You are invited to 

THE CHANGING FACES OF DISS

A film, exhibition trail and phone line installation that captures, celebrates and recreates memories of Diss residents.

When: 29 – 30 August 2025
Where: Diss Corn Hall, DesignerMakers21, No.8 Marketplace

Moving House Films is proud to present the premiere of its latest community centred short film The Changing Faces of Diss – a vibrant, imaginative exploration of memory, identity, and storytelling in the heart of Norfolk. All are welcome to attend the red carpet premiere at Diss Corn Hall on the Friday night, accompanied by a two-day exhibition across multiple venues in the town. Hear residents’ memories through phone lines installed in the cafe at No.8 Market Place, drop in and watch the film at the Corn Hall any time on Saturday morning, and go on a search for hand-made props from the film, co-created with the community with artists at DesignerMakers21.

• Film Premiere with Audience Q&A
  Friday 29 August 7pm – Diss Corn Hall – book your place here
  (if you would like to attend the drinks reception at 6pm, RSVP to movinghousefilms@gmail.com)
• Exhibition: Film Screenings, Telephone Lines and Film Props * Two days only! *
  29-30 August 10am-4pm – Diss Corn Hall, DesignerMakers21 and No.8 Marketplace
• Exhibition Opening: meet the artists and participants involved in the project
  Friday 29 August 2-4pm – No.8 Marketplace
• Exhibition Trail: Collect Stamps at each venue!
  29-30 August 10am-4pm – Diss Corn Hall, DesignerMakers21 and No.8 Marketplace
  Download the trail here

ABOUT THE FILM

Commissioned by Essex Cultural Diversity Project and funded by Arts Council England, The Changing Faces of Diss brings together the voices of Diss to craft a legacy artwork that reflects the town’s evolving character. Inspired by John Betjeman’s 1964 BBC film Something About Diss, this new piece blends documentary realism with whimsical reimagining.

Part documentary, part daydream, the film invites residents to share their stories and brings them to life through playful, powerful reenactments by community members. A man remembers elephants arriving by train, trunks and tails linked, marching down Victoria Road. A woman recalls a brief, glorious romance with a trapeze artist on Fair Green. A fisherman is pulled into the Mere only to discover the strange creatures that live down there. A girl, once desperate to be chased by geese, finds herself at the wrong end of a feathered vendetta. A bemused café owner, faced by a customer convinced she can pay with a retail clubcard, kindly acquiesces. A Ukrainian refugee finds warmth and welcome in an unfamiliar town.

With every tale playfully performed and reconstructed by residents, each memory is a communal act. Blending real recollection with fantastical re-creation, The Changing Faces of Diss unfolds like a folk tale told by many voices. Rooted in the streets and stories of Diss, it captures the spirit of a place shaped as much by memory as by map.

The Changing Faces of Diss is made possible through a commission from Essex Cultural Diversity Project supported by Arts Council England, in partnership with Diss Corn Hall, DesignerMakers21, and No.8 Market Place.

KEY TIMINGS
Join us at any time during the two day celebration:

FRIDAY 29 AUGUST

10.00am – 4.00pm
Exhibition @ No.8 Marketplace, Diss Corn Hall and DesignerMakers21
Hear residents’ memories through phone lines installed in the cafe at No.8 Market Place, and find the props from the film, co-created with the community across all three venues.
Download the Exhibition Trail here

2.00 – 4.00pm
Exhibition Opening @ No.8 Marketplace
Come along and meet the artists and participants involved in the project.

7.00pm (drinks reception at 6.00pm)
Film premiere and Audience Q&A with Moving House Films @ Diss Corn Hall
Book your place at thecornhall.co.uk/shows/the-changing-faces-of-diss/
RSVP for the drinks reception by emailing movinghousefilms@gmail.com

SATURDAY 30 AUGUST

10.00am – 1.00pm: on the hour
Film Screenings @ Diss Corn Hall

10.00am – 4.00pm
Exhibition @ No.8 Marketplace, Diss Corn Hall and DesignerMakers21
Hear residents’ memories through phone lines installed in the cafe at No.8 Market Place, and find the props from the film, co-created with the community across all three venues.
Download the Exhibition Trail here