Bristol Ideas: Nanook of the North

Enormously popular since its original 1922 release and voted one of Sight & Sound’s Top 10 Greatest Documentaries of All Time, Robert Flaherty’s Nanook of the North has been celebrated as one of the most beautiful films in the history of cinema.

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.

South West Silents, Royal Photographic Society and Bristol Ideas 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.

To keep everyone safe, we respectfully ask ticket holders to wear masks during the event and follow guidance on social distancing. Please stay home if you’re experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (these are listed on the ) or if you’ve recently been in contact with someone who has the virus.

CONCESSIONS apply to Full Time Students, Job Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit claimants, over 60s, disabled people and RPS members.

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.

Accessibility

• Within RPS House, all areas are fully accessible with a lift, ramps and restrooms on each floor.
• Though there is some accessibility 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.

If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact [email protected] in advance so the team can assist you in your visit. More information about the Royal Photographic Society can be found here.

Please note we only refund tickets if the event is cancelled. 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.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

RPS House, 337 Paintworks, Bristol, United Kingdom