★★★★★ – Flickering Myth. Director Jamila Wignot presents an immersive portrait of visionary choreographer Alvin Ailey, a visionary artist who found salvation through dance.

"Absorbing tribute to African American dance icon" – Guardian

"Tender and affecting documentary on a visionary of contemporary dance" – Little White Lies

★★★★★ – Flickering Myth

Director Jamila Wignot presents an immersive portrait of visionary choreographer Alvin Ailey. Born in Texas in 1931 to a teenage mother, Ailey founded his own dance company in 1958.

Told in his own words and through the creation of a new commission – entitled ‘Lazarus’ – inspired by his life, this fascinating new documentary profiles a brilliant and enigmatic man who, when confronted by a world that refused to embrace him, was determined to build one that would.

★★★★★ – The Times. Kenneth Branagh writes and directs this semi-autobiographical tale of the Belfast of his youth about a young family torn between their home and fleeing the increasingly violent spectre of the Troubles.

"★★★★★ – A seductive piece of myth-making" – Guardian

“★★★★★ – A stirring coming-of-age portrait with magnificent performances” – The Playlist

“Already an Oscars favourite, Kenneth Branagh’s film is irresistible” – Irish Times

★★★★★ – The Times

Set during the tumult of late-1960s Northern Ireland, the film follows Buddy (Jude Hill), a young boy on the cusp of adolescence, as he navigates a landscape of working-class struggle, sweeping cultural changes, and increasing sectarian violence. Buddy dreams of a glamorous future that will whisk him far from the Troubles, but, in the meantime, he finds consolation in his charismatic Pa (Jamie Dornan) and Ma (Caitríona Balfe), and his spry, tale-spinning grandparents (Ciarán Hinds and Judi Dench).

Beautifully shot in lustrous black and white and with a wonderfully talented ensemble cast, Belfast is a tender and poignant coming-of-age tale that will win your heart with an equal measure of hearty laughs and tears.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning epic spirits you away into another world of witches, ghosts and beasts, where a young girl must summon all her courage to return herself and her parents to their normal lives.

"★★★★★ – A beautifully drawn and wonderfully composed work of art" – Guardian

"★★★★★ – sets a new benchmark for animation" – Empire

★★★★★ – The Times

★★★★★ – Slant

Ten-year-old Chihiro becomes mysteriously trapped in the spirit world with only her wit and courage to navigate the strange world of witches and beasts. With her parents transformed into pigs, Chihiro becomes determined to free herself and her parents before they are cursed to remain in the spirit world forever.

Brimming with imagination and unforgettable characters like No-Face and Yubaba, Spirited Away is not just one of Studio Ghibli’s finest, but one of the greatest animated films ever made. Winner of Best Animated Feature at the 2003 Academy Awards, it is the only non-English language film to do so.

"Captivating" – The Times. These special screenings of the immersive portrait Ailey is accompanied by a pre-recorded Q&A with director Jamila Wignot.

These screenings will be accompanied by a pre-recorded Q&A with director Jamila Wignot, hosted by Bonnie Gree.

★★★★★ – Flickering Myth

"Hauntingly evokes his identity as a dance alchemist who took the ace and exhilaration of the past and made it timeless" – Variety

"Fascinating portrait of the choreographer Alvin Ailey" – The Times

Director Jamila Wignot presents an immersive portrait of visionary choreographer Alvin Ailey. Born in Texas in 1931 to a teenage mother, Ailey founded his own dance company in 1958.

Told in his own words and through the creation of a new commission – entitled ‘Lazarus’ – inspired by his life, this fascinating new documentary profiles a brilliant and enigmatic man who, when confronted by a world that refused to embrace him, was determined to build one that would.

★★★★★ – Guardian. Francois Truffaut’s masterpiece follows the difficult life of Antoine Doinel, a 13-year-old Parisian boy who spending his days with his best friend, Rene, in a world full of cruel teachers, careless parents and selfish adults.

"★★★★★ – François Truffaut’s coming-of-age masterwork" – Guardian

"A landmark in modern cinema" – BBC

"★★★★★ – one of the greatest movies about childhood, from anywhere, ever" – Independent

"★★★★★ – Vibrant, visually exciting and emotionally resonant" – Empire

★★★★★ – Time Out

Restored in stunning 4K, The 400 Blows returns to the big screen.

An outstanding piece of cinema from the French New Wave movement, the film was director Francois Truffaut’s directorial debut and his response to what he felt was wrong with the film industry in France at that time.

Achingly poetic and founded mostly on elements from Truffaut’s own childhood, the film is – at its core – a simple character study of a 13-year-old boy, and is strengthened by a highly naturalistic performance from Jean-Pierre Léaud in the role of Antoine Doinel.

Regarded as ‘Britain’s greatest living playwright’ (Times), Academy and Tony Award-winner Tom Stoppard’s critically acclaimed new play Leopoldstadt is a passionate drama of love, family and endurance.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Leopoldstadt was the old, crowded Jewish quarter of Vienna, Austria. But Hermann Merz, a factory owner and baptised Jew now married to Catholic Gretl, has moved up in the world.

We follow his family’s story across half a century, passing through the convulsions of war, revolution, impoverishment, annexation by Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. A company of 40 actors represent each generation of the family in this epic, but intimate play.

Filmed live on stage in London’s West End, ‘Tom Stoppard’s masterpiece is magnificent’ (Independent) and should not be missed.

★★★★ – Telegraph. Back to popular demand, Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton) stars as Clarice Cliff in this uplifting biopic of the ceramic artist who broke the glass ceiling in 1920s Britain.

"★★★★ – Has a feel-good gloss that’s hard to resist" – Telegraph

★★★★ – The Upcoming

Claire McCarthy (Ophelia) brings to the screen the inspirational story of pioneering working-class ceramic artist Clarice Cliff – regarded as one of the most influential ceramicists of the 20th century.

A star-making performance from Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton), in her feature film debut, is complimented by a great supporting cast which includes Matthew Goode (The Imitation Game) and David Morrissey (The Other Boleyn Girl).

★★★★★ – Guardian. Set in the 70s, Licorice Pizza is Paul Thomas Anderson's (Punch-Drunk Love) excellent coming-of-age character study. Screening on 35mm film for one night only.

"★★★★★ – Paul Thomas Anderson’s sweet coming-of-age yarn is free-spirited and fun as hell” – Time Out

"★★★★★ – every casual line, kiss, automobile-ride, set-up and joke is a joy” – Guardian

“Anderson’s gentlest, most endearing picture to date” – Screen Daily

★★★★★ – Telegraph

Set in 1970s California, Paul Thomas Anderson’s (Punch-Drunk Love) wonderful coming-of-age story focuses on high school student and child actor Gary Valentine (Hoffman, son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman) and his relationship with twentysomething Alana Kane (Haim).

Featuring star-making performances from its fresh-faced talent, Anderson beautifully captures the highs and lows of growing up and first love.

Screening on 35mm film.

★★★★ – Empire. Guillermo Del Toro (The Shape of Water) brings together a stellar cast in his visually sumptuous and oh-so-dark noir about a silver-tongued 'carnie' and his plot to con a wealthy tycoon.

"★★★★ – Guillermo del Toro’s fairground of fear is a class act" – Guardian

"★★★★ – a dark carnival of exploitation" – Empire

★★★★ – intoxicating noir epic that has… terrifying blackness in its heart” – Metro

Academy Award winner Guillermo Del Toro (The Shape of Water) brings together a stellar cast in his visually sumptuous noir, adapted from William Lindsay Gresham’s 1946 pulp novel.

Bradley Cooper plays Stanton Carlisle, a charismatic and ambitious ‘carnie’ with a silver tongue. Hatching a plot to con a wealthy tycoon, Carlisle hooks up with well-connected psychologist Dr Lilith Ritter (Blanchett) – a woman even more dangerous than he is.

The star-studded cast includes Willem Dafoe, Toni Collette and Rooney Mara.

"★★★★ – positively ringing with life" – Guardian. Pedro Almodóvar (Pain and Glory) returns with this unflinching drama about motherhood, love and loss, starring Penelope Cruz and Milena Smit.

"★★★★ – positively ringing with life" – Guardian

★★★★ – Telegraph

"★★★★ – Almodóvar juggles comedy and drama to terrifically entertaining ends, aided by a tip-top Penélope Cruz" – Empire

"★★★★ – a fabulous display of intellectual bait and switch" – The Times

Pedro Almodóvar (Pain and Glory) returns with this unflinching drama about motherhood, love and loss, starring Penélope Cruz and Milena Smit.

Two expectant mothers – both single – meet in the hospital room where they are about to give birth. Middle-aged Janis (Cruz) is thrilled about her pregnancy, but Ana (Smit) is young, regretful and scared.

As they await the birth of their babies, the women bond and so begins a complex relationship that will change both their lives.

Spanish with English subtitles.

★★★★★ – Guardian. Thai auteur Apichatpong Weerasethakul ventures into the English-language for the first time with this hypnotic and meditative drama, starring Tilda Swinton.

"★★★★★ – a beautiful and mysterious movie, slow cinema that decelerates your heartbeat" – Guardian

"★★★★ – a hypnotic, unquantifiable, occasionally impenetrable sonic odyssey from a unique cinematic voice” – Empire

"★★★★ – ecological psychodrama defies all explanation" – Independent

Thai auteur, and Palme D’Or winner, Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives) ventures into the English-language for the first time with this hypnotic and meditative drama.

While travelling in Colombia, Scottish botanist Jessica (Swinton) begins to hear an explosive sound that seems to be inaudible to others, setting her on a bewildering path to discover its origin.

UK Premiere. Happily married septuagenarian Momoko is shattered her husband’s sudden death. In her enduring solitude, she starts hearing three ‘voices’ who attempt to liven up her life.

UK Premiere, as part of the Japan Foundation Touring Programme 2022.

Happily married septuagenarian Momoko (Yuko Tanaka) is shattered by her husband’s sudden death. In her enduring solitude, she starts hearing three ‘voices’ who attempt to liven up her life.

Adapted from Chisako Wakatake’s prize-winning novel, director Shuichi Okita beautifully portrays the immeasurable positivity of a woman determined to live on and enjoy her old age.

In Japanese with English subtitles.

A practical, skills-based guide to screenwriting, taking you from your initial idea to a finished, short film script over the course of eight weeks.

The Art of Screenwriting will provide a practical, skills-based guide to screenwriting, taking you from your initial idea to a finished short film script over the course of eight weeks.

Experienced writer Kenton Hall will cover all aspects of screenwriting and working in the film industry, enabling you to take part in the full script-to-screen process. Writers of all levels of experience will be encouraged to develop, pitch and refine a short film script, while developing both their craft and industry knowledge.

All participants will write a script at the end of the course which will be edited to professional standards.

"Kenton showed a great deal of passion about the subject and this transmitted to the participants. We were all impressed with his depth of knowledge and effective methodology in kick-starting our creativity. High recommendation from me for course and tutors." – The Art of Screenwriting course participant

Course Breakdown:

Week 1:   An introduction to screenwriting

Week 2:   The 'light bulb' moment: is your idea any good? – ideas and pitching

Week 3:   Structure and why it matters – structuring your script

Week 4:   A bunch of authors in search of some characters – writing convincing characters

Week 5:   The plot thickens – plot construction

Week 6:   Your first draft and how much it sucks! – writing your script

Week 7:   How I learned to stop worrying and love my script editor – editing and refining your script

Week 8:   Giving up your baby: what happens next? – how a script is developed into a film

This course will take place in our Screen Room. There are 9 places available to allow for social distancing.

Fledgling photographer Shu finds his muse in the form of a young model, Yuka. As his career takes off, alongside his relationship with Yuka, he begins to suspect that she isn’t all that she seems.

Fledgling photographer Shu (Daichi Kaneko) finds his muse in the form of a young model, Yuka (Ruka Ishikawa). As his career takes off, alongside his relationship with Yuka, he begins to suspect that she isn’t all that she seems.

Takashi Koyama’s stylish film takes the guise of a boy-meets-girl plot to reveal the dark desires and ambitions that lie within human beings.

In Japanese with English subtitles.

In partnership with De Montfort University, as part of #DMUpride to mark LGBTQ+ History Month, we present a specially selected programme of short films from LGBTQ+ filmmakers, followed by a Q&A and panel discussion.

In partnership with De Montfort University, as part of #DMUpride to mark LGBTQ+ History Month, we present a specially selected programme of five short films from LGBTQ+ filmmakers, followed by a Q&A and panel discussion.

We’ll be discussing with the filmmakers what queer living looks like to them. The focal point of discussion will be inter-actions in the heteronormative world and intra-actions in the queer world, to understand and celebrate the construction of LGBTQ+ identities. We’ll be exploring moments of queer joy, hardship and triumph, along with what authenticity means to them.

Film Programme:

Everyman (Dir: Jake Goessen)

A personal, visual essay about gender transition – focusing on the social context and implications and exploring how the world is different living as female compared to being perceived as male.

Cindy (Dir: Rosanagh Griffiths)

Cindy’s first drag performance isn’t exactly a success; when a filmed wardrobe malfunction unexpectedly goes viral, she is forced to face the reactions of her families – the one she’s born into, and the one she’s chosen.

Finger Prick (Dir: Edward Buxton)

Alone in the bathroom, 26-year-old Alexi continues to deal with feelings of shame and guilt after one night of discreet pleasure, while he takes a home HIV test.

Sweet Mother (Dir: Zane Igbe)

Set in Sheffield, this short drama tells the story of a British-Nigerian man who is forced to confront cultural rejection when his mother discovers his sexuality.

The Cost of Living (Dir: Alice Trueman)

When Lily, a disconnected, neurotic, wellness-freak, has a brush with death, she comes face-to- face with her greatest fear. But ‘Death’ appears to Lily as a femme fatale and Lily unexpectedly finds herself giddy with desire. A surreal, comedy-noir about waking up to life.

Post-screening discussion:

The post-screening Q&A and panel discussion will be hosted by Astra Sword. She will be joined by Edward Buxton (writer and director of Finger Prick), Rosanagh Griffiths (writer, director, and co-producer of Cindy), Zane Igbe (writer and director of Sweet Mother) and Alice Trueman (editor, writer, and director of The Cost of Living).

For further information about this event, please email [email protected]

Join us for our first Mystery Film screening for families! No one knows what the film will be until the lights go down and the credits roll, so tuck into your popcorn and enjoy.

Join us for our first Mystery Film screening for families!

Putting the adventure and excitement back into watching films, our very popular Mystery Film night has run for several years, and now in partnership with The Spark Festival we can’t wait to open it up to families.

No one knows what the film will be until the lights go down and the credits roll, so all you need to do is sit back, relax (maybe take turns guessing what it will be), and enjoy the film.

Doors open 2.15pm.

There will be no ads or trailers and the film will start promptly at 2.30pm.

Screening finishes: 4.15pm

All tickets £4.

Set twelve years before the epic His Dark Materials trilogy, this gripping adaptation revisits Philip Pullman’s fantastical world in which waters are rising and storms are brewing.

Eighteen years after his ground breaking production of His Dark Materials at the National Theatre, director Nicholas Hytner returns to Pullman’s parallel universe.

Two young people and their dæmons, with everything at stake, find themselves at the centre of a terrifying manhunt. In their care is a tiny child called Lyra Belacqua, and in that child lies the fate of the future. As the waters rise around them, powerful adversaries conspire for mastery of Dust: salvation to some, the source of infinite corruption to others.

Broadcast live from London’s Bridge Theatre.

The Bolshoi Ballet perform one of the most beloved productions in the classical canon, set to the unmistakable music of Tchaikovsky.

Lured to the banks of a mysterious lake by his alter-ego, the Evil Genius, Prince Siegfried encounters the most beautiful swan Odette and swears his love to her. At the castle, prospective brides try to entertain the distracted Prince, but it is the ravishing swan Odile who threatens the promise Siegfried made to Odette.

The legend of the enigmatic swan-woman set to Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece of a score is ballet’s most beloved production in the classical canon. The Bolshoi Ballet’s Swan Lake exemplifies the dramatic tension and heart-stopping beauty of motion, with prima ballerina Olga Smirnova leading the cast.

Captured live on film in February 2020.

This highly engaging film takes us on a journey through the life of one of most iconic female artists, to seek a deeper understanding of the real Frida Kahlo.

“I never paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality.”

Released to coincide with International Women’s Day, Exhibition on Screen is delighted to bring Frida Kahlo back to cinema for the attention it deserves after last year’s Covid restrictions.

Who was Frida Kahlo? Everyone knows her, but who was the woman behind the bright colours, the big brows, and the floral crowns? Take a journey through the life of a true icon, discover her art, and uncover the truth behind her often turbulent life.

Making use of the latest technology, we take an in-depth look at key works throughout her career. Using letters Kahlo wrote to guide us, this definitive film reveals her deepest emotions and unlocks the secrets and symbolism contained within her art.

Exhibition on Screen’s trademark combination of interviews, commentary and a detailed exploration of her art delivers a treasure trove of colour and a feast of vibrancy. This personal and intimate film offers privileged access to her works, and highlights the source of her feverish creativity, her resilience, and her unmatched lust for life, politics, men and women.

On a glorious Greek evening, screen legend Bill Murray and world renowned cellist Jan Vogler rock the Acropolis with a timeless mix of music, literature and poetry.

On a glorious Greek evening, screen legend Bill Murray and world renowned cellist Jan Vogler rock the Acropolis with a timeless mix of music, literature and poetry. Captured on film by director Andrew Muscato, Murray and Vogler are joined by the dazzling Mira Wang (violin) and dynamic Vanessa Perez (piano).

The international quartet enchants the Athenian audience from the 2,000 year old stage of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus with musical reflections on love, hope and heartbreak. Spanning from Bach to Van Morrison, Whitman to West Side Story, the wildly entertaining, humorous and deeply touching program is infused with the one-of-a-kind charm of Bill Murray.

The ‘New Worlds’ project emerged from a chance encounter between Murray and Vogler, who met on a flight from Berlin to New York in 2013, with Murray amused that Vogler’s cello was taking up the window seat. The pair forged a strong friendship founded upon a deep curiosity for each other’s artistic worlds.

This beautifully crafted film explores the Easter story as depicted in art, from the time of the early Christians to the present day.

The story of Christ’s death and resurrection has dominated Western culture for the past 2000 years. It is perhaps the most significant historical event of all time, as recounted by the gospels but, equally, as depicted by the greatest artists in history.

From the triumphant to the savage, the ethereal to the tactile, some of Western civilisation’s greatest artworks focus on this pivotal moment. This beautifully crafted film explores the Easter story as depicted in art, from the time of the early Christians to the present day.

Shot on location in Jerusalem, United States and throughout Europe, the film explores the different ways artists have depicted the Easter story through the ages, and thus depicts the history of us all.

Rescued from obscurity by French choreographer Pierre Lacotte, this spectacular ballet from Marius Petipa is a gem that demands to be discovered by a wider audience.

While traveling in Egypt, Lord Wilson is caught in a sandstorm and finds refuge in the nearest pyramid where Aspicia, the daughter of one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, lies entombed. When he falls asleep, lulled by the haze of opium, Aspicia comes to life and his passion for her will take him on a fantastic journey.

French choreographer Pierre Lacotte brilliantly resurrected a forgotten masterpiece exclusively for the Bolshoi Ballet nearly twenty years ago - Marius Petipa’s The Pharaoh’s Daughter.  With its exotic setting, spectacular dancing and scenes choreographed for nearly the entire Bolshoi troupe, this stunning Egyptian fresco is one of the most remarkable productions in the company’s repertoire.

Award-winning filmmaker and director Keith Allott leads our annual 8-week practical introduction to filmmaking, taking you step by step all the way from pre-production planning through to the final edit of your film.

Award-winning filmmaker and director Keith Allott (Badshoes Film) leads our annual 8-week practical introduction to filmmaking, taking you step by step all the way from pre-production planning through to the final edit of your film.

We will look at using the camera and what shot types cause what effects with an audience; capturing good audio and treating it; editing, edit pacing and the effects it has; and how music can change the mood of your film completely.

Course Breakdown:

Week 1:  Intro to filmmaking and the course

Week 2:  Planning and pre-production

Week 3:  Using the camera

Week 4:  Shot types and mise-en-scene

Week 5:  Capturing audio

Week 6:  Editing and post-production

Week 7:  Post audio and music

Week 8:  Entering film festivals and final recap

The course will be delivered in-person at Phoenix.

Capacity is limited to 9 participants to enable social distancing.