Flatpack is an annual event featuring a boundary-pushing programme of art, tech, music and spoken word alongside transformative films, premieres and performances from around the globe. 

Highlights of this year’s festival - which features 80 shows and events - include an outdoor screening of cult horror classic Carrie at Birmingham Botanical Gardens (Friday 17 May), a BAFTA-qualifying short-film competition, the return of award-winning Japanese performance duo Usaginingen (Patrick Studio  - Saturday 18 May), and a screening of Fantastic Machine - a timely documentary which delves into the history of capturing images (The Mockingbird Cinema - Monday 13 May).

Events for younger audiences include Colour Box Bingo with accompanying hands-on craft workshop (Sunday 12 May), and Touch Screen (Tuesday 14 May) - a sensory journey through film which is designed with disabled children and their families / carers in mind. Both take place at Midlands Arts Centre (MAC).

Digbeth reanimated (Pan-Pan - Saturday 18 May) is a walking workshop led by Andy Howlet. A short tutorial on the principles of stop-motion animation will be followed by participants taking to the streets of one of the city's most exciting districts to photograph the patterns, textures and features of the area. The resulting image sequences will then come together in a short video bringing the streets of Digbeth to life.

Exploring humour in art, A Brush With Comedy (MAC Birmingham - Saturday 18 May), showcases the debut film of Louis Moir (son of Jim 'Vic Reeves' Moir) which follows his dad and fellow funny folk - Spencer Jones, Bec Hill, Simon Munnery and Miriam Elia, as they prepare to open a group art exhibition.

The Open Loop (Printmakers Arms - Saturday 18 May) is an audio-visual entertainment spa, designed to take visitors into a higher state of consiousness by using stroboscopic lights and visual patterns to stimulate the brain and typically provide a deep relaxation experience.

Finally, Flatpan Party (Pan-Pan - Saturday 18 May) will celebrate Flatpack no.18 with party tunes courtesy of DJ Sam Redmore.

Visit flatpackfestival.org.uk  to see the full programme, dates, times etc...