The Belly and the Eye: a film, food and art showcase

The Belly and the Eye is a one-night showcase at Machine Hall celebrating young, emerging talent across film, food and art, where short films by Sydney’s next generation of filmmakers are paired with snacks inspired by their stories.

The program features films by young directors Aleese Musa, Miski Omar, Priscilla Cui and more, followed by a panel moderated by Iolanthe where the directors discuss their practice, process and inspiration behind their films. The films range from a tender portrait of Musa’s grandmother in Khartoum, to a playful and contemporary dance film shot by young creatives in Sydney, to a mockumentary of a spirited young boy on a chaotic quest for a bottle of Fanta in rural Somalia.

Food is at the centre of it all: pop-up cooks George Street RSL, Cheyenne Bardos and bb.flambe will serve snacks inspired by the films' stories, characters, and places, part of an experiential tablescape by designer Andy TT (Last Forms). Drinks available for purchase from the Machine Hall bar.

Independently organised and not-for-profit, The Belly and the Eye is part of Machine Hall’s M.PWR series, which waives venue hire fees for grassroots artists and give them the chance to bring ambitious projects to life in one of the city’s most striking spaces.