Whitechapel Gallery will show films by the four artists shortlisted for the 2026 Film London Jarman Award from Tuesday 17 November to Sunday 13 December. Entry is free. The £10,000 winner will be announced on Tuesday 24 November.
The shortlisted artists are Sadia Pineda Hameed, Ilona Sagar, Rhea Storr and Alia Syed, according to the gallery and to Film London, which runs the award through its FLAMIN artists’ moving-image programme. It is the 19th Jarman Award.
The films
The gallery lists four works in Gallery 5: Rhea Storr’s A Protest, a Celebration, a Mixed Message (2018, 12 minutes); Alia Syed’s The Dhaba (2025, 30 minutes); Sadia Pineda Hameed’s Anak Where Did We Stay? (2026, 16 minutes); and Ilona Sagar’s Other Actors (2025, 60 minutes). The space has low lighting.
The award is named after the British filmmaker Derek Jarman and is meant to recognise artists working with moving image. A UK tour of the shortlist runs from 22 September 2026 to 21 January 2027, Film London says.
Sandy Powell presents
Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell OBE is the guest of honour at this year’s award, Film London announced on 20 October. Jarman encouraged her move into music videos; she later worked with him on Caravaggio and Edward II. She also helped raise money to save his Dungeness home, Prospect Cottage.
Whitechapel Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm, and until 9pm on Thursdays. It is closed on Mondays.
The essentials
- What: Film London Jarman Award 2026 shortlist exhibition
- Where: Whitechapel Gallery, Gallery 5, 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, London E1 7QX
- When: 17 November to 13 December 2026; winner announced 24 November
- Price: free