Her firm conviction that co-creation is the way to make groundbreaking films goes back to the nine years Swinton spent working with the collective of artists that formed around Derek Jarman. An experience that was formative for her career.
Derek Jarman (1942-1994) was a British artist, filmmaker, costume designer, scenery designer, writer, poet and gay activist. As a film director, he became known principally for his romantic (in the sense of grand and compelling) underground films. Jarman is seen as a trailblazer within British film and a major force within queer cinema. Among his best-known films are Blue (1993), The Garden (1990) and Caravaggio (1986), a biographical drama on the life of the tormented sixteenth-century painter. Caravaggio was also Tilda Swinton’s debut as a film actor.
Watch Your Forever Shoes: Remembering Derek Jarman
On 9 December, performer and artist Tilda Swinton invited composer Simon Fisher Turner and producer James Mackay, regular collaborators from the circle around British filmmaker Derek Jarman, to reminisce about his groundbreaking work.
By Eye Editors23 December 2025
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At home, you can watch films featuring Swinton, the documentary series Women Make Film, and exclusive recordings of conversations with her artistic collaborators and friends on Eye Film Player.
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