- From 8 February, the National Science and Media Museum’s Pictureville Cinema will be screening films at The Studio next to Alhambra Theatre.
- Pictureville Presents is a specially curated film programme including classic and cult cinema, special screenings and films that have been rarely screened on the big screen.
The National Science and Media Museum’s Pictureville Cinema will be screening films at The Studio, a flexible theatre space, next to the Alhambra Theatre from 8 February, while the main cinema remains temporarily closed.
Pictureville Presents: Cinema at The Studio will bring cinemagoers classic and cult cinema, special screenings and a rare chance to see films that have rarely been screened on the big screen before. Presented at The Studio next to the Alhambra, Pictureville: Presents will offer a diverse programme of independent and classics for film lovers with screenings including added extras like film introductions and special events,
Featured film seasons will include Cinema Unbound: The Creative World of Powell + Pressburger; Rebel Women, documentary films about trailblazing women; Kids’ Club, every Saturday morning; From Stage to Screen, a series of films reflecting the unique location of the Alhambra Theatre; screenings in collaboration with Bradford Queer Film Festival; and Love Is, celebrating love on screen throughout February, among others.
The specially curated film programme will officially begin on Thursday 8 February with a matinee of Powell and Pressburger’s I Know Where I’m Going (1945) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) followed by opening night screenings of Black Narcissus (1947), introduced by Reader in Cinema History at Manchester Metropolitan University Dr Andrew Moor and documentary Tish (2023).
Sally Folkard, Head of Screen and Cultural Engagement said: “While Pictureville is closed, we’re excited to be able to bring cinemagoers this special programme at The Studio. Pictureville Presents will give audiences the opportunity to see films rarely screened on the big screen, plus the chance to experience a broad programme of independent, world cinema and classic titles that Pictureville is known for. We look forward to welcoming audiences to The Studio, and back to Pictureville at the museum once it reopens.”
Later in February, screenings will include Powell and Pressburger’s The Red Shoes (1948); Bradford-based Ali & Ava (2021); Yorkshire-shot Billy Elliot (2000); cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975); along with Sabrina (1954), to mark its 70th anniversary; and a Galentine’s Day special of Legally Blonde (2001), among many others.
Pictureville Cinema remains closed for at least six months as Reinforced Aerated Autoclave Concrete (RAAC) investigations continue.
While the National Science and Media Museum remains temporarily closed to the public to undergo refurbishment, its team of Explainers are on the road offering free family half-term activities in shopping centres and community venues across Bradford. From 12 February, families will be able to explore the wonders of space with live shows, stalls and hands-on activities suitable for all ages.
For more information about Pictureville Presents: Cinema at The Studio and to book tickets visit: www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/cinema
For more information about free February half-term activities visit: www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/whats-on/space-half-term
Pictureville Presents: Cinema at The Studio is supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.
Ends
For more information, interviews or images, please contact Brittany Noppe, Senior Press Officer, Brittany.noppe@scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk / 01274 203356
A media pack of images can be found here: https://we.tl/t-hwRTN9SZ08
About the National Science and Media Museum
The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, West Yorkshire, opened in 1983, and has since become one of the most visited UK museums outside London. It draws on more than three million objects from its national collection to explore the science and culture of image and sound technologies, and their impact on our lives.
The museum creates special exhibitions, interactive galleries and activities for families and adults, and is home to Pictureville, Yorkshire’s biggest independent cinema with three screens including Europe’s first IMAX and the only public Cinerama venue in the world.
Please note, the museum is now temporarily closed to the public until summer 2024 to undergo a ‘once-in-a-generation’ transformation. Pictureville Cinema and Bar is currently temporarily closed as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of staff and visitors, following a survey into the presence of Reinforced Aerated Autoclave Concrete (RAAC) in the building. For more information and updates on re-opening, please visit www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk.
About Film Hub North
Film Hub North is a network of organisations committed to fostering a vibrant, flourishing film culture in the North of England. Led in partnership by HOME Manchester and Showroom Cinema, Sheffield, Film Hub North supports and represents a wide-ranging group of exhibitors and filmmakers throughout the region.
Working across Cheshire, County Durham, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Northumberland, North and East Lincolnshire, Tyne & Wear, and Yorkshire, Film Hub North distributes National Lottery funds on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network and BFI NETWORK. Film Hub North provides funding and training that helps exhibitors expand their reach, develops local filmmaking talent and, ultimately, ensures that audiences in the North have access to a rich variety of cinema.
About the BFI
The BFI is a cultural charity, a National Lottery distributor, and the UK’s lead organisation for film and the moving image. The BFI mission is:
- To support creativity and actively seek out the next generation of UK storytellers
- To grow and care for the BFI National Archive, the world’s largest film and television archive
- To offer the widest range of UK and international moving image culture through its programmes and festivals - delivered online and in-venue
- To use its knowledge to educate and deepen public appreciation and understanding
- To work with Government and industry to ensure the continued growth of the UK’s screen industries.
Founded in 1933, the BFI is a registered charity governed by Royal Charter. The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Tim Richards.
About the BFI Film Audience Network
Supported by National Lottery funding, the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN), is central to the BFI’s aim to ensure the greatest choice of film is available for everyone. Established in 2012 to build wider and more diverse UK cinema audiences for British and international film, FAN is a unique, UK-wide collaboration made up of eight Hubs managed by leading film organisations and venues strategically placed around the country. FAN also supports talent development with BFI NETWORK Talent Executives in each of the English Hubs, with a mission to discover and support talented writers, directors and producers at the start of their careers.
