Film Lens

The Afterlight is a 2021 British experimental supercut art film directed by Charlie Shackleton. It consists of scenes featuring actors from older films who have passed away, creating a unique narrative through the juxtaposition of these images. The film is entirely in black and white and features cinematography by Robbie Ryan, drawing from films produced in the 1960s or earlier.
The only existing copy of The Afterlight is a single 35mm film print, which will gradually erode with each screening until it becomes a lost film. This aspect adds a layer of urgency to the viewing experience, as audiences witness the film's inevitable decline over time. The film premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on October 15, 2021, and has been screened 56 times as of June 2024.
Why Watch
- •See rare footage of actors from classic films.
- •Find out how a film can erode over time.
- •Meet a unique blend of old cinema and modern art.
Did You Know
•The Afterlight premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on 15 October 2021.
•The film features scenes from three films: The Asphalt Jungle, In a Lonely Place, and Late Spring.
•The only copy of The Afterlight is a single 35mm print that will erode over time.
•Adrian Hui described The Afterlight as 'not quite bold enough' for an experimental film.
Perfect For
Experimental film enthusiastsClassic cinema loversArt film fans