We want to invite all analogue filmmakers to submit their films for consideration to be part of an upcoming Motion Film Festival by Mella Travers. Please send a scan of your films through WeTransfer (info@darkroom.ie) - The deadline for sending your film is 8 pm on the 13th of November.
All films must be made with analogue stock (Super 8/Double 8/16mm/35mm) but are required to be scanned before submission. A high-resolution scan will be needed for the festival but at this stage, you can send a medium-sized scan. Please do not send the analogue Version of your film to us as we will not be able to show it or be responsible for it.
We encourage submissions from artists at all stages of their careers; we are interested in showing a mixture of artist's first films and some longer feature films.
We will get back to you to let you know if your film has been selected as soon as we can after the deadline
Thank you for being involved!
The Darkroom was set up in 2010 in Smithfield, Dublin. In 2015 we moved to our home in Stoneybatter. We have kept analogue processes - both stills and motion film - on the map here in Ireland since. We have worked with numerous artists, supporting them in making great works, and have facilitated many artist residencies. We believe we are an essential space for artists in Dublin.
Unfortunately, we have to leave our premises by the end of the year. It is difficult for art spaces to stay afloat, and without a building, it is not any easier. We are asking for support so hopefully we can secure a new spot and keep The Darkroom alive. Our fear is, without support, that this resource will be lost for good.
If you have the means and would like to support us; we would greatly appreciate any donation, big or small. Also if you can share our story, it would be a great help. Thank you for your continued support as always! https://gofund.me/734754e4
The Darkroom is a not-for-profit artist-run visual arts space, using the medium of photography and motion film, keeping analogue firmly on the map through workshops, artist residencies, memberships, mentoring, and exhibitions in the heart of Dublin.
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10:30am - 5:30pm. Thursday by appointment only. Friday closed.
All courses run independently of opening hours.
What the artists say
The Darkroom has provided an experimental space where I have been able to explore aspects of my own evolving art practice crossing my sculptural work within the photographic medium and visa-versa. Mella has been extremely generous with the time and knowledge, technical support, and professionalism she provides.
The Darkroom has become a hub where art and lens-based community have come together where projects can be explored.
-Wendy Judge
The extensive equipment and resources as well as the huge wealth of knowledge and experience of director Mella Travers has always been very generously shared. Likewise, the community of artists, photographers, and filmmakers provides support and advice in an open and collaborative environment. Mella facilitates a very fluid and organic approach in combination with her massive experience and willingness to try new things and experiment. I can’t over-emphasize the important role that the Darkroom plays in my own practice and artistic development.
— Niamh McGuinne
Photography of this scale and with such an experimental and alternative approach cannot be done anywhere else in Ireland. Mella’s guidance and willingness to support the ambition of my projects has been extremely empowering and rewarding. To that end, The Darkroom is an essential facility for visual artists wishing to work in analogue processes unrivalled by anywhere else in the country.
Access to The Darkroom and Mella Travers’ technical and mentorship support during this time was fundamental to subsequently making a significant body of work for my exhibition How the land lies at Sirius Arts Centre, Cork, in 2020.
- Catriona Leahy