Even though the name above the door reads CINECITY, there are many events throughout the festival that just wouldn’t be possible without the strong partnerships we’ve created with our various supporters and fellow film innovators; Billy Cowie’s 3D installation, In the Flesh, as part of the Dance for Camera 2007 festival , presented by our friends South East Dance , being amongst them. Here are a few reasons why you should set a date for it in your festival diary:

This unique magical installation took 12 months to create and has already been seen by hundreds of people internationally. To experience In the Flesh the viewer must first put on 3D glasses, take position on top of a wooden box and then watch the space directly in front of them. As the whir of the projector starts up, a life-size performer appears before the viewer on a zebra print rug. Dancer, Sara Popowa moves fluidly before your eyes with subtle stretches and movements. Popowa is an experienced Butoh dancer, and the discipline and control exercised in this Japanese artform is reflected in her movements. Haunting music, composed by Cowie provides the backdrop, as the viewer is taken on a captivating, almost voyeuristic journey.

Cowie explains, ‘I wanted to get the performer into the space, so it feels like she’s really with you.’The suspension of disbelief is emphasised as Popowa stretches out her arm and looks up from the rug in one fluid move that feels like she is looking directly at you, as the viewer, fusing the relationship between audience and artform.

The size of the dancer depends on the amount of space available and the angle of the projection. When In the Flesh was exhibited at the Paradiso club, a converted church in Amsterdam, the installation was half the size, giving the dancer a doll like quality and creating a completely different experience for the viewer.

Cowie’s poem, Permafrost , provides the final element to the piece which is spoken over the top of the music. The text has been translated into several European languages for accessibility at international tours.

Cowie has worked as a practicing artist for the last 25 years and is celebrated as a choreographer, musician, poet and filmmaker. When asked about his varying and extensive skills, Cowie proclaims, ‘I’m a jack of all trades! I do enjoy taking part in the whole process though, that way you can ensure everything fits together perfectly’.

His first 3D piece was a collaboration with Liz Aggis three years ago called Men in the Wall. The installation, which toured internationally, comprised of four screens, each ‘housing’ a different man. The viewer wears the signature 3D glasses and watches as the four miniature men come to life, singing, chatting, playing musical instruments and interacting with each other.

As a Brighton based artist for over three decades, Cowie is delighted to début In the Flesh as part of Dance for Camera 2007 festival . He said, ‘it is fantastic to have the UK premier in Brighton. South East Dance and Arts Council South East have been so supportive of my work.’

The free installation will be exhibited at the Lighthouse Digital Lounge , 28 Kensington Street, Brighton, from Wednesday 21 November – Sunday 2 December between 10am- 9pm.

For more information about Billy Cowie, visit: www.billycowie.com