Wardill, who was born in Rugby and won the prestigious Jarman Award in 2010, presents When You Fall into a Trance - a film which explores the relationship between mind and body, and the complexities of communication.
To complement her film work, Wardill has selected pieces from the Rugby Collection of 20th and 21st century British art for the exhibition, which opened on Saturday 16 April.
When You Fall into a Trance focuses on neuroscientist Dominique's relationship with Simon, a patient who has lost proprioception - the body's ability to sense movement and position.
The film follows Dominique's growing fascination with the relationship between body and mind, and how it impacts on her own sense of self following a divorce and the relationship she has with her daughter, Tony - shown silently synchronised swimming in scenes shot at Rugby's old Ken Marriott Leisure Centre.
Wardill expands on the themes explored in When You Fall into a Trance with her selections from the Rugby Collection, which was established by the borough council in 1946.
The collection boasts nearly 200 pieces, including paintings, drawings, photography, prints, film and new media.
Works by well-known artists such as Barbara Hepworth, Percy Wyndham Lewis, AK Dolven and Maggie Hambling all feature in the collection.
Jessica Litherland, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's senior exhibitions officer, said: "We're delighted to welcome Emily Wardill back to Rugby to curate this year's Rugby Collection exhibition and showcase her latest film work.
"Emily has been at the forefront of British film for a number of years now, gaining international acclaim for her work with exhibitions across Europe and America.
"When You Fall into a Trance, together with her selections from the Rugby Collection to complement the themes explored in the film, promises to be a fascinating and compelling combination."
The Rugby Collection exhibition runs at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum until Saturday 11 June.
Screenings of When You Fall into a Trance (running time: 73 minutes, suitable for 16-year-olds and over) start at 10.15am, 11.45am, 1.15pm and 2.45pm.
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum opens from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and from 12 noon to 4pm on Bank Holidays.
For more information on exhibitions and events, visit www.ragm.co.uk
Picture caption: Internationally-acclaimed artist Emily Wardill presents When You Fall into a Trance at the Rugby Collection exhibition. (Video still courtesy of the artist and carlier l gebauer, STANDARD (OSLO) and Altman Siegal Gallery).