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Audio Described

Relaxed

Parent & Baby

HOH Subtitles

Amplified Audio

Our dementia-friendly screenings take place every second Wednesday of the month.

The film starts at 11am, and our cafe and facilities are be open from 10am for early arrivals, tea, coffee & cake!

As with all our accessible screenings, carers go free.

We’re a dementia-friendly venue and all our staff have been dementia trained via the Alzheimer’s Society. We’ve adapted the space and made adjustments to make sure the space is as safe, helpful, and happy as possible.

This includes:

Additional signage

No adverts or trailers

Lights are left on dim and volume is turned down

The cinema isn’t filled to capacity

Relaxed – eg attendees can sing, dance or talk during the film

15 min interval

Extra cushions & alternative seating available

If you have any questions email us, or sign up for our newsletter to hear about forthcoming screenings!

Accessibility:
Please be aware, the cinema is on the first floor and there is no lift. We do have a medium-wide (1100mm) stairwell with handrails on both sides, and we’ve had several guests with limited mobility join us for films. However it does rely on walking up the stairs (with assistance as required).

Our staff will be ready to lend a hand wherever needed.

Please see here for our Accessibility Document.

A chance for parents and carers with babies under a year old to see the best new films.

The cafe is open from 10am, and the films begin at 11am. The sound is turned down a little, and the lights kept up a little. We'll also help you upstairs with your buggy!

(Please note that due to the need to keep our fire exits accessible, buggies are parked in the bar, where we have staff and CCTV, while the film is on)

Only adults accompanied by babies will be admitted.

Come with us on an adventure through space and time as we explore the outer reaches of the universe in our Summer Of Sci-Fi season!

Wherever possible we play films with the audio description soundtrack. These films are listed below, and can be recognised by the [AD] image beside the film title.

A film with an audio description soundtrack means that we can supply you with headphones for the duration of the film which will relay a special soundtrack with full description of events happening on screen. This means that anyone with visual impairment or other needs can fully enjoy the film.

An audio description soundtrack has no affect whatsoever to anyone without the headphones; it's just like a regular film.

HOH subtitles, or ‘closed captioning’, refers to subtitles specifically intended for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. They are a transcription rather than a translation, so as well as reproducing dialogue in films, aim to describe every additional non-dialogue sound available to a hearing audience, e.g. “(sighs)” or “(door creaks)” and song lyrics. These subtitles are hard-coded onto the screen. All guests are welcome to purchase tickets to these screenings and in our experience, hearing guests at these performances do not find the subtitles to be distracting at all.

Wherever possible, we play films with the Amplified Audio soundtrack. These films are listed below and can be recognised by the [AA] image beside the film title.

A film with an amplified audio soundtrack is specifically intended for people with hearing impairment. It means that we can supply you with headphones for the duration of the film, and you can turn up the volume as much as you need. 

An amplified audio soundtrack has no affect whatsoever on anyone without the headphones; it's just like a regular film.

Relaxed screenings offer a chance to see films in a relaxed environment and are open to everyone to attend, but are especially tailored for those with autism or others with sensory needs, as well as their friends, family and carers. Relaxed screenings are scheduled every second Sunday of the month.

Look at our Photo social story and read our Access Statement which can be used to see the venue before your visit. There is also a 3D tour of the cinema available here.

What’s different about these screenings?

The sound is lower than usual (we also have ear defenders available), the lights are kept on low, seats are not allocated, the cinema screening is filled to a maximum capacity of 75%.It’s ok to move around or walk out of the screen if you need a break. It’s ok to make noise if you need.

Our staff have all received Dimensions UK training, and we’ll make sure it’s a friendly, welcoming and safe environment.

See absolutely everything that's going on at The Castle Cinema, by date.

Fri, 23 May

The Phoenician Scheme

The inimitable Wes Anderson returns with The Phoenician Scheme, a story of a family – and a family business. Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro) is a roguish millionaire businessman, survivor of six plane crashes and father of nine sons, and – crucially – one daughter, a nun called Liesel (Mia Threapleton). The two reunite when Liesel is, against all odds, named sole heir to his estate. But as Korda embarks on a new, ambitious enterprise, they quickly become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins.

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Ethan Hunt and the IMF team continue their search for the terrifying AI known as the Entity - which has infiltrated intelligence networks all over the globe - with the world's governments and a mysterious ghost from Ethan's past on their trail. Joined by new allies and armed with the means to shut the Entity down for good, Hunt is in a race against time to prevent the world as we know it from changing forever. Warning: This film contains sequences with flashing or flickering lights that may affect individuals with photosensitivity. Viewer discretion is advised.

Ocean with David Attenborough

Ocean with David Attenborough takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. In the film the celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing. Stunning, immersive cinematography showcases the wonder of life under the seas and exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean as never-before-seen, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral reef bleaching. Yet the story is one of optimism, with Attenborough pointing to inspirational stories from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen. Screening in cinemas with theatrically exclusive footage.

Sat, 24 May

Ocean with David Attenborough

Ocean with David Attenborough takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. In the film the celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing. Stunning, immersive cinematography showcases the wonder of life under the seas and exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean as never-before-seen, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral reef bleaching. Yet the story is one of optimism, with Attenborough pointing to inspirational stories from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen. Screening in cinemas with theatrically exclusive footage.

The Phoenician Scheme

The inimitable Wes Anderson returns with The Phoenician Scheme, a story of a family – and a family business. Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro) is a roguish millionaire businessman, survivor of six plane crashes and father of nine sons, and – crucially – one daughter, a nun called Liesel (Mia Threapleton). The two reunite when Liesel is, against all odds, named sole heir to his estate. But as Korda embarks on a new, ambitious enterprise, they quickly become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins.

Sinners

Set in the 1930s Jim Crow South era, Sinners is a supernatural horror about twin brothers, Smoke & Stack (Michael B. Jordan) who return to their hometown trying to leave their troubled lives behind and start again, only to discover that there is a greater evil waiting to welcome them back. Written, directed, and produced by Ryan Coogler, Sinners features an all star cast including Michael B. Jordan (in a dual role), Jack O'Connell, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku & Omar Benson Miller.

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Ethan Hunt and the IMF team continue their search for the terrifying AI known as the Entity - which has infiltrated intelligence networks all over the globe - with the world's governments and a mysterious ghost from Ethan's past on their trail. Joined by new allies and armed with the means to shut the Entity down for good, Hunt is in a race against time to prevent the world as we know it from changing forever. Warning: This film contains sequences with flashing or flickering lights that may affect individuals with photosensitivity. Viewer discretion is advised.

Sun, 25 May

Ocean with David Attenborough

Ocean with David Attenborough takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. In the film the celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing. Stunning, immersive cinematography showcases the wonder of life under the seas and exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean as never-before-seen, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral reef bleaching. Yet the story is one of optimism, with Attenborough pointing to inspirational stories from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen. Screening in cinemas with theatrically exclusive footage.

The Phoenician Scheme

The inimitable Wes Anderson returns with The Phoenician Scheme, a story of a family – and a family business. Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro) is a roguish millionaire businessman, survivor of six plane crashes and father of nine sons, and – crucially – one daughter, a nun called Liesel (Mia Threapleton). The two reunite when Liesel is, against all odds, named sole heir to his estate. But as Korda embarks on a new, ambitious enterprise, they quickly become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins.

Cine-real presents: Paper Moon

Moses, a con-man, travelling from place to place selling bibles suddenly decides to adopt Addie, an orphan girl. However, soon Addie realises that Moses is not the person he pretends to be. Cine-real is one of the only film clubs in the UK to exclusively play films from original 16mm prints. They are a non-profit organisation which aims to unite film makers and enthusiasts in their appreciation of classic film.

Sinners

Set in the 1930s Jim Crow South era, Sinners is a supernatural horror about twin brothers, Smoke & Stack (Michael B. Jordan) who return to their hometown trying to leave their troubled lives behind and start again, only to discover that there is a greater evil waiting to welcome them back. Written, directed, and produced by Ryan Coogler, Sinners features an all star cast including Michael B. Jordan (in a dual role), Jack O'Connell, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku & Omar Benson Miller.

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Ethan Hunt and the IMF team continue their search for the terrifying AI known as the Entity - which has infiltrated intelligence networks all over the globe - with the world's governments and a mysterious ghost from Ethan's past on their trail. Joined by new allies and armed with the means to shut the Entity down for good, Hunt is in a race against time to prevent the world as we know it from changing forever. Warning: This film contains sequences with flashing or flickering lights that may affect individuals with photosensitivity. Viewer discretion is advised.

Mon, 26 May

Ocean with David Attenborough

Ocean with David Attenborough takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. In the film the celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing. Stunning, immersive cinematography showcases the wonder of life under the seas and exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean as never-before-seen, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral reef bleaching. Yet the story is one of optimism, with Attenborough pointing to inspirational stories from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen. Screening in cinemas with theatrically exclusive footage.

The Phoenician Scheme

The inimitable Wes Anderson returns with The Phoenician Scheme, a story of a family – and a family business. Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro) is a roguish millionaire businessman, survivor of six plane crashes and father of nine sons, and – crucially – one daughter, a nun called Liesel (Mia Threapleton). The two reunite when Liesel is, against all odds, named sole heir to his estate. But as Korda embarks on a new, ambitious enterprise, they quickly become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins.

Sinners

Set in the 1930s Jim Crow South era, Sinners is a supernatural horror about twin brothers, Smoke & Stack (Michael B. Jordan) who return to their hometown trying to leave their troubled lives behind and start again, only to discover that there is a greater evil waiting to welcome them back. Written, directed, and produced by Ryan Coogler, Sinners features an all star cast including Michael B. Jordan (in a dual role), Jack O'Connell, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku & Omar Benson Miller.

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Ethan Hunt and the IMF team continue their search for the terrifying AI known as the Entity - which has infiltrated intelligence networks all over the globe - with the world's governments and a mysterious ghost from Ethan's past on their trail. Joined by new allies and armed with the means to shut the Entity down for good, Hunt is in a race against time to prevent the world as we know it from changing forever. Warning: This film contains sequences with flashing or flickering lights that may affect individuals with photosensitivity. Viewer discretion is advised.

Tue, 27 May

The Phoenician Scheme

The inimitable Wes Anderson returns with The Phoenician Scheme, a story of a family – and a family business. Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro) is a roguish millionaire businessman, survivor of six plane crashes and father of nine sons, and – crucially – one daughter, a nun called Liesel (Mia Threapleton). The two reunite when Liesel is, against all odds, named sole heir to his estate. But as Korda embarks on a new, ambitious enterprise, they quickly become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins.

Sinners

Set in the 1930s Jim Crow South era, Sinners is a supernatural horror about twin brothers, Smoke & Stack (Michael B. Jordan) who return to their hometown trying to leave their troubled lives behind and start again, only to discover that there is a greater evil waiting to welcome them back. Written, directed, and produced by Ryan Coogler, Sinners features an all star cast including Michael B. Jordan (in a dual role), Jack O'Connell, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku & Omar Benson Miller.

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Ethan Hunt and the IMF team continue their search for the terrifying AI known as the Entity - which has infiltrated intelligence networks all over the globe - with the world's governments and a mysterious ghost from Ethan's past on their trail. Joined by new allies and armed with the means to shut the Entity down for good, Hunt is in a race against time to prevent the world as we know it from changing forever. Warning: This film contains sequences with flashing or flickering lights that may affect individuals with photosensitivity. Viewer discretion is advised.

Ocean with David Attenborough

Ocean with David Attenborough takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. In the film the celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing. Stunning, immersive cinematography showcases the wonder of life under the seas and exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean as never-before-seen, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral reef bleaching. Yet the story is one of optimism, with Attenborough pointing to inspirational stories from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen. Screening in cinemas with theatrically exclusive footage.

Wed, 28 May

The Phoenician Scheme

The inimitable Wes Anderson returns with The Phoenician Scheme, a story of a family – and a family business. Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro) is a roguish millionaire businessman, survivor of six plane crashes and father of nine sons, and – crucially – one daughter, a nun called Liesel (Mia Threapleton). The two reunite when Liesel is, against all odds, named sole heir to his estate. But as Korda embarks on a new, ambitious enterprise, they quickly become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins.

Sinners

Set in the 1930s Jim Crow South era, Sinners is a supernatural horror about twin brothers, Smoke & Stack (Michael B. Jordan) who return to their hometown trying to leave their troubled lives behind and start again, only to discover that there is a greater evil waiting to welcome them back. Written, directed, and produced by Ryan Coogler, Sinners features an all star cast including Michael B. Jordan (in a dual role), Jack O'Connell, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku & Omar Benson Miller.

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Ethan Hunt and the IMF team continue their search for the terrifying AI known as the Entity - which has infiltrated intelligence networks all over the globe - with the world's governments and a mysterious ghost from Ethan's past on their trail. Joined by new allies and armed with the means to shut the Entity down for good, Hunt is in a race against time to prevent the world as we know it from changing forever. Warning: This film contains sequences with flashing or flickering lights that may affect individuals with photosensitivity. Viewer discretion is advised.

Ocean with David Attenborough

Ocean with David Attenborough takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. In the film the celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing. Stunning, immersive cinematography showcases the wonder of life under the seas and exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean as never-before-seen, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral reef bleaching. Yet the story is one of optimism, with Attenborough pointing to inspirational stories from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen. Screening in cinemas with theatrically exclusive footage.

Thu, 29 May

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Ethan Hunt and the IMF team continue their search for the terrifying AI known as the Entity - which has infiltrated intelligence networks all over the globe - with the world's governments and a mysterious ghost from Ethan's past on their trail. Joined by new allies and armed with the means to shut the Entity down for good, Hunt is in a race against time to prevent the world as we know it from changing forever. Warning: This film contains sequences with flashing or flickering lights that may affect individuals with photosensitivity. Viewer discretion is advised.

The Phoenician Scheme

The inimitable Wes Anderson returns with The Phoenician Scheme, a story of a family – and a family business. Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro) is a roguish millionaire businessman, survivor of six plane crashes and father of nine sons, and – crucially – one daughter, a nun called Liesel (Mia Threapleton). The two reunite when Liesel is, against all odds, named sole heir to his estate. But as Korda embarks on a new, ambitious enterprise, they quickly become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists, and determined assassins.

Ocean with David Attenborough

Ocean with David Attenborough takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. In the film the celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing. Stunning, immersive cinematography showcases the wonder of life under the seas and exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean as never-before-seen, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral reef bleaching. Yet the story is one of optimism, with Attenborough pointing to inspirational stories from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen. Screening in cinemas with theatrically exclusive footage.

Cine-real presents: Paper Moon

Moses, a con-man, travelling from place to place selling bibles suddenly decides to adopt Addie, an orphan girl. However, soon Addie realises that Moses is not the person he pretends to be. Cine-real is one of the only film clubs in the UK to exclusively play films from original 16mm prints. They are a non-profit organisation which aims to unite film makers and enthusiasts in their appreciation of classic film.

Sat, 31 May

Doctor Who: The 2025 Finale

Experience time and space on the big screen with Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra, and Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday and celebrate an epic two-part end of season finale at your local cinema on the 31st May 2025. Watch the finale of Season 2, The Reality War, on the big screen! Screening starts at 18:00 with Wish World, followed by the Reality War. Belinda Chandra has been kidnapped by robots, faced a terrifying god and a creature of pure evil on her travels with the Doctor. With the TARDIS still unable to get her home to Earth, Belinda must fight for her life as the Doctor faces an almighty threat to reality itself...

Tue, 3 Jun

Pride Launch: Weekend + afterparty!

Before All Of Us Strangers there was Weekend. Screening as part of The Castle Cinema's Pride Month Programme, come along for the change to see Andrew Haigh's masterpiece back on the big screen. Released in 2011, Weekend depicts the unexpected 48 hours after Russell & Glenn meet in a Nottingham nightclub and have a 'one-night stand'. The result is a tender & sensitive exploration of modern sexuality, and has been described as 'one of the truest, most beautiful movies ever made about two strangers'. Weekend won much praise and critical acclaim after premiering at the SXSW festival in the US and received several awards and nominations in film festivals across the globe. It was restricted to 10 cinemas on its release in Italy on 10 March 2016 after the country's bishops branded Andrew Haigh's acclaimed gay love story "indecent" and "unusable" in the country's many church-owned film theaters. The film was shunned by the more than 1,100 cinemas owned by the Catholic Church that comprise the bulk of Italy's network of independent/arthouse theaters. Followed by a DJ set to celebrate the start of our Pride Month!

Wed, 4 Jun

Ocean with David Attenborough

Ocean with David Attenborough takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. In the film the celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing. Stunning, immersive cinematography showcases the wonder of life under the seas and exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean as never-before-seen, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral reef bleaching. Yet the story is one of optimism, with Attenborough pointing to inspirational stories from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen. Screening in cinemas with theatrically exclusive footage.

Thu, 5 Jun

NT Live: A Streetcar Named Desire

Gillian Anderson (Sex Education), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor) lead the cast in Tennessee Williams' timeless masterpiece, returning to cinemas. As Blanche's fragile world crumbles, she turns to her sister Stella for solace – but her downward spiral brings her face to face with the brutal, unforgiving Stanley Kowalski. From visionary director Benedict Andrews, this acclaimed production was filmed live during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre in 2014 Please note: for NT Live shows there is no trailer reel. Shows start on time - as they would in the theatre!

Sun, 8 Jun

Pride Family Screening: Strange World

Screening as part of the 2025 Pride Program, The Castle Cinema presents a family screening of 2022 Disney animation Strange World. Strange World follows a family of explorers as they journey to a mysterious subterranean realm to save their world. Fantastical family-friendly battles and thrills ensue as they face bizarre alien creatures in this colourful animated sci-fi adventure. Strange World is the first Disney movie featuring an out-gay character, and has been praised for its nuanced LGBTQ+ representation, with Ethan's sexuality not being the main focus of the story but rather an integral part of his character. This screening is aimed at queer families & allies and will be run as a 'relaxed' screening. This means the house lights will be on low, the volume will be slightly lower & families and kids can feel free to make low level sound and movement.

Tue, 10 Jun

Violet Hour III: Incantations

VIOLET HOUR III: INCANTATIONS DATE: 10/06/2025 TIME: 21:00 Join us for the third instalment of Violet Hour, Incantations , exploring films that blur the lines between language, ritual and the natural world. Nietzchka Keene’s The Juniper Tree (1990) Starring a young Björk in her first screen role, Keene’s adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairytale is evocative, lyrical and deeply atmospheric. Made in Iceland on a miniscule budget, The Juniper Tree follows two sisters fleeing for safety after their mother is burned for witchcraft. A quietly acclaimed treasure in folkloric cinema, Keene’s tale explores sorcery, symbols and female power. Peter Rose’s Incantation (1972) A mesmeric 8-minute invocation where voice, language and image dissolve into pure spellwork. An Islamic chant over rapidly edited images of trees, the moon, the sun and water, Incantation is a phonetic ritual that entrances and beguiles. About Violet Hour Violet Hour showcases the dark, transgressive and enigmatic side of the screen. Exploring the unconscious through cinema, we screen and discuss works that unsettle, undo us and challenge our perceptions ~

Wed, 11 Jun

Torrey Pines + Director Q&A

Torrey Pines is a stop-motion animated feature film by director Clyde Petersen. Based on a true story, the film is a queer punk coming-of-age tale, taking place in Southern California in the early 1990's. Raised by a schizophrenic single mother, Petersen's life story unfolds in a series of baffling and hallucinated events. With a mother fueled by hallucinations of political conspiracy and family dysfunction, Petersen is kidnapped at the age of 12 and taken on a cross-country adventure that will forever alter the family as they know it. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Clyde Petersen. Program category: Documenting Queer Experience

Pitchblack Playback: Lauryn Hill 'The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill'

*Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted* Immerse yourself in sumptuous sounds of Lauryn Hill's hugely influential debut album at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One cinema sound system. No distractions; just you and the music. "This sounds great” — Rick Rubin
"A fabulous idea" — Jay Kay, Jamiroquai
"The optimal way to listen to an album" — Max Richter
"This might just be my favourite new thing to do" — Nihal, BBC Radio 5 Live Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out, Metro and Newsweek. Duration: 77 minutes This event is not affiliated with Lauryn Hill or Sony Music.

Sat, 14 Jun

Lollipop + director Q&A

When young mum Molly (Posy Sterling) is released from prison after serving four months, she assumes it will be a matter of hours before she can pick up her children from foster care. Instead, Molly finds herself in the mother of all catch-22s: she can’t get housing because she doesn’t have her kids living with her; but she can’t get them back without a roof over her head. When Molly reconnects with her childhood friend, and fellow single mother, Amina (Idil Ahmed), the two women join forces and take destiny into their own hands. This screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Daisy-May Hudson, Posy Sterling and Idil Ahmed.

Sun, 15 Jun

Hackney Drawing Club: Portrait of a Lady on Fire + Workshop

The Castle Cinema is parterning up with Hackney Drawing Club for an afternoon of mesmerising queer cinema, followed by a portrait workshop with local artist Chanti Lee. Part of our 2025 Pride Programme, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is an exquisite exploration of queer female longing, brought to you by acclaimed directer & activist Celine Sciamma, In 18th Century Brittany, artist Marianne is commissioned to paint a a portrait of Heloise - the daughter of a French countess - to celebrate her impending wedding. What follows is a scorching depiction of 'the dangerous, irresistible power of looking'. Portrait of a Lady on Fire was voted the 30th greatest film of all time in the Sight & Sound 2022 critics' poll and won the Queer Palm D'or in 2019. Following the screening will be a portrait workshop led by Hackney Drawing Club founder Chanti Lee. PLEASE NOTE: To just come to the screening, select one of our standard ticket options. For the workshop, please select a 'Ticket + Workshop' ticket. There is limited availability so please book in advance!

Tue, 17 Jun

Kokomo City + Q&A

Screening as part of our 2025 Pride Program, we present 2023 documentary Kokomo City, followed by a Q&A from academic & curator Lu Etienne. Kokomo City was a groundbreaking title by filmmaker & musician D. Smith, & documents the experiences of black trans sex workers living with dual identities in contemporary USA. Kokomo City had it's world premiere at Sundance Film Festival '23 and was described as 'rousing & illuminating', shining a light on one of the most marginiliased communities in America whilst also achieving remarkable intimacy coveted by many documentary makers. The film received the Panorama Audience Award at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival and also won the NEXT Audience and Innovator Awards at Sundance. This film will be followed by a Q&A with Lu Etienne, film scholar specialising in trans cinema at contemporary festivals. They're also a curator and activist.

Pitchblack Playback: Lauryn Hill 'The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill'

*Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted* Immerse yourself in sumptuous sounds of Lauryn Hill's hugely influential debut album at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One cinema sound system. No distractions; just you and the music. "This sounds great” — Rick Rubin
"A fabulous idea" — Jay Kay, Jamiroquai
"The optimal way to listen to an album" — Max Richter
"This might just be my favourite new thing to do" — Nihal, BBC Radio 5 Live Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out, Metro and Newsweek. Duration: 77 minutes This event is not affiliated with Lauryn Hill or Sony Music.

Fri, 20 Jun

DRUGSTORE COWBOY INTRODUCED BY YOUTH LAGOON + pre-film talk

Deeper Into Movies and Youth Lagoon present a rare screening of Gus Van Sant's classic Drugstore Cowboy. An addiction drama based on James Fogle’s autobiographical novel, captures the zonked-out textures and almost surreal absurdity of a life lived fix to fix. Swinging between dope-fueled disconnection and edgy paranoia, Matt Dillon plays the leader of a ragtag crew (also featuring Kelly Lynch, Heather Graham, and James Le Gros) that robs pharmacies for pills, coasting across the 1970s Pacific Northwest while trying to outrun sobriety and fate. With a brilliant supporting turn from counterculture high priest William S. Burroughs and a lyrical feeling for the streetscapes of Van Sant’s hometown of Portland, Oregon, Drugstore Cowboy cemented the director’s status as a preeminent poet of outsiderhood. Youth Lagoon, the moniker of Idaho-based songwriter and producer Trevor Powers, returns with “Rarely Do I Dream,” an album where storybook innocence dissolves into a radioactive billow of teenage drifters, drug-addled hustlers, and old-world folklore. Rooted in love and childhood memoir, Powers said, “I wanted to make an album that feels like life itself. To celebrate the release Trevor has selected this dreamy drifty movie which echo the spirit and feel of the record. There will be a pre-film talk with Trevor Powers and Steven T. Hanley of Deeper Into Movies Doors at 20:30 / Event starts at 21:00

Tue, 24 Jun

Voices from Gaza with Director Q&A

Filmed during the first intifada, and featuring Palestinian voices of young and old, women and men, the documentary offers a rare glimpse and rare footage of life in Gaza's refugee camps under Israel's military occupation. Followed by a panel discussion with director Antonia Caccia, Dr. Khaled Dawas (Palestinian British Surgeon, UCLH, who's been on emergency medical missions to Gaza) & Manal Massalha (sociologist)

Fri, 27 Jun

The Matrix + Pride Month Afterparty

Which pill will you take? Wrapping up our 2025 Pride Programme, we have the 1999 cult classic The Matrix by the Wachowski Sisters, with an afterparty in the bar ft. DJ sets & cocktails. The Matrix tells a tale of a computer hacker's reality turning upside down when he discoveres 'the truth'. This super stylish 90's Sci-FI is often cited as trans-allegory, not only because both of the directors are transgender but because the themes of simulated realiy, dysphoria, truth & transformation struck a chord within the gender queer community. Dress in your favourite leather trench coat & slick back that hair - the truth will set you free. Screening 18:30-20:45, Party 21:00-00:30.

Thu, 3 Jul

CAMP CLASSICS presents: Spice World (1997)

Welcome to CAMP CLASSICS, where we celebrate the films that queer culture has embraced for their unapologetic camp, iconic performances, and unforgettable style. Each screening dives into the movies that have become queer cultural staples—whether they were made with us in mind or not. This month we’re spotlighting Spice World (1997), directed by Bob Spiers. Imagine A Hard Day’s Night got a glitter bomb makeover and took a sharp left into absurdist pop culture chaos—now add platform boots. This delightfully bonkers romp follows the Spice Girls (yes, all five) as they zig-a-zig-ah their way through fame, friendship, and a tabloid-fueled media circus in the lead-up to their big concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Cameos from Meat Loaf, Elton John, and aliens (yes, literal aliens) make this camp masterpiece a love letter to girl power, glitter, and the unshakable bond of friendship. It's more than a movie—it’s a time capsule of ‘90s pop, and a cult classic that still spices up our lives. To quote Letterboxd user Sarah, 'blah blah blah girl power feminism do you know what i mean'.

Thu, 10 Jul

25th anniversary screening: The Gleaners and I

There are no trailers or adverts before the film, and the event will start at 19:00 on the dot. A study of a French subculture of people who live on food discarded or unpicked following a harvest - the gleaners - Agnès Varda’s The Gleaners and I is also a playful, self-reflexive record of the late director creating a film out of images and ideas that other filmmakers might think disposable. Distorted Frame presents this screening of The Gleaners and I to mark the 25th anniversary of Varda’s radically compassionate film, which was voted one of the best ever made in Sight and Sound’s 2022 Greatest Films of All Time poll, and which was also named the eighth greatest documentary of all time by the magazine in 2014. Distorted Frame is a digital-focused community film club that presents screenings of films which embrace the unique qualities, flaws and possibilities of the digital camera.

Wed, 13 Aug

Happy Birthday Hitch: The Birds + Q&A

You're invited to Alfred Hitchcock's birthday party! Join us for a special screening of The Birds (which celebrates its 62 year anniversary this year). With an introduction & post-screening Q&A from local historian & Hitchcock expert Gary Lewis (of Hitchcock Talks & Tours), this is a one-off Castle Cinema special not to miss. And in case you’re not familiar with the film, here’s a short synopsis:
A wealthy San Francisco socialite pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people.

Sun, 17 Aug

Happy Birthday Hitch: The Birds + Q&A

You're invited to Alfred Hitchcock's birthday party! Join us for a special screening of The Birds (which celebrates its 62 year anniversary this year). With an introduction & post-screening Q&A from local historian & Hitchcock expert Gary Lewis (of Hitchcock Talks & Tours), this is a one-off Castle Cinema special not to miss. And in case you’re not familiar with the film, here’s a short synopsis:
A wealthy San Francisco socialite pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people.

Thu, 4 Sep

NT Live: Inter Alia

Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) is Jessica in the much-anticipated next play from the team behind Prima Facie. Jessica Parks is a smart Crown Court Judge at the top of her career. Behind the robe, she is a karaoke fiend, a loving wife and a supportive parent. When an event threatens to throw her life completely off balance, can she hold her family upright? Writer Suzie Miller and director Justin Martin reunite following their global phenomenon Prima Facie,with this searing examination of modern motherhood and masculinity. Please note: for NT Live shows there is no trailer reel. Shows start on time - as they would in the theatre!

The End

That's it for now.
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