Bow Open Workshop: cameraless analogue filming with Niki Kohandel
Tuesday 18th August 2026 , 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Join artist Niki Kohandel as we investigate how to use cameraless analogue film techniques and discuss how this tactile medium can be attractive in an age of fast-paced digital technology.
Artist Niki Kohandel will talk about her experiences working with 16mm film and will show you a few selected films. This will include her work, A Departure (2025), a short cameraless film-poem made on 16mm, telling the story of a woman who turns into a paper boat to sail away, currently showing in the Bow Open 2026 exhibition.
You will then take part in drawing, scratching and collaging directly onto 16mm film to create a short animation. The collective film will be projected twice at the end of the evening.
This event will be held in our courtyard room at Bow Arts Trust, 183 Bow Road, London E3 2SJ.
About Niki Kohandel
Artist and filmmaker Niki Kohandel’s practice sits in the space between recording and rewriting a story. She works in collaboration with family members, friends and young people, playing with languages, analogue film, childhood memories and colours.
Niki’s films have been shown in screenings and exhibitions at LUX, The Museum of Modern Art in New York, Anthology Film Archives, ICA London and online through Another Screen. Her last shorts were included in programmes as part of the BFI London Film Festival, Open City Documentary Festival, Istanbul Documentary Days and London Short Film Festival, amongst others.
More about the Bow Open
Bow Open is Bow Arts’ annual exhibition showcasing new and innovative work produced by Bow Arts studio holders, artist educators, and guardians. This year, the exhibition is curated by young curators from Mile End Community Project and features the works of 25 artists exploring the theme of belonging. Find out more exhibition information here.
Access Information
The Bow Arts Trust courtyard room has step-free access throughout from street level, including to the accessible toilet, and is service animal friendly. This venue does not have a hearing loop system.
Accessible parking is not available on-site.
If you have any questions regarding accessibility at this venue or event, would like to make us aware of any access requirements that you have in advance of visiting, or would like this information in an alternate format including Easy Read, please email nunnery@bowarts.com or call 020 8980 7774 (Ext. 3)
Access requirements could include things like providing equipment, services or support (e.g. information in Easy Read, speech to text software, additional 1:1 support), adjusting workshop timings (e.g. more break times), adjustments to the event space (e.g. making sure you have a table near the entrance) or anything else you can think of!
Transport Information
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Address: Bow Arts Trust, 183 Bow Road, London, E3 2SJ
Nearest stations: Bow Road (District and Hammersmith & City lines) is a 6-minute walk away, and Bow Church (DLR) is a 3-minute walk away.
Bus: 205, 25, 425, A8, D8, 108, 276, 488 and 8 all service the surrounding area.
Bike: Bicycle parking is located at Bow Church Station. The nearest Santander Cycles docking station is at Bow Church Station.
