By KLTV Newsdesk –

New exhibition showcases films by local people, revealing lived experiences of place, identity and belonging across the borough

What does Kirklees look like through the eyes of the people who live here? A new exhibition at the University of Huddersfield invites visitors to find out.

Stories in Motion, which opened at the Bath House Gallery at the University of Huddersfield on Monday 26 January, brings together a rich collection of films and moving images created by local filmmakers, community groups, cultural organisations and everyday storytellers from across Kirklees.

A portrait of Kirklees on film

Featuring work from Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Batley, Spen Valley and the Holme Valley, the exhibition explores themes of place, identity, belonging and wellbeing.

The films range from homemade videos and community-made productions to professional works and archival footage, each offering an intimate glimpse into the cultural life of the borough.

Together, they form a layered and deeply personal portrait of Kirklees, told not by outsiders, but by the people who know it best.

An invitation to slow down and look closer

More than a showcase of film, Stories in Motion encourages visitors to pause, reflect and pay attention to what is already happening within local communities.

It also invites audiences to imagine what could be possible if more people had access to storytelling tools and cultural spaces.

With a strong commitment to amplifying voices that are often underrepresented, the exhibition marks the start of an ongoing conversation about place-based cultural development in Kirklees, and the role film can play in shaping more inclusive futures.

Part of a wider celebration of film and culture

Stories in Motion forms part of Cultures of Film, a place-based research festival led by the University of Huddersfield’s School of Arts and Humanities.

The festival celebrates film as a tool for investigation, exploration, community action and telling stories of change.

Visitor information

Exhibition dates:
Monday 26 January – Friday 1 May 2026
(Closed Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April)

Opening times:
Monday–Thursday & Saturday: 10 am–3 pm
Friday: 10 am–2.30 pm

Venue:
Bath House Gallery
Sovereign Design House, Queen Street South Annexe
University of Huddersfield, HD1 3DR
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The exhibition is free to attend and open to all.