Groundbreaking in its treatment of race and sexuality, Borderline stars the statuesque Paul Robeson, who has been an inspiration to Ruth Ewan for a number of works. Robeson was a civil rights activist, singer and actor who was investigated by the FBI over his Communist affiliations. Borderline is directed by Kenneth Macpherson, the editor of Close Up, the first British publication dedicated to film as a modernist art form. The film received a lukewarm reception upon release, but is now recognised as a significant work of art in its brave approach to difficult subject matter and its use of bravura cinematography and editing.

This special screening will be introduced by the artist and writer Steven Cairns.