"Attentive equally to historical contexts and contemporary concerns… this lucid, vivid book is a pleasure to read."—Dennis Lim, artistic director of the New York Film Festival

“Meticulously researched and beautifully written.”— Jie Li, author of Cinematic Guerrillas

Land Cinema in an Age of Extraction is available at bookstores and libraries now.

Read a preview here.

I am a writer and historian of art, film, and visual culture. My first book, Land Cinema in an Age of Extraction, was published by the University of California Press in December 2025, and was accompanied by a season of Land Cinema at the Barbican Centre. I am currently a Lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London. I earned my PhD at Harvard University in 2021. In 2024 I was named a BBC New Generation Thinker. I am represented by Jessica Woollard at David Higham Associates.

Books

My first book, Land Cinema in an Age of Extraction (University of California Press, 2026) was accompanied by a film season at London's Barbican Centre and a BBC Radio programme. Read more...

As a BBC New Generation Thinker, I contribute to BBC Radio programmes including The Essay, Front Row, Free Thinking, and Thinking Allowed. Dwi hefyd yn darlledu yn y Gymraeg ar Radio Cymru. Read more...

Curating

I curate film seasons and screenings, and introduce films at venues including the BFI National Film Theatre, Japan House, and The Barbican.

Academic

Alongside my book, my writing has appeared in edited books on cinema and landscape, and in articles for Screen, MIRAJ, and the Journal of Climate Resilience & Climate Justice. Read more...

Arts and Film Festival Juries

I have served on numerous festival juries and am a Nominator for Prix Pictet.

Public Speaking

I regularly host film screenings and moderate Q&As at Curzon, Barbican, BFI, and Japan House. Keynotes and public talks include Japan Society and the University of Cambridge. Read More...

Biography

With a background in Wales, England, Japan, and the USA, I have a broad portfolio of linguistic and cultural expertise, and a continued fascination with place. Read more...

Journalism

I regularly review films, festivals, biennials, and exhibitions for magazines including Sight & Sound, Frieze, Film Comment, and Art Asia Pacific.

Workshop Facilitation

I am available as a speaker and facilitator for workshops on: ESG approaches through the arts; creative writing with images; accessing archives; and place writing.

Contact

beccavoelcker[at]gmail.com

b.voelcker[at]gold.ac.uk