Reel to Real: We are Making a Film about Mark Fisher

This month we share an experimental film by artists Sophie Mellor and Simon Poulter (collaborating as Close and Remote) about the late theorist Mark Fisher, blending documentary, performance and new music. Doors open at 5:30pm, film starts at 7pm

About the Film

We Are Making A Film About Mark Fisher is a 65-minute cinematic experiment exploring the continuing relevance of the late theorist’s ideas on capitalism, culture, and the future. Directed by Simon Poulter and Sophie Mellor (collaborating as Close and Remote) the film was made in 2024-2025 using Instagram (@markfisherfilm) as a methodological tool to find collaborators, generate research and disseminate content.

With over 70 invited contributors listed the film blends documentary, performance, new music, and hauntological fiction. The main narrative follows Parkins – a time-slipped character – through ghostly landscapes and digital spaces, tracing Fisher’s thoughts from the 1990s to our algorithmic present. A second narrative emerges from interviews conducted with theorists, journalists, and artists whose life and work have been influenced by him.

The film embodies Fisher’s call for collective imagination beyond capitalist realism. It ends in the room with a discussion about agency and what we can do next.

The film tours across Italy beginning 19 February 2026, with screenings and Q&A events at a variety of locations. Full details on tour closeandremote.net

About Reel to Real Cinema

Reel to Real Cinema is a monthly film space in the Stove Café, featuring an eclectic mixture of conversational films – from artist made shorts to feature length documentaries, locally made to international cinema. A space for discussion and thought-provoking films, you are welcome to join us after the film for a short discussion about the themes from this month’s selection. The Stove Café will be open from 5.30pm – 6:45pm with a pre-film dinner option alongside hot drinks and cakes.