National Science And Media Museum Launches ‘Pictureville Presents’ At Alhambra’s Studio Amidst Temporary Cinema Closure

Image © General Film Distributors

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 70^th 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.