A SPECIAL screening by Somerset Film celebrating the influential animations of Norman McLaren is on next Friday July 25 at The Engine Room.

2014 is the centenary of the Scottish artist’s birth, and to mark it, the British Film Institute has backed a film tour comprising McLaren’s catalogue of work and his enduring legacy.

The programme of the animator’s shorts includes Opening Speech (1961), Blinkity Blank (1955), Le Merle (1958), Pas de Deux (1968), Synchromy (1971), Lines Horizontal (1962), Neighbours (1952), Là-Haut Sur Ces Montagnes (1945), V is for Victory (1941), Lover on the Wing (1938), Hen Hop (1942), Begone Dull Care (1949) and A Chairy Tale (1957).

Free digital animation workshops are also being held on Wednesday July 23 at 10.30am, 12pm and 2pm.

The sessions will scour McLaren’s techniques and the fundamentals of animation, using the McLaren Workshop iPad App. It is aimed at families with children aged 7 and over, who must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are free for the screening in Bridgwater, which starts at 3pm, but advanced booking is essential – please call 01278-433187 or email info@somersetfilm.com to book a place for the screening or workshop.