RADIANT CIRCUS is your handcrafted guide to London’s DIY, indie & alternative movie nights, film events & gallery screenings. Our latest SCREEN GUIDE helps you find repertory seasons & film festivals in London this month.

Films in London this month: FEATURED ATTRACTIONS // REP SEASONS // FILM FESTIVALS

Welcome to our monthly roundup!

Each month we look ahead to what we call London’s MUSEUM SHOWS, the places where you can find several attractions under one roof (divided into rep seasons and film fests). We’ll keep you updated on all London’s one-off screenings including film clubs, meet the talent Q&As and other special events in our weekly digests and daily updates.

Featured season:

Radiant Circus - Screen Guide: Films in London this month: THE WORTHLESS at Close-Up (30 JAN). — Films in London this month: THE WORTHLESS at Close-Up (30 JAN).

DRIFTING SHADOWS: MASTERPIECES OF FINNISH CINEMA at Close-Up (18 to 30 JAN):

RADIANT CIRCUS view: Part of the great joy of putting these listings together is discovering cinema we know very little about, and that pretty much includes everything in this amazing selection at Close-Up… Find out more in our seasons listings, below.

Featured festival:

Films in London this month: THIS MAGNIFICENT CAKE! at ICA, part of LSFF (13 & 18 JAN).

London Short Film Festival various venues (11 to 20 JAN):

RADIANT CIRCUS view: We love indie film festivals with attitude almost as much as we love lone wolf programmers. For another year, LSFF brings you both with selections from Cigarette Burns Cinema**, Nobody Ordered Wolves, SUPAKINO and others. We’ll try to squeeze out a new guide just for this one…

FILMS IN LONDON THIS MONTH

REPERTORY SEASONS (A–Z)

70mm PRESENTATIONS at The Prince Charles (ongoing):

Bringing regular 70mm presentations back to the West End with: PHANTOM THREAD 70mm (03 JAN 20:40 / 08 JAN 20:40); and, 2001 : A SPACE ODYSSEY 70mm (13 JAN 14:20 / 19 JAN 20:35 / 27 JAN 17:25 / 29 JAN 20:15).

AGNÈS VARDA: GLEANING TRUTHS at The Prince Charles (08 JAN to 06 MAY):

Eight feature-length fiction and documentary films. Includes: CLEO FROM 5 TO 7 aka Cléo de 5 à 7 35mm (08 JAN 18:20); JACQUOT DE NANTES (20 JAN 14:50); and, LA POINTE COURTE (27 JAN 15:20).

AKIRA KUROSAWA: SELECTROSPECTIVE at The Prince Charles (05 JAN to 13 APR):

A selection of films from one of Japan’s most legendary filmmakers. Includes: DRUNKEN ANGEL aka Yoidore tenshi 35mm (05 JAN 16:00); RASHOMON aka Rashômon 35mm (12 JAN 15:30); IKIRU 35mm (19 JAN 14:45); and, SEVEN SAMURAI aka Shichinin no samurai 35mm (26 JAN 14:20).

ALL NIGHT / DAY / MINI MOVIE MARATHONS at The Prince Charles (ongoing):

“Butt-numbing marathons” (their words…ED.) of cult, horror, themed & film franchises including: Movie Maths: ROBOCOP (1987) + THE RAID = DREDD [2D] (04 JAN 18:30); THE NAKED GUN TRILOGY 35mm (21 JAN 18:20); and, DISNEY PYJAMA PARTY: 2 7 films, 1 ticket (26 JAN 21:00).
Just be sure to follow the rules…

BEFORE THE NIGHT at Ciné Lumière (22 JAN to 30 JAN):

“In the run up to the Night of Ideas (31 JAN 2019) this programme echos its main strands (Europe Beyond Walls, The Earth Here and Now).” Includes: ON EARTH AND GARDENING – PIERRE HUYGHE talk + artists’ films (22 JAN 18:20); ONE NATION, ONE KING + Q&A with director Pierre Schoeller (25 JAN 18:20); COLD WAR (26 JAN 18:30); SOYLENT GREEN (27 JAN 14:00); GOODBYE LENIN! (27 JAN 16:00); L’AUBERGE ESPAGNOLE (29 JAN 20:40); TOMORROW + Q&A with co-director Cyril Dion (30 JAN 20:15); and, MARIANNES NOIRES + Q&A with co-director Mame-Fatou Niang (30 JAN 18:20).

Films in London this month: SHOPLIFTERS at Ciné Lumière, part of BEST OF 2018 (03 JAN).

BEST OF 2018 at Ciné Lumière (03 to 26 JAN):

“Wasn’t 2018 a great year for cinema? For those who missed some of the standout films or those who want to watch them again, a selection of 7 of the most acclaimed films of the year!” Includes: SHOPLIFTERS (03 JAN 18:30); WIDOWS (18 JAN 18:20); BLACkKLANSMAN (19 JAN 18:20); PETERLOO (20 JAN 16:00 / 24 JAN 15:30); CLIMAX (21 JAN 20:40); JEUNE FEMME (23 JAN 18:30); FACES PLACES (25 JAN 16:00); and, COLD WAR (26 JAN 18:30).

BEST OF 2018 at DocHouse (until 03 JAN):

“As the nights get darker, we’re bringing the best documentaries of the year back to the big screen.” Includes: NUREYEV: ALL THE WORLD HIS STAGE (03 JAN 14:00); and, KUSAMA – INFINITY (03 JAN 16:30).

BIG SCREEN CLASSICS: THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT at BFI Southbank (03 to 31 JAN):

“Daily classics filled with haunted houses, spiritual threats and night-time chills.” Includes: THE INNOCENTS (03 JAN 20:40 / 06 JAN 17:50 / 27 JAN 20:05); BEETLEJUICE (04 JAN 20:50); THE PANTOM OF THE OPERA (1925 + Carl Davis score) (05 JAN 18:20 / 15 JAN 20:40); CAT PEOPLE (1942) (07 JAN 20:45 / 18 JAN 20:40); DEAD OF NIGHT (08 JAN 20:40 / 12 JAN 20:40 / 17 JAN 14:30 / 25 JAN 18:20); THE INNOCENTS + INTRO by Lucy Bolton (09 JAN 18:10); NIGHT OF THE DEMON aka Curse Of The Demon (10 JAN 20:40 / 14 JAN 20:40 / 28 JAN 18:20); THE OLD DARK HOUSE (11 JAN 20:45 / 29 JAN 18:30); HÄXAN: WITCHCRAFT THROUGH THE AGES (12 JAN 18:10 + LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT by Costas Fotopoulos / 19 JAN 18:15 + Matti Bye Ensemble score); THE OTHERS (13 JAN 19:50); GASLIGHT (1940) + INTRO by Nathalie Morris (16 JAN 18:10) GASLIGHT (1940) (20 JAN 15:40); DRACULA (1931) (21 JAN 20:45 / 26 JAN 16:10 / 29 JAN 20:30); VAMPYR: DER TRAUM DES ALLAN GRAY (22 JAN 20:45 / 24 JAN 18:20 / 31 JAN 18:30); and, THE OTHERS + INTRO by Anna Bogutskaya (23 JAN 18:10).

CELEBRATING PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN at The Prince Charles (06 JAN to 15 JUL):

The PCC says: “We are still working on adding SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK and HAPPINESS to this season! The companies who released these films either don’t exist anymore or no longer hold the rights, making them very tricky to book.” Includes: HARD EIGHT aka Sydney (06 JAN 20:30); TWISTER 35mm (07 JAN 20:45); BOOGIE NIGHTS 35mm (20 JAN 17:30); and, THE BIG LEBOWSKI (26 JAN 18:15).

CHINESE NEW YEAR at BFI Southbank (21 to 31 JAN):

“On Tuesday 5 February it’s officially Year of the Pig, so join us to celebrate through cinema.” In collab with Chinese Visual Festival amongst others. Includes: TURTLE ROCK (21 JAN 18:30); A WAY OUT UK premiere (23 JAN 20:30); MEN ON THE DRAGON + Q&A with Cast & Crew UK premiere (25 JAN 18:20); Filming East Shorts Award Show + Q&A (27 JAN 12:50); SUSU + Q&A with director Yixi Sun & producer Norman J Warren (27 JAN 15:15); THE SOUL OF HIMALAYA + INTRO/Q&A with director Zeng Yunhui UK premiere (30 JAN 20:20); and, THE FRAGILE HOUSE + INTRO UK premiere (31 JAN 20:30).

CLOSE-UP ON JASUJIRō OZU at Close-Up (until 13 JAN):

“Often considered the “most Japanese” of all Japanese directors, Ozu was proclaimed “one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century in any medium and in any country” by the British Film Institute. Includes: EQUINOX FLOWER (03 JAN 20:15); FLOATING WEEDS (04 JAN 20:15 / 10 JAN 20:15); EARLY SUMMER (05 JAN 20:00 / 08 JAN 20:15); TOKYO-GA (06 JAN 18:00); TOKYO STORY (06 JAN 20:00 / 11 JAN 20:15); LATE SPRING (07 JAN 20:15); LATE AUTUMN (09 JAN 20:15); GOOD MORNING (12 JAN 18:00); AN AUTUMN AFTERNOON (12 JAN 20:00); TAIPEI STORY (13 JAN 18:00); and, TOKYO TWILIGHT (13 JAN 20:15).

COMEDIES MADE IN FRANCE at Ciné Lumière (until 16 JAN):

As part of the COMEDY GENIUS season at the BFI, Ciné Lumière is showing a series of French comedies, old and new. Includes: RETURN OF THE HERO aka Le Retour du Héros (03 JAN 20:45).
SINK OR SWIM aka Le Grand Bain enjoys a grind show run (04 to 16 JAN).

DEREK JARMAN SELECTROSPECTIVE at The Prince Charles (23 JAN to 16 APR):

Includes: CARAVAGGIO (23 JAN 18:20).

Films in London this month: WOMEN OF NISKAVUORI at Close-Up, part of DRIFTING SHADOWS (28 JAN).

DRIFTING SHADOWS: MASTERPIECES OF FINNISH CINEMA at Close-Up (18 to 30 JAN):

“This programme sheds light on one of the most overlooked Nordic national cinemas which is currently enjoying a boom in audience success, production volume, and versatility.” Includes: THE WHITE REINDEER (18 JAN 20:45); HELSINKI, FOREVER + MIDNIGHT SUN FILM FESTIVAL (19 JAN 18:00); INSPECTOR PALMU’S ERROR (19 JAN 20:00); SHADOWS IN PARADISE (20 JAN 18:00); THE WAY YOU WANTED ME (20 JAN 20:00); THE ETERNAL ROAD (21 JAN 20:15); KAISA’S ENCHANTED FOREST (22 JAN 20:30); THE BROAD WAY (23 JAN 20:15); PEOPLE IN THE SUMMER NIGHT + ALVER AALTO (24 JAN 20:15); STOLEN DEATH (25 JAN 20:15); THE VILLAGE SHOEMAKERS 35mm + LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT by Stephen Horne (26 JAN 18:30); THE DIARY OF A WORKER 35mm (26 JAN 20:30); WOMEN OF NISKAVUORI (28 JAN 20:15); THE UNKNOWN SOLDER (29 JAN 19:00); and, THE WORTHLESS (30 JAN 20:15).

FEELGOOD FILMS at House Of Vans (25 JAN to 17 FEB – FREE! No booking required):

“Feeling the winter blues? We’re here to help with a season of great feel-good flicks.” Includes: BIG FISH (25 JAN 17:00 & 19:15); LA LA LAND (26 JAN 15:00 & 17:30); and, UP (27 JAN 14:00 & 16:00).

THE FILMS OF PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON at The Prince Charles (03 JAN to 24 JUN):

“The almost complete collection of PTA films returns to our screens in 2019… THERE WILL BE BLOOD and INHERENT VICE will pop up soon, so check back for updates.” Includes: PHANTOM THREAD 70mm (03 JAN 20:40 / 08 JAN 20:40); HARD EIGHT aka Sydney (06 JAN 20:30); and, BOOGIE NIGHTS 35mm (20 JAN 17:30).

THE GOLDEN AGE OF ALEXANDER KORDA: BRITAIN’S MOVIE MOGUL at BFI Southbank (JAN):

“Meet the maverick producer-director whose vision and ambition transformed British cinema.” Includes: THINGS TO COME (03 JAN 20:30 / 05 JAN 16:00); THE PRIVATE LIFE OF HENRY VIII (04 JAN 18:20 / 08 JAN 20:20); THE THIEF OF BAGDAD (05 JAN 13:30 / 28 JAN 20:30); THE MAN WHO COULD WORK MIRACLES 35mm (05 JAN 20:40 / 20 JAN 15:45); A MODERN DUBARRY + INTRO by Bryony Dixon + LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT by Jonny Best (06 JAN 13:30); REMBRANDT 35mm (06 JAN 15:40 / 22 JAN 20:30); KNIGHT WITHOUT ARMOUR 35mm (06 JAN 18:00 / 11 JAN 20:40); THINGS TO COME + INTRO by Valeria Carullo (10 JAN 18:20); OVER THE MOON 35mm (12 JAN 16:00 / 15 JAN 18:20); THE FOUR FEATHERS 35mm (13 JAN 14:50); THE GHOST GOES WEST 35mm (13 JAN 17:50); THAT HAMILTON WOMAN aka Lady Hamilton (19 JAN 18:10 / 24 JAN 20:30); SERVICE FOR LADIES aka Reserved for Ladies + INTRO by Josephine Botting (22 JAN 18:10); and, THE FOUR FEATHERS + INTRO by Dr Emma Sandon (30 JAN 18:05).
Introducing Britain’s Movie Mogul panel discussion (08 JAN 18:10).

INGMAR BERGMAN FOCUS at BFI Southbank (JAN):

“Don’t miss two of Bergman’s finest films in our January focus on the great auteur.” Includes: THE SEVENTH SEAL aka Det Sjunde Inseglet (13 JAN 18:00 / 19 JAN 16:10 / 28 JAN 14:30 / 30 JAN 20:50); and, WILD STRAWBERRIES aka Smultronstället (20 JAN 20:00 / 22 JAN 14:30 / 27 JAN 15:30).

JOHN CARPENTER RETROSPECTIVE at The Prince Charles (until 31 JUL):

[Almost] every John Carpenter film back to the big-screen… there are a couple films missing, but The PCC is working on it… Includes: DARK STAR (02 JAN 18:30); ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 (1976) (12 JAN 21:00); THEY LIVE: Mondo x Rough Trade Books (16 JAN 20:30); and, HALLOWEEN (1978) & HALLOWEEN (2018) (19 JAN 21:00).

Films in London this month: PINK SARIS, part of KIM LONGINOTTO at Deptford Cinema (26 JAN). — Films in London this month: PINK SARIS at Deptford Cinema, part of KIM LONGINOTTO (26 JAN).

KIM LONGINOTTO: VIXEN FILMS RETROSPECTIVE at Deptford Cinema (17 to 26 JAN):

Includes: PRIDE OF PLACE + THEATRE GIRLS (17 JAN 19:15); DREAM GIRLS + SHINJUKU BOYS (20 JAN 17:00); DIVORCE IRANIAN STYLE (20 JAN 19:00); SISTERS IN LAW (23 JAN 19:15); and, PINK SARIS (26 JAN 15:15).

LAUREL AND HARDY at BFI Southbank (JAN):

“We celebrate the most successful comedy duo in cinema with a season of their best shorts and features.” Includes: BONNIE SCOTLAND 35mm (03 JAN 18:10 / 18 JAN 17:50); Laurel and Hardy Shorts 2 (05 JAN 15:30 / 12 JAN 13:30); Laurel and Hardy Shorts 1: + LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT by Costas Fotopoulos (06 JAN 16:00); BABES IN TOYLAND 35mm + BUSY BODIES 35mm (08 JAN 18:20 / 12 JAN 15:50); OUR RELATIONS 35mm + BERTH MARKS 35mm (11 JAN 18:20 / 21 JAN 20:30); WAY OUT WEST + LAUGHING GRAVY (13 JAN 13:00 / 19 JAN 20:30); BLOCK-HEADS 35mm + CHICKENS COME HOME 35mm (13 JAN 15:40 / 26 JAN 15:50); A CHUMP AT OXFORD 35mm + THE LAUREL-HARDY MURDER CASE 35mm (14 JAN 18:00 / 25 JAN 20:30); SONS OF THE DESERT + THE MUSIC BOX (15 JAN 20:30); SWISS MISS 35mm + COUNTY HOSPITAL 35mm (20 JAN 18:00 / 24 JAN 20:40); SAPS AT SEA + THE CHIMP (23 JAN 20:40 / 27 JAN 18:15); and, THE FLYING DEUCES + TOWED IN A HOLE (26 JAN 18:10 / 29 JAN 18:00).
King’s Key Scholars in Film Studies: ‘I Want Music Everywhere’ – Music and Slapstick in Laurel and Hardy’s Early Sound Films (21 JAN 18:10).

MARTIN SCORSESE SELECTROSPECTIVE at The Prince Charles (until 18 JUL):

“A selection of our very favourite Martin Scorsese pictures – we may add a few more to this season so do check back for updates.” Includes: TAXI DRIVER 35mm (12 JAN 17:45); and, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 35mm (22 JAN 20:20).

Films in London this month: IL GRIDO at BFI, part of MICHELANGELO ANTONIONI (13, 16 & 20 JAN).

MICHELANGELO ANTONIONI: CONFRONTING THE MODERN WORLD WITH STYLE at BFI Southbank (JAN to FEB):

One of the world’s most adventurous and widely respected filmmakers, Michelangelo Antonioni profoundly influenced cinematic style, mood and outlook. Includes: THE LADY WITHOUT CAMELIAS aka La signora senza camelie (03 JAN 18:30 / 12 JAN 20:30); L’ECLISSE aka The Eclipse (04 JAN 20:30 / 11 JAN 18:00 / 26 JAN 20:30 / 29 JAN 20:45); THE VANQUISHED aka I Vinti (05 JAN 17:45 / 20 JAN 20:15); Antonioni’s Short Films 1947-65 (05 JAN 20:30 / 18 JAN 18:10); CHRONICLE OF A LOVE AFFAIR aka Cronaca di un amore (06 JAN 20:15 / 19 JAN 20:40); LA NOTTE aka the Night (07 JAN 18:15 / 25 JAN 20:45 / 28 JAN 20:40); LE AMICHE aka The Girlfriends (09 JAN 20:40 / 16 JAN 18:30 / 23 JAN 18:20 / 27 JAN 20:20); L’AVVENTURA aka The Adventure (12 JAN 17:30 / 22 JAN 18:30 / 27 JAN 17:30); and, IL GRIDO aka The Cry (13 JAN 20:00 / 16 JAN 20:45 / 20 JAN 17:50).
THE PASSENGER aka Professione: Reporter enjoys a grind show run (04 JAN to 24 FEB).
Michelangelo Antonioni: Chronicle of a Modernist’s Career talk (09 JAN 18:10).
Philosophical Screens: THE PASSENGER panel discussion (17 JAN 20:20 – FREE to ticket holders of THE PASSENGER aka Professione: Reporter 17 JAN 17:50).

SCI-FI SUNDAYS at Deptford Cinema (until 26 MAY):

An afternoon movie and a little something extra on the last Sunday of the month. Includes: PRIMER + SHORT: WHEN DID TIME TRAVEL COME FROM? (27 JAN 15:30).

STUDIO GHIBLI FOREVER at The Prince Charles (06 JAN to 05 MAY):

“The legendary films from the greatest animation house on the planet”. Includes: WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE (06 JAN 13:00); and, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (20 JAN 12:40).

WALT DISNEY SELECTROSPECTIVE at The Prince Charles (05 JAN to 23 MAR):

A selection of animated features. Includes: PINOCCHIO (1940) (05 JAN 12:45); THE INCREDIBLES + THE INCREDIBLES 2 (13 JAN 12:45); LADY AND THE TRAMP 35mm (19 JAN 12:40); and, BAMBI (26 JAN 12:30).

Films in London this month: GILDA LIVE at Phoenix Cinema, part of WE LOVE GILDA! (06 JAN).

WE LOVE GILDA! at Phoenix Cinema (06 JAN to 24 FEB):

Following last year’s UK premiere of LOVE, GILDA (09 DEC),The Celluloid Sorceress presents a season of Gilda Radner’s films. Includes: GILDA LIVE (06 JAN 14:00); and, HANKY PANKY 35mm (27 JAN 14:00). All screenings will be introduced by Rebecca Nicole Williams.

ZUMBIS at Deptford Cinema (11 JAN to 08 MAR):

“A season of zombie films from around the world.” Includes: ONE CUT OF THE DEAD (11 JAN 19:00).

FILM FESTIVALS (A–Z)

Radiant Circus Screen Guide - Films in London this month: REAL at Genesis Cinema, part of Fringe! (12 JAN). — Films in London this month: REAL at Genesis Cinema, part of Fringe! (12 JAN).

Film festivals in London this month include:

London International Mime Festival (20 JAN & 03 FEB).
London Short Film Festival (11 to 20 JAN).
QueerBee Film Festival – Family (06 JAN).
Rainbow Umbrella Film Festival (10 to 13 JAN).

Special mention: Fringe! Queer Film & Arts Fest (12 JAN 18:20, Genesis Cinema – FREE! Booking recommended). A repeat screening of shorts programme REWRITE THE ENDING following a power cut at last year’s fest…

MORE: daily updates // weekly digests // event calendar // festivals A to Z.

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*THE SMALL PRINT: As accurate as we could make it. Apologies for any errors. Apologies if we have missed your event. Updates & corrections will be made to the online version. Event dates/times are subject to change by the venue/organiser. We try to only list events you can book for at the time of posting: however, some events may already be sold out. Please click quickly! We don’t filter by age/certification: all readers & subscribers should be 18+.

**Featured image: Nasty Stuff: BASKET CASE curated by Prano Bailey-Bond, in association with Cigarette Burns Cinema at Regent Street Cinema, part of LSFF (18 JAN 20:30).