In celebration of John Smith’s 50 years of radical filmmaking, purge.xxx and Close-Up present the most extensive survey of his work to date: screening 50 films by Smith, organised into ten weekly programmes, seven at Close-Up and three at the ICA. The screenings are arranged chronologically, combining rarely screened works with well-known favourites. Guests in conversation with Smith include Erika Balsom, Ian Bourn, Jarvis Cocker, Gareth Evans, Juliet Jacques, Carol Morley, Jocelyn Pook, Stanley Schtinter, Iain Sinclair and Alia Syed.

John Smith’s Introspective launches with a special, one-off music-focussed programme at the ICA, marking the vinyl release of Blight, the soundtrack from Smith’s film with original score by Jocelyn Pook. Smith and Pook will be present and in conversation, with rarely seen films including commissions for Charles Hayward and Echo & the Bunnymen. Two more programmes will be presented at the ICA: with Carol Morley on October 27, and with Jarvis Cocker on December 1 (closing event).

John Smith: Introspective (1972-2022) is organised by Stanley Schtinter. For the full programme, and information on the vinyl LP, Blight, by Jocelyn Pook to mark its happening, visit: http://johnsmith-introspective.com