Layering sociological, cultural, and political themes from the recent history of Northern Ireland, the work exercises voice, breath and field-recording composition through a range of film techniques and operatic articulations, to amplify marginalised stories. Made on 35mm and SD video in the streets of Belfast, the Ulster Museum and the Royal Opera House in London, History of the Present observes how defensive architecture defines movement to enforce intersectional histories and identities within daily experiences in conflict and post-conflict zones.

Written and co-directed by Maria Fusco, who grew up beside a peaceline in Belfast during The Troubles, the work is a collaboration with artist filmmaker Margaret Salmon and composer Annea Lockwood.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A featuring Maria Fusco, Margaret Salmon and Annea Lockwood.

Supported by the British Council, Creative Scotland and the Royal Opera House, developed with the assistance of the Abbey Theatre/ Amharclann na Mainistreach.

Production still of History of the Present, courtesy Maria Fusco & Margaret Salmon.