NOW SHOWING: LONDON SCREEN GUIDE w/c 23.03.18
RADIANT CIRCUS hunts out the best independent movie nights, film events & gallery screenings in London for the week ahead*. Here’s our SCREEN GUIDE for 23 to 29 MAR 2018.
FRI 23 // SAT 24 // SUN 25 // MON 26 // TUE 27 // WED 28 // THU 29
Welcome to our weekly digest where we recommend moving pictures that might excite you.
This week, the Essential Cinema season at Close-Up goes into hyperdrive with unmissable screenings of: RAN (24 MAR); ANDREI RUBLEV (25 MAR); MARKETA LAZAROVA (27 MAR); THRONE OF BLOOD 35mm (28 MAR); and, THE BAD SLEEP WELL (29 MAR). In a similar vein, The Prince Charles boots up a new season of films by Japanese legend, Yasujirô Ozu, starting with EARLY SPRING 35mm (26 MAR). See MUSEUM SHOWS for details and links, below.
If money’s a bit tight (and when is it not in this fine city?), you could do a lot worse then head to House Of Vans for their ongoing series of free events, currently focused on Women In Film. Other free screens this week include: childhood horror show THE GATE at The Alibi (26 MAR); CONTRACORRIENTE at The Cinema Museum (28 MAR – donation requested!); and, the relaunch of Korean Film Nights at the Korean Cultural Centre with EARTH (29 MAR). Again, see MUSEUM SHOWS for links.
Speaking of money being tight, Deptford Cinema is closing for a few days (30 MAR to 02 APR) to undertake essential maintenance. They are hoping to raise some funds to cover their unavoidable overheads whilst getting their work done (some £650). If you can help, please donate here. Yet another reminder of how fragile our shared screen culture actually is…
Finally, we wrote about world cinema being a source of light that unites us in our recent writeup of YEELEN. We can’t think of any better time to be picking a Russian film as our featured attraction of the week. Join us for The New Social’s presentation of HOW VIKTOR ‘THE GARLIC’ TOOK ALEXEY ‘THE STUD’ TO THE NURSING HOME + SCREENTALK with director Alexander Hant at the Barbican (28 MAR). We look forward to seeing you there.
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#SCREENGUIDE: We highlight up to three SINGLE-O EXHIBITS (one-off events) each day and a quick roundup of others. There’s also a summary of MUSEUM SHOWS (divided into exhibitions and seasons & festivals) and GRIND SHOWS (regular runs & mainstream marvels) below the line. Follow date & section links to find what you want. Use your ‘back’ button to return here.
We check ticket availability for everything listed before we post: please click quickly!
NOW SHOWING: SINGLE-O EXHIBITS
ONE-OFF MOVIE NIGHTS, FILM EVENTS & GALLERY SCREENINGS (by date/event)
FRI 23
3 DEAD TRICK OR TREATERS – LONDON PREMIERE + Skype Q&A with Torin Langen screens at Deptford Cinema (23 MAR 20:00):
After stumbling upon the graves of three murdered trick or treaters, a small town paperboy discovers a series of handwritten horror stories tacked to the children’s headstones. Penned by a deranged pulp author driven mad by his craft, the stories chronicle grisly tales of Halloween rites, rituals and traditions. “Absent of dialogue and heavy on atmosphere, this is a horror anthology unlike any you’ve seen before.”
I GOT LIFE! + SCREENTALK with Blandine Lenoir screens at Barbican (23 MAR 18:30):
Blandine Lenoir’s feel-good charmer tells the story of fifty-year old Aurore as she tries to reassert herself in a society that would rather she goes unnoticed. “Blandine Lenoir’s film is a joyous and warm-hearted observation on motherhood, friendship, solidarity, and proves it’s never too late to put your heart on the line.” Part of CONVERSATIONS WITH WOMEN IN FILM.
WESTWOOD: PUNK, ICON, ACTIVIST + WOMEN IN FILM PANEL screens at Curzon Mayfair (23 MAR 18:30):
Dame Vivienne Westwood has been redefining British fashion for over 40 years, and is responsible for creating many of the most distinctive looks of our time. Lorna Tucker’s doc blends archive, reconstruction, and insightful interviews with Westwood’s fascinating network of collaborators, to guide us on her journey. Followed by discussion of the representation of women in the film industry in partnership with Women In Film & TV.
See the doc at, amongst others, ArtHouse Couch End, DocHouse and ICA.
Looking for something different (A–Z)? CINEMAATTIC: MUJERES, WOMEN ON FILM at Hackney Picturehouse (19:30). THE CONVERSATION + INTRO at Ink@84 (19:30).
SAT 24
THE BILL DOUGLAS TRILOGY screens at Deptford Cinema (24 MAR 18:30):
MY CHILDHOOD (1972), MY AIN FOLK (1973) and MY WAY HOME (1978): an autobiographical coming-of-age trilogy from Bill Douglas. Seldomly screened and enormously influential, together they are an evocative, impressionistic, and poetic look at life in the mining village of Newcraighall, Scotland.
HAVE A NICE DAY – MUBI x GENESIS screens at Genesis Cinema (24 MAR 13:30):
Liu Jian’s HAVE A NICE DAY is a whirlwind neo-noir that cements his place as a pioneering force in independent Chinese animation. Screening as part of the new MUBI x Genesis partnership, all ticket holders will get a free month of hand-picked films to watch online.
Liu Jian’s film enjoys a grind show run at The Prince Charles and Rio Cinema.
TASTE THE BLOOD OF DRACULA + BLOOD ON SATAN’S CLAW + Q&A with Linda Hayden screens at Genesis Cinema (24 MAR 15:30):
Back to back British horrors in high definition with Christopher Lee’s fourth Hammer Dracula and a stylish and highly atmospheric effort that serves up some good scares. Both films feature Linda Hayden who will discuss her career on stage during the intermission.
Looking for something different (A–Z)? FRENCH IMPRESSIONS – LÉON MORIN PRIEST + INTRO by Jon Davies at Watermans (13:00). TRUE ROMANCE 35mm at The Prince Charles (18:00). WRINKLE IN TIME presented by Black Girls Book Club at Stratford Picturehouse (18:00).
SUN 25
COLOURMATION: DEBORAH S. PHILLIPS & KAREL DOING screens at Close-Up (25 MAR 17:30):
Berlin-based artist Deborah S Phillips screens a selection of her Super8, 16mm and performance works alongside a new film/performance by Karel Doing.
PATRICIO GUZMÁN DOUBLE BILL: THE PEARL BUTTON + NOSTALGIA FOR THE LIGHT screens at Tricycle Theatre (25 MAR 14:00 & 16:00):
A unique opportunity to see the work of a leading documentary filmmaker, the only director with two films in the top 20 of Sight & Sound’s list of greatest documentaries of all time. Patricio Guzmán’s “mesmerising” THE PEARL BUTTON (2015) and NOSTALGIA FOR THE LIGHT (2010) screen as a special double bill. “Full of wonder and imagination” Time Out.
PLANET OF THE APES + A TRIP TO THE MOON + Q&A with Ryan Lambie screens at Phoenix Cinema (25 MAR 14:00):
Ryan Lambie, deputy editor at Den of Geek, discusses science fiction cinema and what made him include both A TRIP TO THE MOON and PLANET OF THE APES in his new book, The Geek’s Guide to SF Cinema, that explores the genre through turning points in its history across 30 key films.
Looking for something different (A–Z)? THE LOST CITY OF Z 35mm at The Prince Charles (21:00). SORCERER at The Prince Charles (18:00). WRINKLE IN TIME + PANEL presented by Caramel Film Club at Stratford Picturehouse (15:00).
MON 26
120 BPM + INTRO with director Robin Campillo screens at Curzon Soho (26 MAR 18:10):
The lives of AIDS activists in early 90s Paris are reimagined in bold and vivid detail in 120 BPM, a stunning and heart-wrenching drama from the writer of Palme d’Or winner THE CLASS, Robin Campillo. Winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes 2017 and a host of international awards, “this is an essential work of cinema with a profoundly moving and delicately crafted love story at its heart”. Raising funds for The Terrence Higgins Trust.
Also LAUNCH EVENT + AFTER PARTY at the same venue (29 MAR 18:15).
GHOLAM + SCREENTALK with Mitra Tabrizian screens at Barbican (26 MAR 18:15):
Haunted by his past and with an uncertain future, Gholam gets involved in the conflict of a total stranger and sees it through to the very end. Set in London, GHOLAM is the story of an enigmatic Iranian cab driver, who works at night and doesn’t like to talk about his past.
PSYCHO VERTICAL screens at Lexi Cinema (26 MAR 18:30):
By night, Andy Kirkpatrick is a stand-up comedian; during the day he may be found dangling from a vertical rockface. This “beautiful, complicated” doc is a raw and emotive portrait of the complex life of this writer, funny-man and unlikely hero-mountaineer and charts Kirkpatrick’s 18-day solo ascent of vertiginous El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
Looking for something different (A–Z)? ANGEL AND THE BADMAN presented by Kennington Shoot-em-ups at The Cinema Museum (19:30). CALL ME BY YOUR NAME presented by Deeper Into Movies at Moth Club (19:00). THE GATE at The Alibi (20:30 – FREE!).
TUE 27
BANG! THE BERT BERNS STORY screens at Regent Street Cinema (27 MAR 19:30):
Music meets the Mob in this biographical documentary, narrated by Stevie Van Zandt, about the life and career of Bert Berns – the most important songwriter and record producer from the sixties that you’ve never heard of. Presented by Heavenly Films.
DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST 35mm screens at The Prince Charles Cinema (27 MAR 18:15):
At the dawn of the 20th century, a family in the Gullah community of coastal South Carolina – former West African slaves who adopted many of their ancestors’ Yoruba traditions – suffers a generational split.
THE MYSTERY OF PICASSO screens at Ciné Lumière (27 MAR 18:30):
Thanks to transparent canvases, Henri-Georges Clouzot gives viewers the chance to see the creative process of the most influential painter of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso. One of the greatest documentary portraits of an artist at work ever made, it shows us, stroke after stroke, art in the making. Also see Picasso 1932 – Love, Fame, Tragedy at Tate Modern (until 09 SEP).
Looking for something different (A–Z)? BLADE RUNNER – THE FINAL CUT + Q&A with author Michael Brooks – Science(ish): The Peculiar Science Behind the Movies – at Wimbledon Film Club (20:20). HEAD celebrates its 50th Anniversary at The Prince Charles (20:45). MARSHLAND at Richmond Film Society (20:00).
WED 28
CONTRACORRIENTE aka Undertow screens at The Cinema Museum (28 MAR 19:00 – FREE!):
ReShape and the Cinema Museum present the third season of the VITO Project, a series of free monthly screenings bringing generations of LGBTs together to provide an alternative space to mix, watch films and share ideas. CONTRACORRIENTE is a 2009 Peruvian film directed by Javier Fuentes-León. Free but please donate to ensure the future of the VITO project!
HOW VIKTOR ‘THE GARLIC’ TOOK ALEXEY ‘THE STUD’ TO THE NURSING HOME + SCREENTALK with Alexander Hant screens at Barbican (28 MAR 18:30):
This compelling award winning debut feature evokes the aesthetics of Tarantino’s PULP FICTION and Danny Boyle’s TRAINSPOTTING, as it takes us on a satirical journey through dysfunctional parenthood.
LET THE SUNSHINE IN + Q&A with Claire Denis screens at Curzon Bloomsbury (28 MAR 20:50):
A romantic comedy might be the last thing to expect from the director of BEAU TRAVAIL and WHITE MATERIAL, but that’s what Claire Denis has produced with star Juliette Binoche. Albeit one with dramatic weight, as it charts the perils of the mid-life dating scene.”It’s a work of sublime beauty, subtle humour and enormous heart, with Binoche at her radiant best.”
PK screens at Amnesty International Action Centre (28 MAR 18:00):
A stranger’s childlike curiosity and worldview challenges people’s long-held notions, making friends of some and foes of others. This satirical sci-fi comedy is a unique exploration of complex philosophies and a humane tale of love. Join Welcome Cinema + Kitchen for their renowned world food supper club as they celebrate Bollywood. Tickets are free to refugees and asylum seekers.
Looking for something different (A–Z)? EASTER PARADE at Regent Street Cinema (12:00 & 15:30). FARGO 35mm at The Prince Charles (20:45). GRACE JONES: BLOODLIGHT & BAMI at Screen25 (19:45). RUST & BONE at Pitshanger Pictures (20:15). TOKYO GODFATHERS screens at Deptford Cinema (19:30).
THU 29
THE BATTLE OF LEWISHAM screens at Bernie Grant Arts Centre (29 MAR 19:00):
On 13th August 1977, the National Front attempted to march from New Cross to Lewisham to demonstrate their racist agenda. However, the local community had other ideas. The events that then unfolded would later become known as the Battle of Lewisham. A symbol of solidarity in the face of fascism and racism.
BETWEEN LAND AND SEA + Q&A with director Ross Whitaker screens at DocHouse (29 MAR 18:30):
The immense beauty of Ireland’s west coast forms the striking backdrop to this portrait of seaside surf town Lahinch. Boasting one of Europe’s best big-wave breaks, the town is gradually becoming a destination for serious surfers as well as tourists keen to learn. “Stunningly shot and filmed with deep affection for the town, Ross Whitaker’s uplifting portrait of the people of Lahinch is testament to the awesome draw of the surf.”
THE ISLANDS AND THE WHALES + Q&A with director Mike Day screens at Picturehouse Central (29 MAR 19:00):
Following a string of international festival awards, Mike Day’s THE ISLANDS AND THE WHALES gets a special preview screening. In their remote home in the North Atlantic the Faroe Islanders have always eaten what nature could provide, proud to put local food on the table. The land yields little, so they have always relied on harvesting their seas.
Looking for something different (A–Z)? BREAKFAST ON PLUTO at Sydenham Film Club (19:30). GOD’S OWN COUNTRY presented by Unicorn Nights at The Prince Charles (18:20). THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY + NEON presented by Arrow Video Club at The Prince Charles (20:45). OPEN MIC SHORT FILM NIGHT presented by The Film Bunch at The Montpellier (19:00 – deaf & hard-of-hearing friendly).
NOW SHOWING: MUSEUM SHOWS PART 1
EXHIBITIONS (by event/venue)
ARTISTS FILM CLUB: LAWRENCE LEK + Skype Q&A screens at the ICA (28 MAR 18:45):
Working with gaming environments and game design software, Lek constructs dystopian future worlds occupied by new and emerging technologies. This screening features the first UK showing of London-based artist Lawrence Lek’s PYRAMID SCHEMES (2018), alongside recent works GEOMANCER (2017) and PLAY STATION (2017).
BL CK B X: VANALYNE GREEN screens at LUX Moving Image (until 14 APR – FREE, check for opening days/times):
LUX presents a solo exhibition of video work by American artist Vanalyne Green, as part of the free BL CK B X exhibition series. Vanalyne Green has screened her video work extensively in the United States and abroad. To launch the exhibition, Green will be IN CONVERSATION with Adrian Rifkin (24 MAR 14:00 – FREE).
HE XIANGYU: EVIDENCE screens at White Cube Bermondsey (until 08 APR – FREE, check for times):
White Cube presents an exhibition of He Xiangyu at Bermondsey, including his feature length film, THE SWIM (2017), as well as new installation, sculpture and video. THE SWIM will be screened twice daily in the auditorium (TUE to SAT at 11:00 & 15:00 and once on SUN at 15:00).
IAN CHENG screens at the Serpentine Galleries (until 28 MAY – FREE, check for opening days/times):
Artist Ian Cheng likens his live simulations to ‘a computer game that plays itself’, testing the capacity of humans to relate to continual change. Meet his new AI species, BOB (evolving in real time from 6 March to 22 April). The second part of the exhibition takes over from 22 APR with his trilogy of simulations, EMISSARIES (2015-17).
JOAN JONAS at Tate Modern (until 05 AUG):
Hero to a generation of younger artists, Joan Jonas is a pioneer of performance and video who has pushed the boundaries of art for the last five decades. This is the largest exhibition of Jonas’ work ever held in the UK. Installations include Lines in the Sand, The Juniper Tree and Reanimation.
MASTERCLASS: BASMA ALSHARIF screens at LUX Moving Image (26 MAR 18:30):
In this public lecture, Basma Alsharif will present a number of her films and discuss her artistic practice. Alsharif’s films and videos explore the subjective experience of political landscape, investigating the links between a geographical space and its mental representation.
PATRICK HOUGH, JOHN SKOOG, and ØRJAN AMUNDSEN screens at The Whitechapel Gallery (until 01 APR – FREE, check for times):
A selection of artists from The Whitechapel’s ARTISTS’ FILM INTERNATIONAL partnership of moving image galleries. The 2018 edition focuses on the theme of truth. Each of the selected artists explore the relationship between fact and fiction.
SANDRA PERRY: TYPHOON COMING ON screens at Serpentine Galleries (until 20 MAY – FREE, check with the gallery for opening days/times):
The Serpentine presents the first European solo exhibition of American artist Sondra Perry who explores the intersection of black identity, digital culture and power structures through video, media, installation and performance.
TACITA DEAN: PORTRAIT screens at the National Portrait Gallery (until 28 MAY – Tickets £14/£12.50 concession, check with the gallery for opening days/times):
This major new exhibition will focus on portraiture primarily through the medium of 16mm film. The exhibition will be the first in the gallery’s history to be devoted to the medium of film, and also reveals Tacita Dean’s own longstanding and personal interest in portraiture as a genre.
TACITA DEAN: STILL LIFE screens at the National Gallery (until 28 MAY – FREE, check with the gallery for opening days/times):
STILL LIFE presents a diverse selection of works in a variety of mediums. Works by the artist herself – including a new film diptych made especially for the exhibition, IDEAS FOR SCULPTURE IN A SETTING and PRISONER PAIR (2008, 16mm) – feature alongside works by Dean’s contemporaries and paintings from the National Gallery Collection.
NOW SHOWING: MUSEUM SHOWS PART 2
SEASONS (by event/venue)
ESSENTIAL CINEMA XI screens at Close-Up (until 29 MAR):
Close-Up continues their much-loved programme focusing on films that have shaped the history and art of cinema. Projecting this week are: RAN (24 MAR 19:30); ANDREI RUBLEV (25 MAR 19:30); MARKETA LAZAROVA (27 MAR 19:00); THRONE OF BLOOD 35mm (28 MAR 19:30); and, THE BAD SLEEP WELL (29 MAR 19:30).
THE FILMS OF YASUJIRÔ OZU screens at The Prince Charles Cinema (26 MAR to 14 OCT):
Showcasing the films of legendary Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu, The Prince Charles is taking the English translation of his titles literally, screening them during the season in which they’re set. There’s also a screening of TOKYO STORY, “just because it’s great”. Get started with EARLY SPRING 35mm aka Sôshun (26 MAR 20:35).
HIT THE ROAD screens at Classic Cinema Club – Ealing (MAR & APR):
Classic Cinema Club Ealing screens a season of “moving pictures: the epitome of road movies and buddy films, along with some acclaimed documentaries and animation”. Feel the wind in your hair with a programme of popular films including this week’s THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT (23 MAR 19:30).
KOREAN FILM NIGHTS screens at the Korean Cultural Centre (until JUNE):
A new run of free film nights – this time focused on Korean Novels On Screen – starts with EARTH (29 MAR 19:00 – booking required!).
UNORTHODOCS screens at Somerset House (until 21 MAY):
Dartmouth Films continues the fifth annual season “celebrating documentary at its most remarkable, innovative and provocative” with LOST IN VAGUENESS – THE ULTIMATE UNTOLD GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL STORY + Q&A with Sofia Olins (26 MAR 19:00).
WALERIAN BOROWCZYK: OBSCURE PLEASURES screens at Close-Up (09 to 23 MAR):
Close-Up concludes the season dedicated to “master craftsman, Dadaist prankster, and unrepentant sensualist” Walerian Borowczyk with BLANCHE + ROSALIE (23 MAR 19:30).
WE <3 GRETA GERWIG screens at The Prince Charles (28 MAR to 08 JUN):
“Oh, we love Greta Gerwig! Oh, how we do!” From March to June, the Prince Charles will celebrate the acting prowess of the Actress/Writer/Director triple-threat, with a selection of some of her best roles from recent years. First up is GREENBERG 35mm (28 MAR 18:30).
WES ANDERSON LATES screens at Everyman Screen On The Green (until 14 APR):
First up is THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS (24 MAR 23:30).
WOMEN ON FILM screens at House Of Vans (until 01 APR):
A series of free screenings, no booking required. This week, chose from: FRIDA (23 MAR 17:00); MILLION DOLLAR BABY (24 MAR 15:00 & 17:30); and, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S (25 MAR 14:00 & 16:00).
WOMEN SHAPING THE WORLD screens at Ciné Lumière (28 FEB to 31 MAR):
CÉSAR & HER (04 to 31 MAR) is dedicated to the women celebrated by France’s most prestigious cinema awards. This week, there’s a special screening of BEAU TRAVAIL (25 MAR 14:00) which is accompanied by a Salon with Nick Walker (Rochester Kino).
NOW SHOWING: MUSEUM SHOWS PART 3
FILM FESTIVALS (by date/duration)
Film festivals projecting this week:
- Women in Activism (03 to 24 MAR)
- Kinoteka (07 to 29 MAR)
- Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour (13 to 24 MAR)
- UK Asian Film Festival (14 to 25 MAR)
- Playback Festival (21 to 25 MAR)
- Right Now Film Festival (21 to 27 MAR)
- Sound Screen Music & Film Festival (21 to 28 MAR)
- The Essay Film Festival (21 to 29 MAR)
- BFI Flare (21 MAR to 01 APR)
Find out what’s on where with our handy roundup.
NOW SHOWING: GRIND SHOWS
REGULAR RUNS & MAINSTREAM MARVELS (by title)
1945 screens at JW3 (25 MAR to 12 APR):
“A film that is as masterfully directed and emotionally poignant as SON OF SAUL, 1945 is an instant classic.” A Jewish father and son return to the village from which they were deported, and where indifferent bystanders seized their home and possessions. Their arrival is a moment of crisis for the small community, whose members struggle to cope with feelings of guilt and fear of revenge. Presented by UK Jewish Film.
THE CHINA HUSTLE screens at DocHouse (23 to 29 MAR):
In the midst of the 2008 market crash, investors on the fringes of the financial world feverishly sought new alternatives for high-return investments in the global markets, and some found a goldmine in China. “Jed Rothstein’s documentary rings the alarm on the need for transparency in an increasingly deregulated financial world by following those working to uncover the biggest heist you’ve never heard of.”
GOOK screens at ArtHouse Crouch End (23 to 29 MAR):
Eli and Daniel, two Korean American brothers, own a struggling shoe store and have an unlikely friendship with Kamilla, a street wise 11-year-old African American girl. Kamilla ditches school, Eli stresses about the store, and Daniel tries to have a good time. It’s just another typical day at the store until the Rodney King verdict is read and riots break out. “LA’s answer to LA HAINE” The Guardian.
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*THE SMALL PRINT: As accurate as we could make it. Apologies for any mistakes. Updates & corrections will be made to the online version. We don’t filter by age/certification: all readers & subscribers should be 18+. We only include events you can book for at the time of posting. Please click quickly!
Featured image: HOW VIKTOR ‘THE GARLIC’ TOOK ALEXEY ‘THE STUD’ TO THE NURSING HOME (2017).