BLKNWS: Kahlil Joseph Film with Aphex Twin & Robert Hood – 180 Studios

Kahlil Joseph’s immersive film experience, BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions, has officially launched The Underground Cinema, a new film-focused space within 180 Studios in London. The month-long residency, beginning February 27th, marks the debut of this dedicated cinema, designed to showcase film in all its forms – from traditional features and documentaries to artist-led projects and collaborative installations. The film itself, adapted from Joseph’s acclaimed video art installation BLKNWS, is already generating conversation, not just for its artistic merit but also for the complex circumstances surrounding its screening history.

The Underground Cinema aims to be more than just a screening room. 180 Studios envisions it as a celebration of the medium, fostering a space for diverse cinematic expressions. This inaugural residency with Joseph’s work sets a high bar, signaling an intent to showcase challenging and thought-provoking films.

A Sonic Landscape Woven with History

BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions isn’t structured like a conventional narrative film. Joseph describes it as being “conceived with the fluidity and creativity of an album,” a statement that speaks to its immersive and layered approach. The film blends archival footage with original material, weaving together fictionalized portrayals of historical figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey with contemporary artists, musicians, and even snippets of online conversations. This creates a sprawling, 113-minute essay film that explores Black consciousness and experience.

Central to the film’s impact is its soundtrack, a carefully curated mix of electronic music. Original compositions by Klein are featured alongside tracks from established artists like Robert Hood, Aphex Twin, Sampha, Kelsey Lu, and Flying Lotus. This sonic tapestry isn’t merely background music; it’s integral to the film’s emotional and intellectual core. Joseph has a strong history of collaboration with musicians, having directed music videos for artists including Kendrick Lamar, Sampha, Flying Lotus, and Beyoncé, demonstrating a clear understanding of how sound and visuals can intertwine to create a powerful experience. Fact Magazine highlights the importance of the soundtrack in shaping the film’s overall atmosphere.

The Sundance Saga and a “Secret Cut”

The journey of BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions to the screen hasn’t been without its turbulence. As reported by Filmmaker Magazine, the film faced a last-minute removal from the Sundance Film Festival lineup in January 2025. The removal stemmed from a dispute with financier Participant Media, who accused Joseph of creating a “secret cut” of the film. The film was subsequently reinstated after a new buyer came forward, but the controversy added a layer of intrigue to its eventual screening.

The existence of this additional minute of footage, not cleared by Participant Media, has become a focal point of discussion. Yet, the film’s sprawling and associative nature – with an estimated 70% archival footage and 30% original content – makes pinpointing the exact difference difficult. The film’s structure, intentionally fragmented and open-ended, allows for a degree of fluidity that makes a single, definitive cut almost elusive.

Joseph’s Longstanding Relationship with 180 Studios

This residency at The Underground Cinema isn’t a first-time collaboration between Kahlil Joseph and 180 Studios. The two have a decade-long working relationship, with Joseph’s work previously featured in The Infinite Mix (2016) and Reverb (2024). 180 Studios also commissioned his 2018 film, Fly Paper, demonstrating a consistent commitment to supporting Joseph’s artistic vision. This established rapport suggests a shared understanding of Joseph’s experimental approach to filmmaking and a willingness to provide a platform for his unique voice.

Why This Matters: Expanding the Definition of Cinema

The launch of The Underground Cinema and the residency of BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions represent a significant moment for film exhibition. It signals a move towards embracing more experimental and challenging works, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes “cinema.” Joseph’s film, with its blend of documentary, fiction, music, and archival material, actively resists easy categorization. By providing a dedicated space for such projects, 180 Studios is contributing to a more diverse and inclusive cinematic landscape.

The film’s exploration of Black experience, drawing from the work of W.E.B. Du Bois and others, also adds a layer of cultural significance. Joseph’s ambition to claim “the entirety of Black experience as his remit” is a bold and provocative statement, one that invites viewers to engage with complex questions of identity, history, and representation.

Looking Ahead: Tickets and Availability

BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions will be screening at The Underground Cinema at 180 Studios from February 27th to March 27th, 2026. Tickets are currently available for purchase through the 180 Studios website. The residency offers a unique opportunity to experience Joseph’s work in a dedicated cinematic environment, and to be part of the launch of a new space committed to pushing the boundaries of film.

Beyond this initial residency, 180 Studios has indicated that The Underground Cinema will continue to host a rotating program of feature-length films, music documentaries, artist commissions, and collaborations, solidifying its position as a vital hub for cinematic innovation. The studio’s long-term vision for the space remains to be seen, but the launch with Joseph’s film sets a promising precedent.