ALINA AKBAR
1 September, 2024
Working across film, photography and installation I use my lens and storytelling to create art from both personal and cultural experiences as a British-born Pakistani. With a particular interest in authentic and ethical working class representation and issues of diversity in society; shown through a cinematic eye for capturing raw reality intertwined with poetic narratives as a often self producing and self shooting director, developing work in a socially engaged manner.
HOW IS YOUR WORK INFLUENCED BY THE CIRCA 2024 MANIFESTO?
My work looks to a more positive future for the diaspora whilst subtly acknowledging the past and what has got us here. Affirming for a better future, better practice, better representation and ethical engagement all driven by looking forward. Encapsulated by the horse pushing itself to the finish line, while challenging what a jockey can look like in Britain.
WHAT WOULD YOU CREATE/DO WITH THE £30K CIRCA PRIZE?
With the 30K prize I would like to create more Artist Moving Image work that is developed in a socially engaged way. Using the funding to build my voice as an artist, begin using 16mm film and expand my collection of films created with the global majority communities of the North West. Our communities are very much in their authentic intergenerational form, a moment that we won’t have for much longer with the gentrification of our areas and difficulty of sustaining the independent businesses and community groups that shape us. I’d like to archive, document and plant my feet in this moment and the prize would allow me to do so.
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SCREEN LOCATIONS
From 1–30 September 2024, each CIRCA PRIZE 2024 finalist will have their work appear consecutively throughout the month at 20:24 BST on London’s iconic Piccadilly Lights, whilst also broadcasting across a global network of screens in Berlin and Milan.
LONDON
Watch the CIRCA PRIZE 2024 every evening from 1 – 30 September at 20:24 BST on London’s iconic Piccadilly Lights screen.
BERLIN
Watch the CIRCA PRIZE 2024 every evening from 1 – 30 September at 20:24 CEST on the Berlin Limes Kurfürstendamm screen.
