ANNOUNCING: The Open Road — a journey reimagined through moving image
Launching in Autumn 2025, The Open Road reimagines the age-old tale of a journey taken, weaving together new stories by three contemporary artists; David Blandy, Amaal Said, and Sam Williams. The programme has been co-commissioned by a unique partnership of visual arts organisations including Film and Video Umbrella, The Amelia Scott, Cement Fields, FLAMIN, Forma, and Three Rivers.
Loosely inspired by ‘The Canterbury Tales’, the works draw from a disparate cast of characters to recount competing stories in a patchwork of styles. The three artists use storytelling traditions to offer fresh perspectives on journeys—on foot, by sea and through time. The newly commissioned works reflect on migration and belonging, untold histories and non-human connections. A smashed mobile phone decries its extraction. A daughter walks with her mother, connecting with the earth and a distant land. An eel’s story of migration and transformation weaves through the lives and landscapes of the Kent wetlands.
The programme for The Open Road will extend across the London and Kent area in late 2025 and early 2026, encompassing a series of solo presentations, community engagement initiatives, and curated screenings. More information on the commissioned works and full programme coming soon!
The Open Road begins in September 2025 with Commons by David Blandy at The Amelia Scott in Tunbridge Wells, continuing with Amaal Said’s Open Country at Red House in October 2025, and then on to The Eel’s Tale by Sam Williams with screenings in North Kent in October 2025 and as a part of Canterbury Festival in November 2025. The works will be screened together at FormaHQ on the evening of Thursday 13th November 2025. More screenings and events will take place between September and December 2025 and early 2026, hosting the works throughout Bexley, and FormaHQ, London.
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Graphic Design: Plan B Creative Studio