Chris Newby
Directing
Biography
After graduating from the Royal College of Art, Chris Newby made a number of 16mm cine-poems for the Arts Council about remote islands, such as Stromboli. ‘Relax’, made for the British Film Institute’s New Directors scheme won many awards including Best Experimental Short at Melbourne. It was followed by his first feature, ‘Anchoress’ which was official entry at the Cannes Film Festival. From 2005, he has worked exclusively in the digital medium. Commissions include ‘Dickens In London’ for Film London and the BBC, and Something Understood for Norwich Museum.
Known For
At Dawning stars Jenny Agutter as a woman escaping from a one night stand, who encounters a suicidal Yvan Attal in bizarre circumstances. A story of ethical debate and screwball action, which reaches a topsy-turvy climax as dawn breaks over London.
At Dawning

A 14th-century peasant becomes transfixed by a statue of the Virgin Mary, and petitions to be walled into a cell attached to the church as a religious hermit.
Anchoress

This is the story of Harry and Flint, an unlikely couple. Harry is a shy young gay man who can't seem to fit into his local bar scene. Flint is a crusty, older, and seemingly straight man with a questionable background. They meet on a gorgeous coastline, and evolve from distrust to deep love.
Madagascar Skin

An elegant film about one man's fears and fantasies regarding HIV testing.
Relax

In these sexy, fun and darkly entertaining boys shorts, we see the hilarious terrors of gay childhood, an Internet hook-up with unexpected motivation and what happens when you hate musicals. You might wonder if theres hope for a gay Lothario, and sometimes you'll see that when you go home, the end is just the beginning.
Boys' Shorts

An old, bedridden man plays games that have a hint of the sinister about them.
The Old Man of the Sea

Poetic documentary about London.
Mudlarking

A celebration of the physical phenomenon of the kiss.
Kiss

The life of Charles Dickens recreated using puppets, live action and animation. An experimental visualisation by Chris Newby of a pre-recorded radio drama written by Michael Eaton and directed by Jeremy Mortimer.
Dickens in London

A film inspired by the annual bonfire night celebrations held on November 5th in Lewes, East Sussex, commemorating both the Gunpowder Plot and 17 Protestant martyrs burnt at the stake in the town.
Flicker

The story of a young gay man who faced persecution due to his sexuality and made a frightening journey to the UK with just a suitcase.
A Queer Refugee’s Suitcase

No description available.
Stromboli
"Taste in the human tongue has five receptors: Salty, Bitter, Sour, Sweet and Umami. Umami is to be found in bacon. I imagined a great deal of this film while sitting on the end of Southend Pier which in itself is a kind of tongue or spit. I always set out to make jolly films but somehow they always go sinister on me. This one is no exception." Chris Newby
An Odd Little Opus

Rituals of prayer in the Norfolk countryside.
Something Understood

The journey of a long distance swimmer becomes a voyage through all four elements.
Metamorphosis
Anchoress director Chris Newby documents the location of the real Christine Carpenter’s anchoress cell at St. James’ Church in Shere, England.
A Short Trip to Shere
An essay by Anchoress director Chris Newby that explores parallels between COVID lockdown in the UK and Christine Carpenter’s experience as an anchoress, featuring outtakes from the film.