After a worldwide tour that took the best films from moves08 as far as Russia, Hungary and Brazil, moves took place in Manchester, Chester, Liverpool and the UK from 23 to 28 April 2009 with old favourites, new strands and as always a wide-ranging selection of inspiring short films, installations and live events with a unique focus on movement on screen.

“Beyond movement… what’s your story?”

moves09 explored the narrative possibilities of movement on screen, bringing into focus Choreography and Storytelling through 15 international screenings. The popular forums gathered artists and critics to discuss this year’s theme and the moves lab once again connected filmmakers with performers, musicians, poets and writers for a 6-day creative challenge. Through the very successful Discovery strand introduced in 2008, moves offered international exposure to students and emerging artists. 

moves went national

moves09 went national this year: Sadler's Wells hosted the festival's press launch on 19 March, including the World Premiere on most UK Big Screens of filmmaker Shelly Love's moves commission Greedy Edith and several interactive pieces on the premises.

The festival also involved universities and partners from the whole UK, including Chester University, 21 BBC Big Screens all over the country, the Blue Coat in Liverpool, and Abandon Normal Devices, the new festival for new media and film based at FACT Liverpool.  

moves went international

moves also reached beyond the UK with a commission of American choreographer and director Jason Akira Somma at the Dance House Glasgow which World Premiered at moves opening night and a Pan-African screening - moves09 Africa! - curated by South African artist Jeannette Ginslov. Established Australian-screendance festival Reeldance also contributed to a special Carte Blanche programme of Australian artists to be shown at our Exotica! screening.

Watch, create, share, play … and celebrate with us 5 years of movement on screen!