This Friday, January 22, the Images Festival will present the Canadian premiere of Björk's flamboyant Voltaïc: The Volta Tour Live In Paris and Reykjavik at The Acacia Centre.

So what is this video? Voltaïc is a three act concert film celebrating Björk's sixth album. It features splashy outfits and the Icelandic pop pixie performing songs from Volta, as well as earlier tracks like Hunter and Army of Me. Part experimental artist, part mega pop star, Björk is credited for both the music and the creative direction of the film.

Aside from the annual media art festival in April, the folks at Images have taken to hosting screenings all year round. According to Images Executive Director, Scott Miller Berry, these events keep the group active and build awareness of the festival during the year.

"We're always looking for ways to present projects that fall through the cracks," Scott explains, "whether it's because they are more challenging non-narrative films, multi-channel interactive installations or complex live events."

While music-related films are a bit of a departure from the traditional Images Festival fare, I for one am delighted to have the opportunity to see them. A few months ago, I caught an Images presentation of Sufjan Stevens' The BQE, an assemblage of clips of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and hula-hoops with a soundtrack composed by Stevens. And next up is Grant Gee's Joy Division documentary on February 5th, also at The Acacia Centre.

Björk fans will not be disappointed. While we've seen her on the big screen in Matthew Barney's Drawing Restraint 9 and Lars von Trier's Dancer in the Dark, Björk is a "showman" first and foremost. Voltaïc includes footage from two separate concerts filmed in Paris, including a 10-piece all female brass band, black lights, confetti, an astounding voice and grand production. A more intimate set filmed in Reykjavik features a choir and a brass quartet.

And for local film buffs, it's an opportunity to check out The Acacia Centre screening facility. Earlier this month, we reported that the 700-seat space is in pristine condition (for now) and has recently started booking events.

Voltaïc: The Volta Tour Live In Paris and Reykjavik screens Friday January 22 at 7:30pm
The Acacia Centre, 186 Spadina
Tickets $10 advance/ $12 door, available online, at Soundscapes (572 College) and Queen Video (480 Bloor St. West).

Björk - Voltaic Trailer from Trumiko Argh on Vimeo.