Enjoy screening KIN online for the first time since it’s release in 2023.
Growing up Mell wished her autistic brother could speak – now, in adulthood, she realises you don’t have to talk to explain what you need. KIN is a coming of age story between two sisters (Mell and Janine) and their neurodivergent and autistic brother (Carl), exploring sibling relationships, family duty and care.
KIN, directed by Tim Corrigan and Esther Springett, was released in 2023 by Project Art Works. KIN was Runner Up Best Documentary Short Film in the Catalyst International Film Festival (2025), London Short Film Festival (2024) and Towner Art Gallery (2023).
Enjoy.
Resources
If you are looking for support in relation to some of the topics covered in this film, the Support Collective have gathered some useful links.
Sibling online meet up
In line with KIN being made public the Support Collective would also like to offer a sibling focused online meet up on Monday 16 June, 13.30-15.00. The agenda of our online meet-ups is open. Members are invited to bring topics on the day that they would like to discuss and share or just join to say ‘hello’. This meeting will be held on Zoom with links sent out in advance.
For the zoom link please contact georgie@projectartworks.org for further information.
About KIN
Against a backdrop of cherished family photos and Carl’s striking artwork, the sisters look back on their childhood and share their dreams for the future. KIN charts the siblings’ transition into adulthood alongside the evolution of the digital photographic age and Carl’s art practice. Individual and collective memories play a central part in the film and become a vehicle through which topics such as conflict, separation and connection are subtly woven.
Reflecting the depth of relationships and holistic support for artists and families within the Hastings-based art collective Project Art Works, KIN offers a perspective on caring for a sibling with complex support needs, rarely represented in the media. Informed by co-director Esther Springett’s own experience growing up and supporting her sister and family, the film lifts the lid on a lesser-heard sibling voice. Tim Corrigan (co-director) brings together beautifully crafted and touching scenes from Carl’s artistic life over the years, radiating from the Project Art Works studios.
At the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic Mell and Janine became Carl’s main carers. At the end of 2022, over half a million people were reported to be awaiting an adult social care assessment in the UK. In a climate of ever decreasing funds to health and social care in the UK, KIN gently asks the audience to consider our interdependencies and the humanity of care.
If you are interested in seeing more films made by Project Art Works, see more here.