Free Screening: The Bird Game by Marianna Simnett

20 April 2020

Free Screening: The Bird Game by Marianna Simnett
Marianna Simnett, The Bird Game, 2019 (film still). Courtesy the artist, FVU, the Rothschild Foundation and Frans Hals Museum

With a solo show at the Zabludowicz Collection back in 2018, British artist Marianna Simnett exhibited fable-like film, performance, sound and light installations that examined the sense of intimacy yet anxious unfamiliarity we experience with our own bodies. She particularly focused on the means we deploy to control these bodies, both technological and cultural.

For the first time, Marianna Simnett has released a rare online screening of her film The Bird Game for free until 24 April.

Play The Bird Game.


The Bird Game
is a dark and disturbing fairytale-like film which sees the lead character, a female crow, persuading a group of children to play The Bird Game. Please avoid if triggered by the themes of abuse.

Directed by Marianna Simnett, co-written by Marianna Simnett & Charlie Fox, produced by Sophie Neave, shot on 16mm by Robbie Ryan BSC, starring Joanne Whalley as 'Crow', with music by Oliver Coates, and performed by live birds and children at Waddesdon Manor. Produced by Film and Video Umbrella. Co-commissioned by the Rothschild Foundation, Frans Hals Museum, and Film and Video Umbrella.

We are delighted to bring you free and exclusive downloadable excerpts from our recently released publication on Marianna Simnett.