Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 14/09/2026My first time at the Venice Film Festival. Pretty amazing, pretty overwhelming, pretty lonely. Lee Chang-dong's Possible Love was the best in my opinion. 010
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 03/08/2026Was in St Andrews for a wedding recently. Look what's become of what was the beloved cinema. Now a horrific sports bar with celebrity names splashed over the place. How can a university town exist without a cinema? I spent so many hours in solace there. Returning felt like visiting Pottersville. 000
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 27/07/2026My latest Substack, where I recommend foreign/old/queer films available on our PSB streamers. Films include Annie Baker's directorial debut, a "Homeric fairy tale” (no, not that one) about two boys from Senegal trying to reach Europe, and a new documentary on Kim Novak substack.com/home/post/p-...substack.comFilms that are not The OdysseySome foreign, queer, indie films available on our public service streamers that don't star Matt Damon as Odysseus. 000
Reposted by Henry RobertsGeorge Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 08/07/2026Despite all the noise today I'd really like you to read this, as I think it's crucial. The government's in the process of p*ssing up to £264 billion into the ground, at the behest of the fossil fuel industry. Yes, £264 *billion*. It's utterly mad, and has to stop. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comThe great carbon capture con: behold the wasted billions Burnham could claw back | George MonbiotThere are far better ways to tackle climate breakdown, but successive governments have chosen to listen to the fossil fuel companies instead, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot 471222690
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 06/07/2026I don't often watch football, but when I do, eg when England play, I love it because it is in the present tense. However, I watched last night's England match on catch-up. I watched it at 1.5x speed, muted, with silent film piano music in the background. The match was suddenly full of film drama. 000
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 05/07/2026I started my Substack to recommend the best foreign, queer, independent films on our public service broadcasters. But given the US anniversary, I thought I'd put together a list of films that explore the US: its racial politics, its violence, and its contradictions.henryrobertswriter.substack.comThe United States of CinemaWhat are the films that have defined America? 472
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 10/12/2025Martin Parr upended our definition of "journalistic" photography. His images are bright, witty, colourful - everything that traditional photojournalism was not. For all his quintessential Britishness, he was a global photographer. I wrote about some of my favourite Parr images for @economist.com 000
Reposted by Henry RobertsHannah Strong @hannahstrong.co.uk · 08/12/2025Most publications with paywalls are cheaper per month than a cup of coffee, or a magazine, or even a music or film subscription. If you don't want to pay for them that's fine but don't complain about the paywall, would you walk into a shop and say 'HEY WHY IS THAT STUFF IN THE WINDOW NOT FREE?' 1152
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 07/12/2025Yes, the rumours are true, I had never read Pride & Prejudice until this year ... I read some great books in 2025 (and a few rubbish ones). Let me know if you've read any of these! substack.com/home/post/p-...substack.comFavourite reads of 2025I read some great books this year. And a few not so good ones. But let's just focus on the good ones ... 000
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 19/09/2025A photograph I took in Warsaw train station last week 010
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 17/09/2025My interview with the legendary Sally Mann for A Rabbit’s Foot a-rabbitsfoot.com/editorial/ar...a-rabbitsfoot.comThis creative life: photographer Sally Mann on 30 years of provocationThe American photographer—who gained fame and notoriety for her 1992 book Immediate Family—has just released a new book, a memoir which reflects on living a creative life. 021
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 11/07/2025The Spectre of Hope (2001) - which is a conversation between Salgado and Berger on globalisation, inequality and photography - is now streaming on BBC iPlayer 010
Reposted by Henry RobertsThe Fence @thefence.bsky.social · 12/06/2025SEND US YOUR BEST IDEAS We're commissioning for our autumn and winter issues. Do you have a five-star feature in your locker? Have a read of the pitch guide and get in touch with us at editorial@the-fence.com. First-time writers are, of course, especially welcome. www.the-fence.com/about/pitch-... 285
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 02/06/2025Discussion of our recording-breaking spring weather on BBC’s PM, yet hardly a mention of climate change / the reasons behind the high temperatures. Audiences need better. 000
Reposted by Henry RobertsInternational Broadcasting Trust @ibtrust.bsky.social · 28/05/2025"The global humanitarian system stands at a precipice. Only 5% of the $44.72bn needed to meet humanitarian needs has been funded. This isn’t just a shortfall; it’s a catastrophe unfolding in slow motion." Our latest IBT Voices article comes from Flora Alexander, Chief Exec of @uk.rescue.orgibt.org.ukWe need smarter, more focused aidAs aid budgets are being slashed, the sector needs a decisive shift in how aid is delivered, writes Flora Alexander, Executive Director of International Rescue Committee UK. 012
Reposted by Henry RobertsZoe Gardner @zoejardiniere.bsky.social · 20/05/202514,000 babies will die in Gaza in the next 48 hours if Israel continues to prevent baby food aid from reaching Palestinians. There is no question, no nuance, no possible justification. We must do everything we possibly can to stop Israel from committing such atrocities #r4today 12430201
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 18/05/2025Some photographs from yesterday’s demonstration in London. 010
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 11/05/2025Had a great time photographing this weekend in Greenwich Park. I love medium format! 📸 Mamiya 645 🎞️ Kodak Portra 400 010
Reposted by Henry Robertskambole campbell @kambole.bsky.social · 10/05/2025somehow got past me that Curzon Mayfair announced its closure a couple of days ago. fucking awful state of affairs, landlords continue to be the ruin of this city www.timeout.com/london/news/...timeout.comOne of London’s most historic West End cinemas is closing downThe 90-year-old Curzon Mayfair is being redeveloped by its landlords 23923
Reposted by Henry RobertsPrince Charles Cinema @princecharlescinema.com · 09/05/2025“Yippee ki-yay…” We are excited to tell everyone that Westminster Council decided on May 1st that the Prince Charles Cinema would be included in the list of Assets of Community Value maintained by the Council under section 87 of the Localism Act 2011. 371386377
Reposted by Henry RobertsScott Bryan @scottygb.bsky.social · 07/04/2025Oh god Threads is coming back as a series www.broadcastnow.co.uk/indies/warp-...broadcastnow.co.ukWarp Films to reboot landmark TV film ThreadsAdolescence indie's series will update the 1984 nuclear fallout drama for modern audiences 6922557
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 27/03/2025I'm writing up my latest newsletter, where I recommend some of the best foreign, queer, old and just generally brilliant films streaming on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5. I also include links to articles related to the films I find interesting. Please sign up for fortnightly(ish) film recs! 120
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 20/03/2025📷 I interviewed Joel Meyerowitz and Maggie Barrett about their new film Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other for Aesthetica A real career/personal highlight for me! aestheticamagazine.com/navigating-r...aestheticamagazine.comAesthetica Magazine - Navigating RelationshipsA new documentary explores the complex and nuanced relationship between photographer Joel Meyerowitz and his wife Maggie Barrett. 000
Reposted by Henry RobertsWIRED @wired.com · 18/03/2025They're called public records for a reason. Starting today, WIRED will *stop paywalling* articles that are primarily based on public records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, becoming the first publication to partner with @freedom.press to offer this for our new coverage.freedom.pressWired is dropping paywalls for FOIA-based reporting. Others should followAs the administration does its best to hide public records from the public, Wired magazine is stepping up to help stem the secrecy 16249137423359
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 17/03/2025My slight obsession with this film started when I was a boy, anxious on Sunday evenings before school. We had a dusty VHS tape of When Harry Met Sally and I would watch it every week as a source of comfort. Glad to write about this ritual in The Guardian 📼👇 www.theguardian.com/film/2025/ma...theguardian.com‘Actually romantic and actually funny’: why When Harry Met Sally is my feelgood movieThe latest comfort movie recommendation in an ongoing series is a reminder of Nora Ephron and Rob Reiner’s landmark romantic comedy 010
Reposted by Henry RobertsSoraya Nadia McDonald @soraya.press · 13/03/2025A model is emerging, which is simply pretending the First Amendment doesn't existtheguardian.comFlorida mayor seeks to evict cinema for showing Oscar-winning documentaryMiami Beach mayor also proposes withdrawing grant after O Cinema screened Palestinian-focused film No Other Land 5434091152
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 06/03/2025Watched Chantal Akerman's Golden Eighties for the first time last night. Such a different tone, style, mood from her other work. I loved the colours, the outfits, and this glorious song! www.youtube.com/watch?si=9az...youtube.comGossip Song from Chantal Akerman's Golden Eighties (1986)YouTube video by james 000
Reposted by Henry RobertsAine Bennett @ainebennett.bsky.social · 03/03/2025Couldn't recommend Henry's newsletter more - saves you ever scrolling mindlessly through hundreds of meh films again, and comes with thoughtful and political commentary on the state of cinema! 021
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 03/03/2025I'm really pleased Channel 4 are streaming No Other Land, the documentary on the West Bank that won the Oscar last night. I included it in my newsletter this morning, in which I recommend the best global/old/queer films available on our public service streamers www.channel4.com/programmes/n...channel4.comNo Other Land(2024) Oscar-winning film offering an insider's view of the destruction of the West Bank 120
Reposted by Henry RobertsRobin Baker @robinalexbaker.bsky.social · 01/03/2025Best Cinematography Ridiculously Not Nominated for an Academy Award: Jomo Fray for #TheNickelBoys (RaMell Ross, 2024). The framing of the images frequently stops you in your tracks and makes you see things differently. These shots are from just the first 10 minutes. 092
Reposted by Henry RobertsInternational Broadcasting Trust @ibtrust.bsky.social · 28/02/2025This has been a difficult week for the NGO sector. Henry Roberts sums up the mood of IBT members before looking ahead at next steps for the sector. ibt.org.uk/opinion/ibt-...ibt.org.ukIBT members condemn the government’s decision to cut foreign aidThe announcement on Tuesday that the government is slashing the foreign aid budget to increase defence spending was met with alarm and dismay across the INGO sector. Henry Roberts looks at some of the... 012
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 21/02/2025Had great fun co-organising this event (and taking these snaps!) 010
Reposted by Henry RobertsNadia Whittome MP @nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social · 12/02/2025What’s the point in refusing citizenship to refugees who have ‘made a dangerous journey’? What’s the point in publishing footage of people being deported? I’m sorry to say that this is simply a continuation of the performative cruelty we saw from the Conservatives. 961518350
Reposted by Henry RobertsRSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 29/01/2025Stop worrying about bats and newts? No Rachel Reeves MP – start worrying about the future of our economy if we tear down the nature it depends on. Nature isn’t a blocker; it’s the foundation of growth. 721459511
Reposted by Henry RobertsSophia Goodfriend @sophiagoodfriend.bsky.social · 28/01/2025Last week, a series of leaked documents revealed tech companies' instrumental war in Israel's war efforts I wrote a brief response for the @LRB blog: on Gaza, Silicon Valley, and militarized AI. www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/ja...lrb.co.ukSophia Goodfriend | Militarised AILast week, a trove of leaked documents offered a glimpse into the role that large technology companies have played in... 02612
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 28/01/2025I loved every performance in The Last Showgirl. Anderson and Lee Curtis are rightly getting praise, but everyone brought their A game: Song, Shipka, Lourd. Dave Bautista gives such a vulnerable performance. Even though he was onscreen for 5 minutes, Jason Schwartzman was so convincing. Movie acting! 010
Reposted by Henry RobertsHannah Strong @hannahstrong.co.uk · 28/01/2025One of the best cinemas in England, The Prince Charles, is unfortunately being threatened with eviction by their scumbag landlords who want to redevelop the site. If you love independent cinemas, time to mobilise!!! princecharlescinema.com/savethepcc/princecharlescinema.com#SaveThePCC 37372
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 23/01/2025Also no cinematography for Nickel Boys? That's incredible. 000
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 23/01/2025I loved All We Imagine as Light. A real shame it is not nominated. 010
Reposted by Henry RobertsJustin LaLiberty @jlalibs.bsky.social · 23/01/2025No Other Land officially Oscar nominated with no US distribution. Someone release this film properly! 311760210
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 21/01/2025Some photographs from the weekend's demonstration 000
Reposted by Henry RobertsRobin Baker @robinalexbaker.bsky.social · 21/01/2025SHOAH (1985) - Claude Lanzmann's remarkable 9.5 hour documentary about the Holocaust - is now on the BBC iPlayer. It's the first time it's been on the BBC for a decade. www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...bbc.co.ukShoahClaude Lanzmann's epic documentary recounts the story of the Holocaust through interviews with witnesses - perpetrators as well as survivors. 816581
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 20/01/2025Happy this portrait I took of Mauranda last year has been published on PhotoVogue. You can see my portfolio of other accepted shots here 🙂 www.vogue.com/photovogue/p... 040
Reposted by Henry RobertsMedia Reform Coalition @mediareformuk.bsky.social · 14/01/2025When GB News launched in 2021 its founders claimed it would be robust, balanced and a voice for underserved communities outside the Westminster bubble. Who could have known that the billionaire-backed, conspiracy-spewing channel was all just a slush fund for political elites? 28937
Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 13/01/2025Gov "risk selling down the river the UK’s creative industries (worth £124 billion) for the sake of a nascent AI sector that simply needs to play by the rules that everyone else does and ask for permission and pay if they want to use other people’s creative work." www.standard.co.uk/comment/ai-c...standard.co.ukAI is stealing from our creative industries – and Labour is picking the wrong sideDon’t look over your shoulder, but the government is selling the creative industries down the river. On December 17th, in the run-up to Christmas, when most people were busy celebrating, Keir Starmer ... 010