Tony Gammidge and Animated Tales
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I am an Artist, Filmmaker/Animator, trainer and HCPC registered Art Therapist.
I have a particular interest in stories, and personal narrative and in the idea of embodied storymaking (stories that are made by hand as well as told).
This is reflected in my own work, in my own films, artist books and installations but also my participatory work in prisons, secure units, mental health settings and centres for asylum seekers.
I have been running these innovative animation and story projects for the last 12 years and have made over 30 films with participants in this time. Many of these films have won Koestler awards and been screened in conferences, symposiums and in galleries and museums.
The projects give participants the opportunity to make their own film and tell their own story, enabling them to take back control of their own histories. Many of the films that have been made tell of difficult and traumatic experiences. The hands-on animation process though enables these narratives to be told in a way that is safe and enpowering.
UPCOMING EVENT!
VOICES FROM THE INSIDE (AND OTHER STORIES)
Friday November 15TH 7.30-10.00pm (doors open 7.00pm)
Horse Hospital, Colonnade, Bloomsbury
London WC1N 1JD
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A unique evening of stop-frame animation films made by participants in prisons and secure units made in the last 12 years presented by Tony Gammidge of Animated Tales.
The films are deeply felt, raw and personal and offer a glimpse into the filmmakers often traumatic pasts (and present) but also their resilience, imagination and humanity. Films about shame, violence, addiction, trauma, donkeys, football, family, escape, addiction, attachment, love and connection. Some of the films were made by mothers for their children who they are separated from (one uses their drawings as inspiration).
The films made as a way to understanding and meaning. They often express things that words cannot, they touch on experiences often too hard to articulate in any other way.
They give us a rare insight into life in custody behind locked doors and a world that is often not seen, they also though touch on life in general, the joys and suffering we all experience. They are though most importantly very much human stories with all the mess and even beauty that brings.
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The evening will include and centre around four films made by participants in a women’s prison from a project this year and there will be a chance to leave feedback for the filmmakers so they can see the impact their work has had on people outside the prison.
There will also be a screening of a couple of films by Tony Gammidge as a way of showing the influence both that these films have had on him and also how he has shaped these projects.
Booking Essential.
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