Los Angeles, CA – A new cinematic space dedicated to the art of film has opened its doors in London. The Underground Cinema, a project of 180 Studios, launched on Friday, February 27th, with a month-long residency featuring the immersive work of filmmaker Kahlil Joseph. The inaugural presentation showcases BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions, a feature-length adaptation of Joseph’s acclaimed video art installation, BLKNWS, offering audiences a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Joseph, a Seattle native born in 1981, has established himself as a significant voice in contemporary art and filmmaking. His work frequently centers on the Black experience in the United States, exploring themes of identity, history and consciousness through intellectually and emotionally resonant visuals. He gained recognition for his short film accompanying Flying Lotus’ song, “Until the Quiet Comes,” winning a Special Jury Prize at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Beyond short films, Joseph has directed music videos for prominent artists including Kendrick Lamar, FKA Twigs, and Beyoncé, demonstrating his versatility across different mediums. His 2019 installation, BLKNWS, premiered at the Venice Biennale, further solidifying his reputation as a leading artist.
A Sonic and Visual Tapestry: Exploring BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions
BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions is described as a film that mirrors the structure and feel of an album or mixtape. The work weaves together fictional narratives and historical references, creating an immersive journey that incorporates figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey alongside contemporary artists, musicians, Joseph’s own family, and even elements of social media discourse. This blending of realities aims to provoke reflection on Black consciousness and the complexities of the Black experience. Joseph himself has described the film as being “conceived with the fluidity and creativity of an album,” allowing for a collaborative process that incorporates contributions from a diverse range of artists and thinkers.
The film’s soundtrack is a crucial component of the experience, featuring original music by Klein, alongside tracks from a diverse range of electronic and experimental artists including Robert Hood, Aphex Twin, Sampha, Kelsey Lu, and Flying Lotus. This carefully curated sonic landscape complements the film’s visual narrative, enhancing its emotional impact and thematic resonance. The integration of music and moving image is a hallmark of Joseph’s work, reflecting his belief in the power of both mediums to convey complex ideas and emotions.
180 Studios and a Decade of Collaboration
The launch of The Underground Cinema marks a significant step for 180 Studios, a company dedicated to immersive and innovative film experiences. The new space aims to celebrate film in all its forms, from traditional feature-length movies and documentaries to artist-driven commissions and collaborative projects. This residency with Kahlil Joseph is not the first time the studio has showcased his work; his pieces were featured in The Infinite Mix in 2016 and Reverb in 2024, and 180 Studios commissioned his 2018 film, Fly Paper. This long-standing relationship demonstrates the studio’s commitment to supporting and promoting groundbreaking cinematic voices.
180 Studios’ dedication to innovative film presentation aligns with Joseph’s own experimental approach to filmmaking. His career has spanned installation art, music videos, and feature films, consistently pushing the boundaries of the medium. His father, Keven Davis, was a prominent sports and entertainment attorney, and his younger brother, Noah Davis, is a painter and museum curator, suggesting a family background steeped in the arts and entertainment industries. Joseph’s artistic influences include Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul, known for his experimental and dreamlike films, which have clearly impacted Joseph’s own distinctive style.
The Evolution of Kahlil Joseph’s Artistic Vision
Joseph’s path to becoming a celebrated filmmaker began with an internship at a post-production house in Los Angeles. He then worked as a Production Assistant on a music video shoot directed by Hype Williams, gaining valuable on-set experience. His directorial debut came in 2012 with the short film, The Mirror Between Us. Even though, it was his 2013 short film for Flying Lotus’ song, “Until the Quiet Comes,” that brought him wider recognition, earning him the Short Film Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. This early success paved the way for directing music videos for some of the biggest names in music, including Kendrick Lamar, Sampha, Flying Lotus, and Beyoncé.
Joseph’s work often grapples with complex social and political issues, particularly those related to race and identity. His films are not simply visual experiences; they are intellectual and emotional explorations that challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and engage in critical thinking. BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions, in particular, seeks to create a space for dialogue and reflection on the Black experience, drawing on historical figures and contemporary voices to offer a nuanced and multifaceted perspective. The film’s use of fictionalized representations of W.E.B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey, alongside contemporary figures, underscores the ongoing relevance of their ideas and the enduring struggle for racial equality.
BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions will be shown at The Underground Cinema from February 27th to March 27th, 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through the 180 Studios website. This residency offers a unique opportunity to experience Joseph’s work in a dedicated cinematic space, designed to enhance the immersive and thought-provoking nature of his films. The opening of The Underground Cinema signals a growing interest in experimental and artist-driven film experiences, providing a platform for filmmakers like Kahlil Joseph to reach new audiences and push the boundaries of the medium.
As the run of BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions concludes on March 27th, 2026, 180 Studios has not yet announced the next installment in The Underground Cinema’s programming. Further details regarding future screenings and events will be available on the 180 Studios website. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on Kahlil Joseph’s work and the opening of this exciting new cinematic space in the comments below.
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