YPHSTB Curator: Making ideas accessible

You (probably) Haven't Seen This Before Curator Spotlight: Essence London

Essence London's headshot repeated on strip of 16mm film with YPHSTB logo

Background

The Indiana University Libraries Moving Image Archive (IULMIA) hosts free monthly screenings of archival 16mm film shorts you probably haven’t seen before projected on their 1950’s Kodak film projectors. Each month, You (probably) Haven't Seen This Before (YPHSTB) is curated by a member of IULMIA's community.

This profile is one in a series that shares the perspectives of YPHSTB curators.

Essence London, "Home Movies"

How did you choose your specific theme for the screening?

I've studied home movies for years & have loved them for even longer. Most people are familiar with how moving it is to watch the home movies their own family has created, but I believe a similar feeling emerges when you are open to strangers' too.

What excites you about You (probably) Haven't Seen This Before

The reliable 1-hour time frame makes the premise of watching films we likely wouldn't have thought to stream at home more inviting. If it's too obscure or industrial or whatever for your tastes—just hold on a minute, it'll be over soon. It's cool "stretch" programming in other words!

What is special to you about the medium of film? 

Film makes really profound ideas accessible to the average person & often times, the experience of taking in those ideas can also be really enjoyable too.

Film makes really profound ideas accessible to the average person & often times, the experience of taking in those ideas can also be really enjoyable too.

Essence London, YPHSTB Curator

Contributors

  • A person with ear-length, brown hair and red glasses smiles at the camera, wearing a dark green button down shirt with a black and white elephant vest over top.
    Interviewed by

    Maesa Ogas

    Railsback Fellow for Library Engagement 2025-2026

  • Ellie Pursley poses for a photo
    Graphics by

    Ellie Pursley

    IU Libraries Photographer

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