The Fluxcon is here again!
This one will be different for a few reasons
In this one we’ll be partly outside, not just Bunny Bread of ICREATENOT DESTROY who’ll be painting in the car park off Thorpe St, but the Fluxcon tables and traders as well
Another thing is the little fact that this is the 10th anniversary of the B-Side Hip Hop Festival. Not exactly 10 years, though it is the 10th edition
And Afroflux has been there from the beginning so expect a few surprises for those making the trip up to the Birmingham Hippodrome
For now, here’s the main schedule of the invited guests
12: Fluxcon market till 5.30pm
12: All day gaming with King Otaku Gaming
12: Rewyld DJ set
12: Groove and Grow – Line dancing workshop with Paulette Hakeem
12: Hip Hop screenprinting workshop with David Oswald Springer
1pm: Film Pardna – short film workshop led by Solomon Singh Smith
1.15pm: The Shero’s Journey – story and creative writing workshop with Sara Kenney
1.15pm: Screen Combat & Monster Movement – Screen movement workshops with Jake Nwogu
2pm: Neo-Mmanwu Mask making – workshop with Florence Okoye
2.30pm: Wavey Lines life drawing session with model Sarah Kaur
3pm: Presentation / workshop on making film, stunt work and directing by Philip Ray Tommy
3.30pm: African dance and Capoeira workshop w Ronke Fadare & Denise Amory-Reid
4pm: History of Diversity and Representation in Comics w Bobby Joseph
The Fluxcon is a mini comic convention with workshops, talks, panels, music and performances, all tucked into a Hip Hop festival.
Unlike many comic conventions we also have traders who bring their oils, crystals, illustrations and clothing to the event. All of this added to our focus on Black and Brown creators in the worlds of multi-media
Florence Okoye is a designer, writer, researcher and maker whose work focusses on creating digital experiences that are equitable and accessible for all. From cybersecurity to future infrastructures of energy, museum collections to policy making, she’s interested in how speculative design can combine with community centred ways of working to make better, radically inclusive futures.
Her practice revolves on Black futurisms such as Afro/AfricanFuturism and a practice she calls ‘okwucentric’ design, inspired by reimagining traditional modes of knowledge production and sharing that are found within Igbo culture.
‘Throughout West Africa, the masquerade is an important figure in seasonal festivals and impromptu celebrations. Embodying powerful communal spirits and characters from mythology and the afterlife they go by many names but are instantly recognisable.
Inspired by the Igbo masquerade, or mmanwu, “Neo-mmanwu” is a project exploring how the masquerade continues to speak through and for the African diaspora and can be inspiration for community led speculative design. During the workshop you will be asked to design new futures through a process that combines aspects of African performance and critical design methodology, where collaborative imaginings meet our individual dreams for the future.
The workshop is open to all skill levels. Bring and contribute your own knowledge and creative toolsets, from the latest JavaScript framework to watercolours as we join together to design new futures.’ (for all ages)
Sara Kenney is a writer, producer and director in TV, comics, and games. She worked as a writer on comics Surgeon X (Image), Planet Divoc-91 (Webtoons), Acid Box (Avery Hill) and game She Could Fly: Documentary Escape Game (STEAM). She runs Wowbagger Productions delivering 100s of workshops and mentoring sessions for young adults. Sara is also currently Innovation and Engagement Manager at the UK’s Environment Agency exploring a grassroots approach to community engagement with comics, games and film.
Workshop: Comics Creator Sara Kenney (writer) will talk through the classic “Hero’s Journey” story structure and how and why they considered alternative models in their new comic, ACID BOX; a time travel adventure through 1990s dance culture. Then as a team we’ll have a go at structuring a story using alternative models – Heroine’s Journey, Collective Journey or Science of Storytelling.
Philip Ray Tommy is an actor, stuntman, and filmmaker, with 2 decades of experience in the film industry.
He is currently working on his feature film, Lotus, which is the first Birmingham based action film.
Alongside his own film projects, his most recent work includes Jurassic Park Rebirth , Gladiator 2 and Marching Powder, amongst others.
At Fluxcon, Phill will be delivering a presentation about his career in film and also sharing insights from his experiences in the industry.
There will also be a screening of Cain and Abel which was the first short film he made over 10 years ago, followed by an exclusive sneak peek from his current project Lotus.
Add to this there’ll also be a short workshop to discuss filmmaking and stunt work, offering aspiring filmmakers and actors a chance to learn more about the craft. (ages 10 and over)
Rewyld blurs genre lines, creating deep, magical connections on the dance floor. Her sets blend afro-fusion, house, garage and more, delivering unforgettable energy. Known for her eclectic style, she invites audiences to lose themselves in her garden of sound, transforming every set into a unique, immersive experience. As a musical storyteller, Rewyld curates somatic dream spaces that are spiritually and playfully unexpected.
Bobby Joseph is an acclaimed South London comic creator whose work has often challenged and inspired its readers. His early work includes the creation of cult comic classic Skank magazine, where his best-known strip, “Scotland Yardie”, first featured, and was later published by Knockabout Press.
He has written for The Guardian newspaper, Dazed and Confused, and Vice.com. His comic work was a prominent feature at the Anarchy in the UK comic exhibition at the British Library in 2015 and was seen by over 60,000 visitors. Since the beginning of his career, he has been a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in comic books. His graphic novel, Scotland Yardie, published by Knockabout Comics in 2017, was the first diverse graphic novel to be studied as a module on an English Literature MA course at King’s College, London. He is the fifth incumbent to become Comics Laureate.
His forthcoming graphic novel – My Dad Fights Demons! will be released in the autumn by Self-Made Hero.
A History of Diversity and Representation in Comics:
Comics Laureate Bobby Joseph will discuss the representation of diverse comic book characters in comic books from the last century. He will show how these controversial stories of people of colour have evolved to reflect the problems and issues of society, and why is it now important for diverse voices to start controlling their own narratives.
Dos: Iconic streetwear Screenprinter David Oswald Springer (DOS) has printed some of the most collectable Tshirt’s within the worlds of fashion, music and art.
From Soul 2 Soul, Massive Attack to Carhartt, Tommy Boy and A Very Ape, DOS has literally screenprinted all things culturally cool.
With over 4 decades of creative screenprinting, he is now considered a master of his trade.
Workshop: “Come join DOS as he brings us into the world of design and print, making our own Hip Hop inspired t-shirt” (ages 10 and over, limited)
Paulette Hakeem – Retired Maths Teacher to passionate fitness, yoga and Line dance instructor.
Workshop: Groove & Grow: A Hip Hop Festival Invitation
“Are you ready to move? To feel the rhythm in your soul?”
I’m so happy to invite you to something truly special to celebrate music, movement, and pure, unadulterated joy. Vibes from hip hop, soul music and the laid-back grooves of reggae, even throwing in a little country twang for that extra flavor. Imagine it: hip hop beats meeting soulful melodies, reggae rhythms, and a touch of that country charm.
Never line danced before, that’s okay, no partner, no experience needed. Don’t miss out on this unique blend of hip hop, soul, reggae, and a touch of country. Let’s create some unforgettable memories together!”
Film Pardna w Solomon Singh Smith:
In this filmmaking workshop, led by Solomon Singh Smith, we will invoke the “Film in a day” practice of Film Pardna. Solomon is a filmmaker who explores social and political commentary. He interprets real world issues and uncovers original, diverse perspectives through symbolism, imagery and fantastical stories. He often creates films as a member of Film Pardna, a collective who aim to facilitate community led, radical filmmaking.
Within a two hour session, using the ten year anniversary of B-Side hip hop festival as the backdrop to our film, we will craft an idea, storyboard and then shoot it from start to finish. The final edited film will be made available online a few days after the event. All abilities/experience is welcome! If you have a keen interest in filmmaking and storytelling, come along. (up to 10 participants)
Ronke and Denise – Afro-Brazilian movement
Ronke Fadare is a dancer, fitness expert, martial artist and choreographer with masses of experience in African dance, Hip Hop, Contemporary and many other styles. Over the years, her insights have given explosive results to 1000s of students.
Denise Amory-Reid is martial artist, dancer and Capoeirista who has been studying the Afro-Brazilian cultures of Samba and Capoeira for over 25 years
African dance and Capoeira Workshop with Ronke and Denise:
An energising movement workshop blending Capoeira, Maculelê and African dance led by Ronke and Denise.
The session explores rhythm, resistance, and connection through African-Brazilian martial arts and dance. Expect music, movement, and good vibes
Jake Nwogu is a B-Boy, Contemporary dancer, actor, stunt man and motion capture artist who has been featured in many well known screen adventures including the likes of Dr Who and the MCU
SCREEN COMBAT & MONSTER MOVEMENT: with Jake Nwogu
Open to all levels—no previous experience required!
Wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel and water bottle.
STAGE & SCREEN COMBAT
Fight like your favourite action hero, super spy, or video game assassin!
Bring action sequences to life with cinematic fight choreography designed for stage and screen. This high-energy session covers the fundamentals of stage combat, teaching you how to execute powerful, precise, and safe fight sequences while staying in character. Learn essential techniques for strikes, reactions, and falls, giving you the skills to move with confidence and intensity in any action role.
MONSTER MOVEMENT:
Unleash your inner beast!
