STOKI's Mod Visual Identity for British Film Days

04/19 — 2025

by abduzeedo

Explore STOKI's vibrant visual identity for Budapest's British Film Days. Mod-inspired design with bold type & color.

Hey design friends! Ever get that project brief that needs to be cool, flexible, and have longevity? That’s exactly what the team at STOKI faced when tapped to create the visual identity for the returning British Film Days in Budapest. After a few years off, the event needed a fresh look to showcase the best of UK cinema.

The festival, a collaboration between the BIFF (Budapest International Film Festival) team and the British Council Hungary, brings a mix of new hits and classic retrospectives to Hungarian audiences. Think acclaimed features, deep-dive documentaries, and even a nod to the legendary Manchester music scene. Quite the lineup!

The Vision: Versatile & Recognizable

STOKI wasn't just designing for a single event. The goal was bigger: build a visual identity system. Something that felt instantly recognizable this year but could also adapt and evolve for future festivals. They needed a framework that was versatile, a bit quirky, but still carried an air of sophistication.

So, where did they look for inspiration? The team cleverly blended influences from British mod subculture with the bold aesthetics of '80s and '90s poster art. It’s a smart mix, giving the identity a rebellious edge while keeping it grounded and refined. The core idea was to create a strong structure that frames the actual film stills, letting the movies shine while maintaining a cohesive festival vibe.

Color & Type: The Heart of the Identity

Let's talk color. STOKI played with the iconic Union Jack colors – red, white, and blue – but with a twist. They deliberately avoided using all three together in the core identity elements. This keeps things feeling elegant, not overtly nationalistic. The main visual identity uses a more minimalist palette, but for event-specific materials, brighter, more energetic tones jump in, creating dynamic contrasts that really pop.

Typography takes center stage here. It’s a balancing act between modern clarity and retro flair. You see bold, impactful fonts doing most of the talking. But STOKI didn't stop there. They introduced dynamic elements like warped text that seems to ripple across the page, energetic running banners, and visuals that overlap playfully. Circular accents, slight rotations, and italicized details add to this lively, almost rebellious visual language. It feels experimental but totally intentional.

Bringing It All Together

The result? A visual identity that feels confident and memorable. It manages to be both bold and sophisticated. The system uses structure – the framing, the consistent type hierarchy – but allows for expressive freedom within that structure. The warped text, the color bursts, the rotated elements – they all contribute to an atmosphere that feels energetic and perfectly suited for a film festival celebrating diverse British creativity.

It’s a great example of how a strong conceptual foundation – drawing from mod culture and poster history – can lead to a flexible and expressive visual identity. STOKI built a system that doesn’t just look good; it feels right for the event. It respects the films while creating its own distinct personality.

Explore More

This project really highlights how thoughtful design can create a lasting impact for recurring events. STOKI delivered a visual identity that’s both unique and built to last.

Check out more from the talented team at STOKI: STOKI Website