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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.

Check out all the exciting events we’ve got coming up, by date.

When we’re not watching films we’re discussing them, running a quiz, learning to knit or laughing at hilarious stand-up comedy. If you’re a dab hand at arts & crafts or you’ve got an idea for an event, workshop or talk - contact us and let us know!

Tue, 20 May

Life and Death in Gaza with Director Q&A

Life and Death in Gaza is a 4 x BAFTA nominated film, produced by BBC Eye (the investigative department in the BBC World Service) Filmed from the very first days of the war and months into the ongoing conflict, we follow four Gazans - Khalid, Aya, Adam and Aseel - as they document their own lives and the ramifications of the war on their loved ones and those around them. From terrifying bombing raids to multiple evacuations, the intensity of family separations and reunions, to deaths and even the birth of a new life amidst the chaos. Life and Death in Gaza is self-shot over the course of the first year of the war, and captures the fight for survival through direct, personal experiences. Followed by a panel discussion with director Natasha Cox, Dr. Khaled Dawas (Palestinian British Surgeon, UCLH, who's been on emergency medical missions to Gaza) & Manal Massalha (sociologist)

Pitchblack Playback: Serge Gainsbourg 'N° 4' + Histoire de Melody Nelson'

*Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted* Immerse yourself in the cinematic, sultry sounds of the legendary Serge Gainsbourg at Pitchblack Playback's double-bill listening session in the dark, revisiting two of his most acclaimed albums. Hear these immense records 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: 76 minutes (including 10-minute interval) This event is not affiliated with the estate of Serge Gainsbourg or Mercury Music Group / Universal Music.

Wed, 21 May

WE ARE FUGAZI FROM WASHINGTON D.C. presented by Doc'n Roll Films X Clapton CFC.

Doc'n Roll Films X Clapton CFC Presents: WE ARE FUGAZI FROM WASHINGTON D.C. Curators Joe Gross, Jeff Krulik, Joseph Pattisall A Charity-Supported Screening Series Across the UK & Ireland Created to commemorate the 20 years that have passed since DC-based post-hardcore band Fugazi’s last live appearance (4th November 2002, at London's Forum), We Are Fugazi from Washington, D.C. is a 96-minute movie comprising crowd-sourced, fan-recorded live shows and rare archive footage of Fugazi curated by Joe Gross, Joseph Pattisall and Jeff Krulik. Explicitly billed as a non-documentary (tHISiSNOTaFUGAZIdOCUMENTARY,) the film pays tribute to Fugazi’s prowess as a live act - for old fans to remember and for a new generation to discover what they missed. This unique archival assemblage celebrates the fans and their cameras, as much as the band itself - a collision/collusion of the ephemeral moment on stage, and the moments captured on camera. The Filmmakers' profits will be donated to BDCA. Bonny Downs Community Association is a dynamic community-led charity that has been serving the residents of the London Borough of Newham since 1998.

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...

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!

Wed, 11 Jun

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.

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, 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, 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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