Tours 
5-day Blind Walls Film Fest places graffiti, street art and murals in full spotlight
Blind Walls Film Fest celebrates street art like no other during a promising third edition. The film
festival, which takes place February 5-9 at the Chassé Cinema in Breda, is entirely dedicated to graffiti, street art and murals. A special programme introduces the audience to the artists who bring our streets to life.
The internet is overflowing with graffiti videos. ‘There is so much to see, you can easily lose yourself on YouTube for a month,’ says Dennis Elbers, founder and director of Blind Walls Gallery. And that is precisely why that organisation, together with Chassé Cinema, organised the first edition of Blind Walls Film Fest in 2022. Also, to eliminate the biased view and reveal the often social and big stories behind a seemingly simple mural. Elbers had long noticed how inseparable public art and film are. For pieces of art that are often ephemeral in nature, it is an important medium.
The immense preparation, the drive behind it and the impact of a work in public space often go unnoticed. It is much more than a quick paint job, says Elbers. That, and all the other issues and insights, fascinate him. The rich festival programme with films, lectures, Q&As and guided tours answers the most common questions. Who is making it? Why? And why in this particular place? Throughout the five-day event, fascinating films and engaging Q&As take visitors into this – sometimes hidden – world, getting to know both the artworks and their makers.
International
Blind Walls Gallery produces year-round murals and now has more than 170 works in its collection. The film festival brings together an international community of artists, filmmakers and fans. ‘’Constantly talking about our own murals gives a one-sided view. What happens in other countries and cultures: that’s what we want to find out,’ Elbers said. Blind Walls Film Fest thus acquires a unique position.
During the previous edition, curator and graffiti expert Jasper van Es was a jury member, this year he presents a pop-up version of his exhibition With One Eye Open: ‘I like how Blind Walls Film Fest offers physical space for exhibitions in addition to films, putting artists in direct contact with the public. The festival offers more than just film screenings; it is a true meeting place. I am immensely looking forward to seeing what this edition will bring and love to be surprised.’
Diversity
With a diverse audience ranging from schoolchildren and retirees to policymakers and creative professionals, the programme once again offers something for everyone. A few from the selection of roughly 25 films: the documentary Beautiful Losers takes an inspiring look at the rise of street art in the 1990s, featuring influential artists and filmmakers from a creative subculture driven by skate culture, graffiti and underground music. SK8FACE is a visual document of 70 years of skateboarding art and culture, from simple wooden boards to true works of art. The opening film Tehachapi is set in a heavily guarded US prison, where artist JR creates a grand art project that re-humanises the men behind bars.
Casper Houtman, film programmer at Chassé Cinema, is proud to provide the stage for these stories: ‘A large proportion of street art viewers do not see the work until it is “finished”. Film is a medium that stimulates, captures the imagination and touches on emotions. In that sense, certainly corresponding to street art, only in a different appearance: with a room, a projector and a film screen.’
More than paint
With a programme that inspires and surprises, the festival offers a unique experience for art lovers and curious passers-by alike. This year there are dedicated days, such as Student Day and Industry Day, where like-minded people can meet. There are also awards to reward special productions and encourage filmmakers to continue with these subjects. Friday night ends with an afterparty at Poppodium Mezz.
Blind Walls Film Fest shows that graffiti, street art and murals go way beyond simply ‘some paint on the wall’. It is about visual communication, appropriating public space, creative self-expression or spreading an activistic message. ‘There is so much discussion about art. But you don’t hear anyone about the dozens of advertisements you come across on the road that we unconsciously allow ourselves to be influenced by,’ Elbers adds.
Blind Walls Film Fest, Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 February at Chassé Cinema in Breda. Find the full programme and tickets at www.bwff.nl
No festival without a guide!
Click here for the timetable.