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Folklore Tapes collective present two special nights celebrating the short cult film 'The Watchers' (26 mins), which was filmed in 1969 by Royal College of Art students in Todmorden and the surrounding moors.

Directed by Dick Foster, the film weaves together themes and stylistic elements that later became hallmarks of British folk horror. Writer Kelly Loughlin highlights how it features one of the earliest depictions of an alien abduction in British cinema. The film is a precursor to local policeman Alan Godfrey’s claim in 1980 to have witnessed an alien craft and been abducted, adding to Todmorden’s association with UFOs.

The event will feature the first ever live adaptation of the film informed by Loughlin's research and 15 years of immersive productions, this promises to be the most ambitious multi-media Folklore Tapes show, with multi-screen expanded analogue projections, torch and shadow puppetry, stunning set design and a live score.

The orginal film will be screened following the live Folklore Tapes show. We are delighted to be joined by the original editor of the film Marilyn Gaunt for a Q&A.