Nightshift (18) + intro

It is night and, in the foyer of a small hotel, a receptionist performs her tasks, unhurried and impassive, her face ghost-white, an emotional mask. Like the camera, she gazes steadily, both silent spectator and vicarious participant in the fantasies played out by the hotel's transient guests.

Nightshift was shot on a low budget over five nights at the Portobello Hotel in West London, where filmmaker Robina Rose frequently worked. Punk rock icon Jordan is a captivating presence as the hotel receptionist, while prominent figures from London’s countercultural underground appear as the hotel’s eccentric guests and the soundtrack comes courtesy of Simon Jeffes of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra.

Contrasting the routine and monotony of work with moments of ecstatic escape, Nightshift is a fascinating waking dream and a key work of British avant-garde cinema.

Nightshift has been digitally restored by Lightbox Film Center (Philadelphia) in collaboration with the British Film Institute and Cinenova. Restoration funding provided by Ron and Suzanne Naples. Film distributed by Cinenova.

This screening is part of Rip It Up – a nationwide season celebrating the changing face of youth rebellion, culture and expression on screen in the UK. Supported by Film Hub North as part of the BFI Film Audience Network, made possible by the National Lottery.