From the galvanising effect of “Section 28” through to the alternative fringe of the Second Summer of Love, nights such as HomoElectric and Flesh became a hub of the queer rave scene in Manchester. Fleshback is a celebration of those eventful times, exploring the vivid history, enduring legacy and present landscape of this colourful world.

Fleshback: Queer Raving in Manchester’s Twilight Zone has been shortlisted for the Best British Award, sponsored by Pinewood Studios.

Best British Shorts Programme 3 | Cineworld, Screen 15 | 4:30pm, Friday 12 Oct

Stephen Isaac-Wilson is a London based director who has directed films for Channel 4, i-D, Victoria Miro and the Tate, and worked with artists including Jorja Smith, Isaac Julien, Jay Boogie and Klein. Stephen grew up in south east London, and in 2013 was accepted onto the BBC’s prestigious production trainee scheme, where he began his filmmaking career. In 2015-16, he worked across the Emmy award-nominated series about LGBT rights, ‘Gaycation’, presented by Ellen Page.

Last year he was commissioned to direct a portrait film for the Tate’s Queer British Art exhibit and also produced a 40-minute Mykki Blanco documentary about black queer alternative culture in Johannesburg. Stephen combines both his journalistic background with his visual art sensibilities, to tell beautifully emotive and thought-provoking stories. His work has been screened at the ICA, Tate and the Barbican, as well as a handful of independent festivals.

www.stephenisaacwilson.com
 @stepheniw