Exercising one’s creativity in certain fields isn’t always easy. If photography is your jam, it’s even more difficult. Having an individual voice in that medium is especially challenging now that the world and its inhabitants possess over 8.58 billion mobile phones, and almost all of them have a camera built in. It can still be done; you just have to think outside the box.

That is a box that British photographer Martin Parr has stepped outside of all throughout his career. His early black & white work, finding the extraordinary in the ordinary in normal British life, is fantastic and more than a bit humorous. When he made the switch to colour photography in the early eighties, his work continued to show British life as even more colourful.

The story is told by the man himself, with fellow photographers and historians helping to put his work into context. The footage of him unassumingly wandering around in public with a camera and a walker shows how he gains access to the normal world. He’s not above forcing the issue, and one scene of him demanding a subject stop smiling is illustrative.

Even if your interest in photography is limited, it’s still a fascinating story. For those with an interest in the art form, there comes a wealth of useful observations and an insight into Parr’s methodology and approach. His storytelling is concise and vivid (and not above the occasional controversies), and this is all accomplished without a single word being needed.
Rob Hudson

From November 5, the 2025 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival, presented by Palace, will open in cities across the country screening at Palace Cinemas, Palace Nova and Luna Palace Cinemas. This year’s sensational lineup showcases British brilliance at its best with hotly anticipated new releases, documentaries and restrospectives.

I Am Martin Parr Screening Times
Palace Barracks Brisbane
Monday 10th November 2025
Wednesday 26th November 2025
Monday 1st December 2025

Palace James St Cinema
Thursday 13th November 2025
Friday 21st November 2025
Friday 28th November 2025
Thursday 4th December
www.britishfilmfestival.com.au