostalgic glimpse into the past.
We welcome contributions from your collections, which could include wedding videos, taped football matches or concerts, a mysterious video passed on by a friend – and your anecdotes! The IFFR VHS Club will be hosted by Riccardo Calandro and Ari Ralph, who will share their experiences through a talk, screening and workshops. These sessions will focus on making video culture accessible for everyone and provide practical tools for reaching and sharing personal and collective stories.
