Filmmakers in Focus explores the corpus of works by filmmakers who have maintained a responsive and reflective relationship to the moment in which they are working. Drawing on underrepresented experiences, vital histories and moments that are in need of remembrance, these filmmakers offer a remarkable and enduring lens to our world. The 2025 programme welcomes a retrospective from Japanese filmmaker Eri Makihara.

The retrospective programme of works by Japanese filmmaker Eri Makihara marks the first time Makihara’s films are exhibited outside of Asia. Makihara’s work is based on film and installation and focuses on the physical sensations of people communicating primarily through sign language and other visual means. Through her artistic practice Makihara centers the experience of Deaf people within the dominant hearing culture and seeks to bring to light the social structure of our world, and its inherent oppressive mechanisms.