More Than a Journey Film Screening and Conversation

Join CJ De Barra for a screening and conversation exploring queer life, activism and representation in the 1980s, as part of 86:26.
About this Event

Film Screening and Conversation on Tuesday 25 August 2026 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Join CJ De Barra, founder of the Notts Queer History Archive, for a screening exploring queer life, activism and representation during the 1980s.

Drawing connections between More Than a Journey and archival footage from the Channel 4 series Six of Hearts (1986), CJ will discuss the histories and ideas that shaped 86:26, followed by an open conversation about the themes raised.

This event forms part of the public programme for 86:26: LGBTQ+ Film, Heritage and Archive.

Visitor Information

• Date: Tuesday 25 August 2026
• Time: 18:00 - 20:00
• Location: Main Gallery, Second Floor
• Address: BACKLIT, Alfred House, Ashley Street, Nottingham, NG3 1JG

More information about 86:26: LGBTQ+ Film, Heritage and Archive

Developed through the In the Margins of the Frame archival research residency, 86:26 sees CJ De Barra, founder of the Notts Queer History Archive, bring together film, photography and archival material to explore Nottingham’s queer history, nightlife, activism and local industry.

Screening the films A Boy Called Mary and More Than a Journey, the exhibition uncovers connections between queer screen histories and the Midlands. These sit alongside objects from BACKLIT’s Alfred House archive, including underwear advertisements produced by Samuel Morley, whose former hosiery factory is now home to the gallery.

The exhibition also includes photographs by Fin Serck-Hanssen documenting Divine performing at Nottingham’s Part Two nightclub during the early 1980s.

Together, these materials reveal how queer histories can be found across film, grassroots collections and everyday objects.

Co-curated by CJ De Barra and Jazz Singh Swali.

This exhibition and residency is happening with the support of the BFI Screen Heritage Fund, awarding National Lottery Good Cause funding.

Access Information

• Step-free access: Available via Alfred Street and via a tarmac ramp to the lower ground floor and Project Gallery.
• Lift access: Our staff-operated lift is currently accessible from Ashley Street only. If you require lift access, please email in advance or use the intercom when you arrive so that a member of staff can assist you.
• Accessible parking: Limited parking is available by arrangement. To book parking, please call 0115 837 2426 or email .
• Toilets: All toilets are gender neutral. Please note that none currently have wide-access doors, although we are actively working to improve this next year.
• Assistance dogs: Guide and hearing dogs are welcome throughout the building.
• Need more information? If you have any questions or access requirements before your visit, please get in touch—we're happy to help.