The Cinema Museum is proud to screen the 173 minute Director’s Cut of Giuseppe Tornatore’s masterpiece Cinema Paradiso (1988), along with Louis Holder’s 2022 documentary Cinema Now, both on 35mm film.

In Cinema Paradiso, Alfredo, a projectionist at the titular cinema, befriends eight-year-old Salvatore. Their relationship will have a profound effect on the young man, who hears about Alfredo’s death at the beginning of the film. In his memory, Salvatore returns to his youth to remember their times together.

The film won many awards, but was initially poorly received in Italy, both in its original 173 minute version and in an abridged 155 minute cut. Further shortened to 124 minutes for international release, it was then an instant success. This International Version won the Special Jury Prize at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival, and the 1989 Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. In 2002, the 173 minute edit was re-released, and this is the version we will be screening tonight.

Before the feature we are showing Cinema Now. This observational documentary depicts all of London’s independent cinemas as they were during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which devastated cultural institutions across the country as well as globally. This film, shot entirely on Kodak Super8mm celluloid film, provides an insight into what people were feeling and thinking about through the use of an interwoven audio montage featuring dozens of voices. The film ultimately strives to make it known just how important these venues are to everybody and our very industry, and how that was missed. There is no limit to where cinema can be found.

Doors open at 17.00, for a 18.00 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets £10.

Advance tickets may be purchased from Ticketlab, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.