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XINEMA [zin-em-a] is an artist-run experimental film series founded and based on on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and the Tsleil-Waututh Nations (Vancouver, BC). They began operation in VIFF Centre's 41 seat Studio Theatre, with a focus on BC-based and connected media artists, stringing emerging and established artists together into monthly thematic programs.

They now operate between spaces and regions, facilitating screenings, workshops and related events, with a focus on local wherever that may be.​ Their main priorities are to remain low-barrier, accepting free ongoing and unlimited submissions of any year or premiere status; prioritize underrepresented artists and media forms; and connect filmmakers and film-lovers of various backgrounds, disciplines and career levels.

Thread Tension


Screening / 2025
Saturday, August 23rd at 8:00pm
XINEMA Fieldhouse

The projector and the sewing machine are rhythmic mechanisms. Both film and fabric are cut and stitched. Thread runs through the projector as it does through the machine. The needle punctures the celluloid frame, optical track, and fabric to create industrial sounds. People and places are reintroduced into cloth’s existence; labour is honored and craft is celebrated in song and dance. This screening focuses on the industrial nature of film and fabric, stitching together parts to make something whole.


We are excited to present 16mm experimental films and expanded cinema performances by Jordan Caroompas, Kelly Eagan, Sabrina Gschwandtner, Jennifer Nightingale, Jasmin Risk, Abigail Smith, Mary Stark and Samuel Wasserman.