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Henry Roberts

@henryroberts.bsky.social
66 followers 80 following 56 posts

Photographer and writer. Part-time NGO work. Occasional theatre-maker. Full-time cat lover. Words in Guardian, Independent, LWL, AnOther, ArtReview, Verso, A Rabbit's Foot, Aesthetica linktr.ee/henryroberts www.henryrobertscreative.com

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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
My 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.
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Was 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.
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
My 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.com
Films that are not The Odyssey
Some foreign, queer, indie films available on our public service streamers that don't star Matt Damon as Odysseus.
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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Despite 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.com
The great carbon capture con: behold the wasted billions Burnham could claw back | George Monbiot
There 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
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
I 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.
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
I 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.com
The United States of Cinema
What are the films that have defined America?
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Martin 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
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Hannah Strong @hannahstrong.co.uk · 08/12/2025
Most 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?'
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
Yes, 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.com
Favourite reads of 2025
I read some great books this year. And a few not so good ones. But let's just focus on the good ones ...
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
A photograph I took in Warsaw train station last week
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
My interview with the legendary Sally Mann for A Rabbit’s Foot a-rabbitsfoot.com/editorial/ar...
a-rabbitsfoot.com
This creative life: photographer Sally Mann on 30 years of provocation
The 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.
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
The Spectre of Hope (2001) - which is a conversation between Salgado and Berger on globalisation, inequality and photography - is now streaming on BBC iPlayer
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The Fence @thefence.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
SEND 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-...
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Discussion 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.
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International 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.org
ibt.org.uk
We need smarter, more focused aid
As 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.
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Zoe Gardner @zoejardiniere.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
14,000 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
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
Some photographs from yesterday’s demonstration in London.
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
Had a great time photographing this weekend in Greenwich Park. I love medium format! 📸 Mamiya 645 🎞️ Kodak Portra 400
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kambole campbell @kambole.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
somehow 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.com
One of London’s most historic West End cinemas is closing down
The 90-year-old Curzon Mayfair is being redeveloped by its landlords
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Prince 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.
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Very happy to be included in this list 😊
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Scott Bryan @scottygb.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Oh god Threads is coming back as a series www.broadcastnow.co.uk/indies/warp-...
broadcastnow.co.uk
Warp Films to reboot landmark TV film Threads
Adolescence indie's series will update the 1984 nuclear fallout drama for modern audiences
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
I'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!
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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.com
Aesthetica Magazine - Navigating Relationships
A new documentary explores the complex and nuanced relationship between photographer Joel Meyerowitz and his wife Maggie Barrett.
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WIRED @wired.com · 18/03/2025
They'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.press
Wired is dropping paywalls for FOIA-based reporting. Others should follow
As the administration does its best to hide public records from the public, Wired magazine is stepping up to help stem the secrecy
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
My 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 movie
The latest comfort movie recommendation in an ongoing series is a reminder of Nora Ephron and Rob Reiner’s landmark romantic comedy
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 16/03/2025
Haven’t wasted this weekend 🎬
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Soraya Nadia McDonald @soraya.press · 13/03/2025
A model is emerging, which is simply pretending the First Amendment doesn't exist
theguardian.com
Florida mayor seeks to evict cinema for showing Oscar-winning documentary
Miami Beach mayor also proposes withdrawing grant after O Cinema screened Palestinian-focused film No Other Land
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Watched 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.com
Gossip Song from Chantal Akerman's Golden Eighties (1986)
YouTube video by james
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Aine Bennett @ainebennett.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Couldn'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!
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I'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.com
No Other Land
(2024) Oscar-winning film offering an insider's view of the destruction of the West Bank
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Robin Baker @robinalexbaker.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
Best 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.
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International Broadcasting Trust @ibtrust.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
This 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.uk
IBT members condemn the government’s decision to cut foreign aid
The 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...
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Had great fun co-organising this event (and taking these snaps!)
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Nadia Whittome MP @nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
What’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.
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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Stop 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.
Screenshot of a BBC Politics tweet shows Chancellor Rachel Reeves speaking at a podium during a live broadcast of her speech. The quote at the top reads, “We are reducing the environmental requirements placed on developers when they pay into a nature restoration fund… they can focus on getting things built and stop worrying about the bats and the newts,” as she addresses the audience. In the background, there are large screens displaying the live stream of the speech, with a banner at the bottom reading “Kickstarting Economic Growth.”
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Sophia Goodfriend @sophiagoodfriend.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Last 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.uk
Sophia Goodfriend | Militarised AI
Last week, a trove of leaked documents offered a glimpse into the role that large technology companies have played in...
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Zoe Gardner @zoejardiniere.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Sigh.
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
I 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!
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Hannah Strong @hannahstrong.co.uk · 28/01/2025
One 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
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Hélène de Beauvoir
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Also no cinematography for Nickel Boys? That's incredible.
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
I loved All We Imagine as Light. A real shame it is not nominated.
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Justin LaLiberty @jlalibs.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
No Other Land officially Oscar nominated with no US distribution. Someone release this film properly!
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Some photographs from the weekend's demonstration
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Robin Baker @robinalexbaker.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
SHOAH (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.uk
Shoah
Claude Lanzmann's epic documentary recounts the story of the Holocaust through interviews with witnesses - perpetrators as well as survivors.
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Happy 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...
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Media Reform Coalition @mediareformuk.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
When 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?
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Henry Roberts @henryroberts.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Gov "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.uk
AI is stealing from our creative industries – and Labour is picking the wrong side
Don’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 ...
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