HOTEL, part of THE CINEMA OF JESSICA HAUSNER at BFI (22 & 24 FEB).
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SCREEN GUIDE: Films in London this week [21 to 27 FEB 2020]

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 great films in London this week*.

FRI 21 // SAT 22 // SUN 23 // MON 24 // TUE 25 // WED 26 // THU 27

Find films in London this week by:

SINGLE-O EXHIBITS (one-off attractions – by date) // MUSEUM SHOWS (several exhibits under one roof – by seasons & festivals) // GRIND SHOWS (a selection of new releases & regular runs).

FEATURED ATTRACTION

RADIANT CIRCUS has (finally…) found ‘colour’! Well, a minimal palette, but an innovation nonetheless. We’ve added a splash here and there to help you find original format screenings (8 to 70mm, & the occasional VHS) as well as FREE! film events (because we make ourselves skint going to the pictures as often as we do…). Expect us to discover other very familiar technological marvels in due course (anyone for some sound?).

Looking across this week’s screens, London’s indie promoters spoil us with more excellent one-off events, starting with Club des Femmes’ 80s retrospective about Feminist Film at Rio Cinema featuring Margarethe von Trotta’s THE SECOND AWAKENING OF CHRISTA KLAGES (22 FEB). If you missed the Japan Foundation’s touring programme at ICA, their screening of PENGUIN HIGHWAY at The Prince Charles should be what you’re looking for (23 FEB). Monday’s can be quiet, but this one is overflowing. We’ve picked Galop LGBT+’s FREE! showing of MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE at Genesis, but we’d have no problem recommending The Celluloid Sorceress’s screening of BIRD ON A WIRE on 35mm at The Prince Charles or Elizabeth Rynecki’s doc CHASING PORTRAITS at JW3 (all 24 FEB). We’ve picked Women & Cocaine’s presentation of RED DUST at The Cinema Museum for our next day (25 FEB) because we still really want to win something in one of their raffles… Heavenly Films’s unique programme of BBC archive material continues with a London Transport Double Bill by Zimena Percival at Regent Street Cinema (26 FEB) and some of Andy Warhol’s Screen Tests with new score by Leif round off our week at Barbican (27 FEB).

In seasonal news, The Prince Charles was successful in unravelling the film rights for SNOWPIERCER which gets its own weeklong run as part of their JOIN THE #BONGHIVE. Now, we know there’s a lot of love in the room for Bong Joon-ho right now, but we weren’t convinced by this one… But well done The PCC (yay!). For sci-fi offerings we’re absolutely in love with, try BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS from The Good/Bad Movie Club also at The Prince Charles (22 FEB) or John Sayles’ THE BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET, part of SCI-FI SUNDAYS at Deptford Cinema (23 FEB).

What to see in London this week: THE JUNGLE BOOK, part of BIG SCREEN CLASSICS at BFI (21 FEB).
What to see in London this week: THE JUNGLE BOOK, part of BIG SCREEN CLASSICS at BFI (21 FEB).

We swooned on social media last week over the artificial animals in Fellini’s AND THE SHIP SAILS ON (18 FEB) and it’s time for another of those kinds of moments with Zoltan Korda’s 1942 version of THE JUNGLE BOOK (21 FEB). Screening as part of BIG SCREEN CLASSICS: MAN VS NATURE, it sports one of our screen heroes, Sabu, and a magical combo of real and crafted critters (Mowgli’s river crossing with Kaa always makes us smile). Whilst we’re milling around the Southbank, we were excited about Barbara Steele’s appearances alongside 8½ (part of BFI’s FELLINI), but the scream legend is no longer travelling to the UK so these events are sadly cancelled (26 & 27 FEB).

As to our featured attraction of the week, it’s also our featured attraction of the month, THE CINEMA OF JESSICA HAUSNER also at BFI. We usually focus on one-off events in this slot (given how hard they can be to magic an audience for…), but that reduces the numbers of films by women we can pick from, so let’s forget about those rules for now…. Grab tickets for LITTLE JOE + JESSICA HAUSNER In Conversation while you can (21 FEB – Selling fast!). Our other money is on HOTEL (22 & 24 FEB).

Whilst we have our diversity drum in hand, we’d make a special mention of Friday’s screening of PEANUT BUTTER FALCON (21 FEB), a fresh collab between Screen25 Cinema and disability charity, Club Soda. Because we don’t get nearly enough disability themed film events to list. Just saying.

See you in darkness…

Richard – Barker-In-Chief, RADIANT CIRCUS

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FILMS IN LONDON THIS WEEK

SINGLE-O EXHIBITS

ONE-OFF MOVIE NIGHTS, FILM EVENTS & GALLERY SCREENINGS (by date/event)

FRI 21

What to see in London this week: PEANUT BUTTER FALCON at Screen25 Cinema (21 FEB).
What to see in London this week: PEANUT BUTTER FALCON at Screen25 Cinema (21 FEB).

Japan Now: New Voices, New Visions + Panel + TEN YEARS JAPAN d. various, 2018 at The Soho Hotel (21 FEB 18:30 – FREE!):

  • Japan Foundation & Modern Culture present: “”We offer a glimpse of the future, celebrating the Japanese writers and filmmakers who will set the new decade ablaze. Includes a screening of TEN YEARS JAPAN,executive produced by the acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, an anthology of five short science fiction films set in an imagined Japan ten years from now.”

LA ANTENA aka The Antenna d. Esteban Sapir, 2007 + Intro by Adam Feinstein at The Cinema Museum (21 FEB 19:30):

  • Argentinian Film Season presents: “Esteban Sapir’s extraordinary ode to silent cinema is an unforgettable experience: a unique, expressionist fable about a city whose voice has been stolen and one family’s attempts to win it back. Shot in striking black-and-white, it has echoes of Fritz Lang and F.W. Murnau but it stands alone as a remarkable achievement in its own right.”

PEANUT BUTTER FALCON d. Tyler Nilson & Michael Schwartz, 2019 + Club Soda DJs at Harris Academy South Norwood (21 FEB 19:00):

  • Screen25 Cinema presents: “A man with Down syndrome (Zack Gottsagen) escapes from an assisted living facility and befriends a wayward fisherman on the run (Shia LaBeouf); as the two men form a rapid bond, a social worker (Dakota Johnson) attempts to track them. Our screening is in partnership with disability arts organisation Club Soda, who will be hosting a party with DJs.”

More films in London today (A – Z):

Subscribers at RADIANT CIRCUS can unblock a great discount at Screen25 Cinema.

SAT 22

What to see in London this week: THE SECOND AWAKENING OF CHRISTA KLAGES, part of Feminist Re-Imaginings at the Rio, 1980-2020 presented by Club des Femmes at Rio Cinema (22 FEB).
What to see in London this week: THE SECOND AWAKENING OF CHRISTA KLAGES, part of Feminist Re-Imaginings at the Rio, 1980-2020 presented by Club des Femmes at Rio Cinema (22 FEB).

Feminist Re-Imaginings at the Rio, 1980-2020: Programme 1 + Panel with Vicky Grut (Women’s Media Resource Project worker/film programmer) & Selina Robertson (Club des Femmes) at Rio Cinema (22 FEB 14:00):

  • Club des Femmes presents: “Veteran West German filmmaker Margarethe von Trotta’s films were firm favourites at the Rio throughout the 1980s. Programmed by the Women’s Media Resource Project, her directorial debut THE SECOND AWAKENING OF CHRISTA KLAGES (1978) marked her out as one of the key women writer-directors of the New German Cinema movement. Screens with one of Leeds Animation Workshop’s most explicitly feminist shorts, GIVE US A SMILE (1983).”

MIDNIGHT FAMILY d. Luke Lorentzen, 2019 + Q&A with producer Kellen Quinn at Picturehouse Central (22 FEB 15:00):

  • “In Mexico City’s wealthiest neighbourhoods, the Ochoa family runs a private ambulance, competing with other for-profit EMTs for patients in need of urgent help. As they try to make a living in this cutthroat industry, the Ochoas struggle to keep their financial needs from compromising the people in their care.”

VALERIE AND HER WEEK OF WONDERS d. Jaromil Jireš, 1970 + Intro by Kim Newman at ICA (22 FEB 16:00):

  • Second Sight & the Czech Centre present: “Set within the imagination of a teenage girl on the threshold of adulthood, this haunting and poetic fantasy with its intoxicating imagery is a classic of the Czechoslovak New Wave. The screening is introduced by English journalist, film critic and broadcaster Kim Newman, a contributing editor to Sight & Sound and Empire magazines.”

More films in London today (A – Z):

  • 8 Queer Shorts From Around The World presented by Queer Cinema Club x Shado at Bermondsey project Space (22 FEB 17:00 – Currently looking SOLD OUT!/Check venue). A HIDDEN LIFE d. Terrence Malick, 2019 at Regent Street Cinema (22 FEB 16:40 & 20:00). Andrew O’Neill’s HISTORY OF HEAVY METAL + Andrew O’Neill In Conversation at The Horse Hospital (22 FEB 19:00). A PLACE IN THE SUN d. George Stevens, 1951 at Regent Street Cinema (22 FEB 14:10). BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS d. Jimmy T. Murakami & Roger Corman, 1980 presented by The Good/Bad Movie Club at The Prince Charles (22 FEB 21:00). DIGGING FOR WELDON IRVINE d. Victorious DeCosta, 2019 presented by Doc’n Roll Film Festival at Bernie Grant Arts Centre (22 FEB 19:00). FIRST LOVE d. Takashi Miike, 2019 at ICA (22 FEB 14:45). FOR SAMA d. Waad al-Kateab & Edward Watts, 2019 at DocHouse (22 FEB 14:30). LIFE IS SWEET d. Mike Leigh, 1990 presented by Talkies Community Cinema at Waterhouse Hall Theatre (22 FEB 19:30). SO LONG, MY SON d. Wang Xiaoshuai, 2019 at The David Lean (22 FEB 13:30). WITHNAIL & I d. Bruce Robinson, 1987 at The Prince Charles (22 FEB 20:45).

SUN 23

What to see in London this week: PENGUIN HIGHWAY at The Prince Charles (23 FEB).
What to see in London this week: PENGUIN HIGHWAY presented by Japan Foundation at The Prince Charles (23 FEB).

BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN 35mm + THE OLD DARK HOUSE d. James Whale, 1935/1932 + Panel at The Cinema Museum (23 FEB 17:00):

  • The Vito Project presents: “A new season of movies inspired by Vito Russo’s The Celluloid Closet taking place in 2020. Celebrating queer artists who worked in classic Hollywood and beyond, we will be watching and discussing their movies through the lenses of the queer sensibility they brought to their work. After the movies, there will be a panel discussion on James Whale and the style and sensibility of his movies.”

Jim Carter presents PRIDE d. Matthew Warchus, 2014 + Q&A with cast & crew at Kiln Theatre (23 FEB 16:00 – Special fundraiser price £65-95):

  • “As part of his sold-out season of In Conversation events, Jim Carter returns to Kiln Cinema for a very special fundraiser, the screening of the highly acclaimed 2014 film PRIDE, followed by a Q&A with the cast and crew. Inspired by an extraordinary true story of gay activists uniting with striking Welsh miners in their fight against Margaret Thatcher, the police and the conservative press. All proceeds from the evening are in aid of Kiln Theatre.”

PENGUIN HIGHWAY d. Hiroyasu Ishida, 2018 + Q&A with author Tomihiko Morimi at The Prince Charles (23 FEB 15:30):

  • Japan Foundation London presents: “A fourth-grader investigates the mysterious reason behind the sudden appearance of penguins in his village, which is somehow related to a power from a young woman working at a dental clinic. This debut anime feature from Hiroyasu Ishida is a highly imaginative rendition of Tomihiko Morimi’s 2010 novel of the same title which has been recognised with a Nihon Science Fiction Taisho Award.”

More films in London today (A – Z):

  • 1917 d. Sam Mendes, 2019 at Regent Street Cinema (23 FEB 19:30). AD ASTRA d. James Gray, 2019 presented by Deeper Into Movies at Laylow (23 FEB 19:30 – FREE!). EL TOPO d. Alejandro Jodorowsky, 1970 at ICA (23 FEB 12:25). FARMING d. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, 2018 at Whirled Cinema (23 FEB 18:00). FIRST LOVE d. Takashi Miike, 2019 at ICA (23 FEB 14:50). JULIET OF THE SPIRITS d. Federico Fellini, 1965 at Regent Street Cinema (23 FEB 14:30). THE KILLING 16mm d. Stanley Kubrick, 1956 presented by Ciné-Real 16mm at The Castle Cinema (23 FEB 14:00 – Currently looking SOLD OUT!/Check venue). THE NIGHTS OF CABIRIA d. Federico Fellini, 1957 at Regent Street Cinema (23 FEB 17:00). SUTURE 35mm d. Scott McGehee & David Siegel, 1993 at ICA (23 FEB 12:30 – Members’ Screening/Non-members can purchase full-price tickets on the day, subject to availability). WAVES d. Trey Edward Shults, 2019 at Electric Cinema White City (23 FEB 14:00). 

MON 24

What to see in London this week: MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDERETTE presented by Galop LGBT+ at Genesis Cinema (24 FEB – FREE!).
What to see in London this week: MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE presented by Galop LGBT+ at Genesis Cinema (24 FEB – FREE!).

BIRD ON A WIRE 35mm 30th Anniversary Screening + Intro by Rebecca Nicole Williams at The Prince Charles (24 FEB 18:00)

  • The Celluloid Sorceress presents: “From John Badham, the director of BLUE THUNDER and STAKEOUT, comes one of 1990’s favourite action comedies! Corporate lawyer Marianne Graves (Goldie Hawn) has believed her ex-fiance to be dead for 15 years. Pulling into a Michigan gas station, Marianne is shocked to find Rick Jarmin (Mel Gibson) not only alive and well but cleaning her windshield!”

CHASING PORTRAITS d. Elizabeth Rynecki, 2019 + Skype Q&A with the director at JW3 (24 FEB 20:00):

  • “Moshe Rynecki (1881-1943) was a prolific Warsaw based artist who painted scenes of the Polish-Jewish community in the interwar years. Sadly, he was murdered at Majdanek. After the Holocaust, Moshe’s wife was only able to recover a small fraction of his work, but unbeknownst to the family, many other pieces survived. For more than a decade his great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Rynecki, has searched for the missing art, with remarkable and unexpected success.”

MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE d. Stephen Frears, 1985 + Q&A with LGBT+ Activists at Genesis Cinema (24 FEB 18:00 – FREE!):

  • Galop LGBT+ presents: “We are screening the 1985 cult classic, MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE, a British comedy-drama film directed by Stephen Frears from a screenplay by Hanif Kureishi.After the film, stay with us for a short Q/A with our marvelous guests.”

More films in London today (A – Z):

  • BOMBSHELL d. Jay Roach, 2019 at Regent Street Cinema (24 FEB 20:30). IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE 20th Anniversary Screening d. Wong Kar-Wai, 2000 at Genesis Cinema (24 FEB 18:40). MANDY d. Panos Cosmatos, 2018 at Genesis Cinema (24 FEB 21:05). MILITARY WIVES d. Peter Cattaneo, 2019 + Live Broadcast Q&A/Performance from the Red Carpet Premiere at Curzon Victoria (24 FEB 18:15 – Other Curzons available!). MILITARY WIVES d. Peter Cattaneo, 2019 + Live Broadcast Q&A/Performance from the Red Carpet Premiere at Olympic Studios (24 FEB 18:15). THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD d. Armando Iannucci, 2020 + Q&A with the director presented by Welcome Presents at Amnesty International (24 FEB 18:00 – Currently looking SOLD OUT!/Check venue). ROOM AT THE TOP d. Jack Clayton, 1959 + Tea/Coffee & Biscuits presented by The Good Company Film Club at Kenneth More Theatre (24 FEB 11:00). SHOW ME THE PICTURE: THE STORY OF JIM MARSHALL d. Alfred George Bailey, 2019 at JW3 (24 FEB 13:10).

TUE 25

What to see in London this week: RED DUST presented by Women & Cocaine at The Cinema Museum (25 FEB).
What to see in London this week: RED DUST presented by Women & Cocaine at The Cinema Museum (25 FEB).

THE CHAMPION d. Leonardo D’Agostini, 2019 + Drinks Reception at Regent Street Cinema (25 FEB 19:30):

  • “Christian is a young and talented football player, a genius on the pitch but also a rebellious loose cannon. After his last screw-up, the President of his football team decides to hire a tutor to teach him some discipline. Sparks fly at the start but there is a chance that this improbable duo may be a big help to one another.”

Experimenta Mixtape #8 at BFI Southbank (25 FEB 18:20):

  • “Here are some more films that we can’t tell you about; no titles are announced in advance and programme notes only given out at the end. Expect artist films, TV, early cinema and more. The programme is highly varied but not randomly put together. Old and new collide. Contains flashing images and graphic adult content.”

RED DUST d. Victor Fleming, 1932 + Intro + Raffle! at The Cinema Museum (25 FEB 19:30):

  • Women & Cocaine presents: “A celebration of the month of Love with Cinema’s first ever sex symbol, the incomparable Jean Harlow. We will be screening her sweaty and sizzling classic RED DUST (1932), from legendary director Victor Fleming, who brought you THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) and GONE WITH THE WIND (1939). Harlow stars opposite Clark Gable as Vantine, a prostitute vying for Gable’s affections on a plantation against the much more refined Barbara (Mary Astor). Come and see why it is Prince Charles’s favourite film.”

More films in London today (A – Z):

WED 26

What to see in London this week: London Transport Double Bill presented by Heavenly Films at Regent Street Cinema (26 FEB).
What to see in London this week: London Transport Double Bill presented by Heavenly Films at Regent Street Cinema (26 FEB).

HONEYLAND d. Tamara Kotevska & Ljubomir Stefanov, 2019 + Intro/Discussion at Catford Mews (26 FEB 18:30):

  • No Planet B Film Club presents: “A season of films with environmental themes, from Oscar-nominated documentaries to anime. Each screening will be introduced and followed by a discussion in the bar. They open with the most awarded film from last year’s Sundance Film Festival, HONEYLAND – an epic, visually stunning portrait of the delicate balance between nature and humanity.”

London Transport Double Bill: LITTLE PLATFORM, BIG STAGE + UNDERGROUND d. Zimena Percival, 2005/2007 + Q&A with the director at Regent Street Cinema (26 FEB 19:30):

  • Heavenly Films presents: “Two classic BBC Arena documentaries about London Transport + Q&A with director Zimena Percival, BBC Radio London’s Robert Elms and Anthony Wall, Arena Series Editor, hosted by Travis Elborough, author of The Bus We Loved.”

UNDOCUMENT d. Amin Bakhshian + Kyla Simone Bruce, 2017 + Q&A with Kyla Simone Bruce at ArtHouse Crouch End (26 FEB 20:00):

  • “An episodic feature, following 4 stories of longing & love, immigration & identity. The vision of an Iranian and a European director, dealing with the complex theme of illegal immigration or ‘undocumented migrants.’ Each story is set at a different stage of the migrants’ journey, in three different countries: Iran, Greece and England.”

More films in London today (A – Z):

  • ALL ABOUT ME d. Caroline Link, 2018 at Goethe-Institut (26 FEB 19:00). AMANDA d. Mikhaël Hers, 2018 at Curzon Aldgate 26 FEB 18:45 – Other Curzons available!). BOY, DID I GET A WRONG NUMBER! d. George Marshall, 1966 at Regent Street Cinema (26 FEB 12:00 & 15:30). EL TOPO d. Alejandro Jodorowsky, 1970 at ICA (26 FEB 14:50). END OF THE CENTURY d. Lucio Castro, 2019 at Genesis Cinema (26 FEB 18:40). THE HOLY MOUNTAIN d. Alejandro Jodorowsky, 1973 at ICA (26 FEB 12:35). JOJO RABBIT d. Taika Waititi, 19:30 at The David Lean (26 FEB 19:30). THE KEEPER d. Marcus H. Rosenmüller, 2018 presented by Pitshanger Pictures at St. Barnabas Ealing (26 FEB 20:15). TEHRAN: CITY OF LOVE d. Ali Jaberansari, 2018 presented by Odyssey Film Club at Screen25 Cinema at Harris Academy South Norwood (26 FEB 19:45). UNITED NATION: THREE DECADES OF DRUM & BASS d. Terry Stone & Richard Turner, 2020 + Q&A with Terry Stone & DJ Bryan G at Rio Cinema (26 FEB 18:45). WAVES d. Trey Edward Shults, 2019 at Genesis Cinema (26 FEB 20:50).

THU 27

What to see in London this week: Andy Warhol's Screen Tests Reel #10 at Barbican (27 FEB).
What to see in London this week: Andy Warhol’s Screen Tests Reel #10 at Barbican (27 FEB).

Andy Warhol’s Screen Tests Reel #10 + New Soundtrack by Leif at Barbican (27 FEB 21:00):

  • “Between 1964-66, Warhol would ask some visitors to the Factory to sit in front of his tripod-mounted 16mm Bolex camera, face forward, and hold still. They each sat for three minutes; the films that resulted are known as the Screen Tests. The sitters in Reel #10 include Lou Reed and Edie Sedgwick. For this event, DJ and producer Leif has created a new live soundtrack that explores the more ambient/experimental side of his sound.”

IT’S YOURS – HIP HOP & THE INTERNET d. Marguerite De Bourgoing, 2020 + Skype Q&A with the director at House Of Vans (27 FEB 19:00 – FREE!):

  • Doc’n Roll presents: “By the dawn of the 21st century, hip-hop sales had reached an all-time high, but one thing has remained the same. The doors were still locked, and the music industry held the keys. Young artists began to self-market on the internet, ultimately helping to collapse the music industry as we knew it. IT’S YOURS explores how it became possible to become a rap star through a Twitter account, Youtube or Myspace page.”

MAJOR! d. Annalise Ophelian, 2015 + Intro at Peckhamplex (27 FEB 18:30):

  • The Batty Mama & Evidence To Exist Research Group present: “An exploration of the life and campaigns of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a formerly incarcerated Black transgender elder, community leader and human rights activist who has been fighting for the rights of trans women of colour for over 40 years.”

More films in London today (A – Z):

  • CELINE AND JULIE GO BOATING 35mm aka Céline et Julie vont en bateau d. Jacques Rivette, 1974 at The Prince Charles (27 FEB 20:00). DEAD & BURIED d. Gary Sherman, 1981 presented by Terror Vision at BFI (27 FEB 20:30). FARMING d. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, 2018 + Discussion presented by Psychology At The Movies at Regent Street Cinema (27 FEB 19:00). THE HOLY MOUNTAIN d. Alejandro Jodorowsky, 1973 at ICA (27 FEB 12:30). HOUSE WORKS TRILOGY d. Emily Richardson + the artist in conversation with Jonathan P. Watts at The Whitechapel Gallery (27 FEB 19:00). THE KILLING 35mm d. Stanley Kubrick, 1956 at The Prince Charles (27 FEB 18:00). THE KINGMAKER d. Lauren Greenfield, 2019 presented by UnderDocs at Screen25 Cinema at Harris Academy South Norwood (27 FEB 19:45). LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT 3D d. Bi Gan, 2018 at Curzon Aldgate (27 FEB 20:45). Open Screenings for emerging & established artist film-makers at The Whitechapel Gallery (27 FEB 17:00). Short Film Thursdays presented by Forest Film Club at The Birds (27 FEB 19:30). TANGO SAOLN – LA CONFITERIA IDEAL d. Jana Bokova, 2004 + Q&A with the director at Czech Centre London (27 FEB 19:00 – FREE!/Currently looking SOLD OUT!/Check venue). TRUE ROMANCE d. Tony Scott, 1993 presented by Stow Film Lounge at Signature Brew (27 FEB 19:15). Your Cinema – February Edition at Vue Westfield Stratford (27 FEB 19:00).

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MUSEUM SHOWS PART 1

SEASONS (by event/venue)

What to see in London this week: THE BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET, part of SCI-FI SUNDAYS at Deptford Cinema (23 FEB).
What to see in London this week: THE BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET, part of SCI-FI SUNDAYS at Deptford Cinema (23 FEB).

70mm PRESENTATIONS at The Prince Charles (ongoing):

  • JOKER 70mm d. Todd Phillips, 2019 (26 FEB 20:45).

1999 – 2019: EXPLORING 20 YEARS OF SCI-FI at The Prince Charles (2020):

  • SNOWPIERCER d. Bong Joon-ho, 2013 (21 to 27 FEB/Check venue for details); ARRIVAL d. Denis Villeneuve, 2016 (22 FEB 18:00); and, COWBOY BEBOP: THE MOVIE 35mm d. Shin’ichirô Watanabe & Tensai Okamura, 2001 (23 FEB 15:15 – Currently looking SOLD OUT!/Check venue).

AFRICAN IDENTITIES REBORN at DocHouse (JAN to FEB):

“Going beyond the misconceptions to look at how complex African identities are today.” Includes:

AMERICAN NEW WAVE at The Prince Charles (2020):

“We’re going to be runnin this strand throughout the year so keep checking back, as there is a lot more still to come!” Includes:

ANIME SCREENINGS at The Prince Charles (FEB to MAY):

“A selection of Anime screenings taking place at The Prince Charles Cinema [all screenings come with English subtitles]” Includes:

  • PENGUIN HIGHWAY d. Hiroyasu Ishida, 2018 + Q&A with author Tomihiko Morimi at The Prince Charles (23 FEB 15:30); COWBOY BEBOP: THE MOVIE 35mm d. Shin’ichirô Watanabe & Tensai Okamura, 2001 (23 FEB 15:15 – Currently looking SOLD OUT!/Check venue); and, GHOST IN THE SHELL d. Mamoru Oshii, 1995 (23 FEB 18:45).

AUTOBIOGRAPHY & AUTOFICTION at Ciné Lumière (02 FEB to 31 MAR):

“Be it fictitious or real, our classic film season explores autobiography and autofiction through the lens of the greatest masters, from Truffaut to Tarkovsky, Akerman to Fellini.”

BÉLA TARR at Deptford Cinema (13 FEB to 30 MAR):

“A season celebrating the Hungarian master of long takes. Epic films about the human condition.” Includes:

  • DAMNATION d. Béla Tarr 1988 (24 FEB 19:30).

BEST OF THE DECADE at The Prince Charles (FEB to JUN):

“We bring back some of our favourite films released in the last decade; 2010 to 2019!” Includes:

  • LITTLE WOMEN d. Greta Gerwig, 2019 (21 FEB 12:30 / 24 FEB 12:30 / 25 FEB 12:50 / 26 FEB 13:00); BAIT 35mm d. Mark Jenkin, 2019 (24 FEB 13:00 / 26 FEB 21:00 / 27 FEB 15:45); and, THE FAREWELL d. Lulu Wang, 2019 (25 FEB 20:45).

BIG SCREEN CLASSICS: MAN VS NATURE at BFI Southbank (FEB):

“Humanity’s insatiable thirst to control everything that stands in its way has been especially true when it comes to the natural world. These films present different perspectives of mankind and nature bumping into each other in various ways.” Includes:

THE CINEMA OF JESSICA HAUSNER at BFI Southbank (FEB to MAR):

“We celebrate one of the most distinctive European filmmakers working today, and welcome her to the BFI stage.” Includes:

  • LITTLE JOE d. Jessica Hausner, 2019 + Jessica Hausner In Conversation (21 FEB 18:00); LOVELY RITA 35mm d. Jessica Hausner, 2001 + Q&A with the director (22 FEB 16:00); LITTLE JOE d. Jessica Hausner, 2019 + Intro by the director (22 FEB 18:10); FLORA + INTER-VIEW both 35mm d. Jessica Hausner, 1995 + 1999 (22 FEB 18:20 / 24 FEB 20:50); HOTEL 35mm + Short: TOAST d. Jessica Hausner, 2004 + 2006 (22 FEB 20:30 / 24 FEB 18:10); LOURDES 35mm d. Jessica Hausner, 2009 + Q&A with the director (23 FEB 16:00); and, AMOUR FOU d. Jessica Hausner, 2014 (23 FEB 18:30).
  • Talks: Critics’ Salon: LITTLE JOE Panel Discussion (27 FEB 20:15).
  • New Releases: LITTLE JOE d. Jessica Hausner, 2019 (21 FEB to 05 MAR).

ELIA KAZAN: THE ACTORS’ DIRECTOR at BFI Southbank (FEB to MAR):

“Be awed by the brilliant performances that Kazan elicited throughout his directing career, in our two-month season featuring Brando, Dean, Hepburn, Kerr and many more.” Includes:

ESSENTIAL CINEMA at Close-Up (DEC to FEB):

“Our ongoing repertory series presenting masterpieces from throughout the history of cinema. The current programme focusses on Federico Fellini, in celebration of his centenary.” Includes:

  • 8½ d. Federico Fellini, 1963 (22 FEB 20:15); L’AVVENTURA d. Michelangelo Antonioni, 1960 (23 FEB 19:30); LA STRADA d. Federico Fellini, 1954 (24 FEB 20:15); and, SATYRICON d. Federico Fellini, 1969 (26 FEB 20:30).

FELLINI at BFI Southbank (JAN to FEB):

“Enjoy the start of a two-month season on one of world cinema’s most exuberantly playful filmmakers.” Includes:

  • Episodic Fellini Short Film Programme (21 FEB 18:20); 8½ 4K aka Otto e mezzo d. Federico Fellini, 1963 (23 FEB 18:00 – Currently looking SOLD OUT!/Check venue / 27 FEB 18:00); LA DOLCE VITA 4K d. Federico Fellini, 1960 (24 FEB 19:00); IL BIDONE 4K aka The Swindlers d. Federico Fellini, 1955 (25 FEB 18:00); FELLINI’S ROMA 4K aka Roma d. Federico Fellini, 1972 (25 FEB 20:30); and, INTERVISTA 4K d. Federico Fellini, 1987 (26 FEB 20:40).
  • Special events: 8½ 4K aka Otto e mezzo d. Federico Fellini, 1963 + Q&A with actor/producer Barbara Steele (26 FEB 19:30 – CANCELLED!); 8½ 4K aka Otto e mezzo d. Federico Fellini, 1963 + Intro by actor/producer Barbara Steele (27 FEB 14:30 – CANCELLED!).

THE FILMS OF CÉLINE SCIAMMA at The Prince Charles (JAN to FEB):

THE FILMS OF LYNNE RAMSAY at The Prince Charles (JAN to FEB):

FIRST FILMS at Classic Cinema Club – Ealing (JAN to FEB):

“We begin the new year and decade with some important firsts in cinema: promising debuts; first-time collaborators; and the first motions of major film movements.” Includes:

GALENTINES & VALENTINES CELEBRATIONS at The Prince Charles (13 to 20 FEB):

“Our tradition of screening a bunch of films of people falling in [and out] of love over Valentines Week continues with a few staple classics, a heartbreaker and a couple films exploring the darker side of romance!” Includes:

  • AMELIE 35mm aka Le fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain d. Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 2001 (until 27 FEB/Check venue for details); and, FIRST LOVE aka Hatsukoi d. Takashi Miike, 2019 (until 27 FEB/Check venue for details).

HER LENS, HIS STORY: FEMALE DIRECTORS & MASCULINITIES at Barbican (26 FEB to 10 MAR):

“Explore complex, revealing and often provocative takes on men and masculinity, as seen through the lens of female filmmakers around the world.” Includes:

  • LOVE LETTER 35mm d. Kinuyo Tanaka, 1953 + Intro by writer Jasper Sharp (26 FEB 18:30).

JELINEK – HANDKE AND THE SILVER SCREEN at Austrian Cultural Forum (FEB – FREE!):

JOHN CASSAVETES IN 35MM at The Prince Charles (JAN to MAR):

JOIN THE #BONGHIVE at The Prince Charles (JAN to FEB):

“We’re trying to bring as many of Bong Joon-ho’s titles to our screen as possible.” Includes:

  • SNOWPIERCER d. Bong Joon-ho, 2013 (21 to 27 FEB/Check venue for details).

LATE NIGHTS SEASON – NICOLAS CAGE at Everyman Screen On The Green (FEB to MAR):

THE OSCARS – AND THE NOMINEES ARE… at The Prince Charles (FEB to MAR):

“We’ve got the Oscar fever, how ’bout you? Catch some of the top films of 2019 once more on the big screen, ahead of the biggest awards show of the year.. THE OSCARS!” Includes:

  • JOJO RABBIT d. Taika Waititi, 2019 (until 27 FEB/Check venue for details); and, JOKER 70mm d. Todd Phillips, 2019 (26 FEB 20:45).

OUT IN MERTON at various venues (24 JAN to 28 FEB – FREE!):

“FilmMerton presents a short season of LGBT+ films.” Includes:

  • THE COLOUR PURPLE d. Steven Spielberg, 1985 (21 FEB 19:00 – Wimbledon Arts Space – FREE!).

RIGHTS AT RISK: YESTERDAY / TOMORROW at DocHouse (06 FEB to 01 MAR):

“If your rights were at risk before, what do the current political changes mean for tomorrow?” Includes:

ROMCOMS at House Of Vans (06 FEB to 01 MAR – FREE!):

“Who said that Valentine’s has to be restricted to one day? This month, we’re getting cosy in the screening room as we show some of the best blockbuster romcoms for every situation, curated by us. We hope you love them.” Includes:

SECOND SIGHT at Barbican (18 to 23 FEB):

“In association with LUX, the ICO’s 2020 national film tour Second Sight explores the legacy, methods, aesthetic strategies and histories of the UK’s Black Film Workshop Movement.” Includes:

SCI-FI SUNDAYS at Deptford Cinema (2020):

“Sci-Fi Sundays Year 2 at Deptford Cinema. Join us for a special screening on the last Sunday of the month.” Includes:

MUSEUM SHOWS PART 2

FILM FESTIVALS (by event)

Film festivals in London this week include:

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GRIND SHOWS

REGULAR RUNS & MAINSTREAM MARVELS (by title)

What to see in London this week: THE FORBIDDEN REEL at DocHouse (21 to 27 FEB).
What to see in London this week: THE FORBIDDEN REEL at DocHouse (21 to 27 FEB).

END OF THE CENTURY d. Lucio Castro, 2019 at ArtHouse Crouch End (21 to 27 FEB):

  • “When Ocho (Juan Barberini), a 30-something Argentine poet on vacation in Barcelona, spots Javi (Ramón Pujol), a Spaniard from Berlin, from the balcony of his Airbnb, the attraction is subtle but persistent. After a missed connection on the beach, a third chance encounter escalates to a seemingly random hookup. But are these two merely beautiful strangers in a foreign city or are they part of each other’s histories-and maybe even their destinies?”

THE FORBIDDEN REEL d. Ariel Nasr, 2019 at DocHouse (21 to 27 FEB):

  • “Under threat of execution by the Taliban, who were destroying countless aspects of Afghanistan’s culture, Afghan Film workers hid hundreds of film reels behind a secret wall. The rescued archive, which still lies in a vulnerable state in their office in Kabul, reveals an incredibly rich cinematic history. It shows facets of a modernist, left leaning Afghanistan, long crowded out by news images of violence and extremism.”

LITTLE JOE d. Jessica Hausner, 2019 at The Castle Cinema (21 FEB to 03 MAR):

  • “Alice, a single mother, is a dedicated senior plant breeder at a corporation engaged in developing new species. She has engineered a very special crimson flower, remarkable not only for its beauty but also for its therapeutic value. Against company policy, Alice takes one home as a gift for her teenage son, Joe. They christen it ‘Little Joe’ but as it grows, so too does Alice’s suspicion that her new creations may not be as harmless as their nickname suggests…”

MIDNIGHT FAMILY d. Luke Lorentzen, 2019 at Ciné Lumière (21 to 27 FEB):

  • “In Mexico City’s wealthiest neighbourhoods, the Ochoa family runs a private ambulance, competing with other for-profit EMTs for patients in need of urgent help. As they try to make a living in this cutthroat industry, the Ochoas struggle to keep their financial needs from compromising the people in their care.”

More films in London this week (A – Z):

  • A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD d. Marielle Heller, 2019 at Watermans (until 27 FEB). AMELIE 35mm d. Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 2001 at The Prince Charles (until 27 FEB). FIRST LOVE aka Hatsukoi d. Takashi Miike, 2019 at The Prince Charles (until 27 FEB). GREED d. Michael Winterbottom, 2020 at Phoenix Cinema (21 to 27 FEB). JOJO RABBIT d. Taika Waititi, 2019 at The Prince Charles (until 27 FEB). LEONA d. Isaac Cherem, 2018 presented by UKJF at JW3 (23 to 27 FEB). THE LIGHTHOUSE d. Robert Eggers, 2019 at Watermans (21 to 27 FEB). MR. JONES d. Agnieszka Holland, 2019 at Ciné Lumière (until 01 MAR). PARASITE d. Bong Joon-ho, 2019 at Rich Mix (until 27 FEB). THE PUBLIC d. Emilio Estevez, 2019 at Rio Cinema (21 to 27 FEB). QUEEN & SLIM d. Melina Matsoukas, 2019 at Genesis Cinema (until 27 FEB). RED JOAN d. Trevor Nunn, 2018 at Whirled Cinema (24 FEB to 01 MAR). SNOWPIERCER d. Bong Joon-ho, 2013 at The Prince Charles (21 to 27 FEB). SONIC THE HEDGEHOG d. Jeff Fowler, 2020 at Catford Mews (until 27 FEB). WHEN LAMBS BECOME LIONS d. Jon Kasbe, 2018 at DocHouse (until 27 FEB/Check venue for details).

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“Home of alternative screen culture in London” (Film London)

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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 still be sold out. Please click quickly! We don’t filter by age/certification: all readers & subscribers should be 18+.