Cinema in the City returns this May with an unmissable programme of films and emerging shorts at Pagoda Arts on Henry Street.
Cinema in the City is our experiential film programme featuring the best of independent cinema screened in unexpected and unique locations. Previous Cinema in the City events have included watching Saoirse Ronan and Kate Winslet in Francis Lee’s Ammonite beneath the stars on the rooftop of Cotton Exchange, experiencing a night of award-winning LGBTQ+ films at Exchange Station, and gathering the family together for a matinee special of Pete’s Dragon in a converted Victorian warehouse.
This time we’re popping up at Pagoda Arts Community Centre on Henry Street. Here, we’re programming four nights of iconic Chinese and Vietnamese films — from dramas and documentaries to a re-release of a vintage classic. In keeping with Pagoda Arts’ passion for music and performance, a selection of screenings will be accompanied by live music, Q&A sessions, and panels.
Before each main feature, you'll enjoy a screening of short films from emerging filmmakers across the North West. Plus, delicious food and drinks provided by locally loved vendors.
Stay tuned for additional 2024 dates and programme announcements.
Thu 16 May, 18:00 / £7.50 - £10
Ran Dong (The Breaking Ice) (2023) is set in Yanji, a border city in the north of China where over half of it’s inhabitants are of Korean ancestry. The story follows the blossoming relationship among three young adults in their twenties, set over a few short days in the winter snow. The Chinese-Singaporean romantic drama film written and directed by Anthony Chen was selected for the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
Language: Mandarin & Korean with English subtitles. Age Certificate: 15. Running time: 97 mins.
Fri 17 May, 18:00 / £10 - £13
The Little Girl of Hanoi (1974) is a compelling drama that depicts a poignant portrayal of the 1972 US bombing campaign over Hanoi, infused with a message of hope. Directed by Hải Ninh, this screening will be complemented by an original live musical response from Nammy Wams, a London-based music producer and DJ specialising in Grime and UK Drill.
Language: Vietnamese with English subtitles. Age Certificate: 15. Running time: 90 mins.
Sat 18 May, 18:00 / £7.50 - £10
Ping Pong (1986) will be screened for the very first time in high-definition thanks to a recent re-release. Leong Po Chih’s 1986 mystery-comedy stars Lucy Sheen and (Liverpool-born) David Yip as they navigate their way through the fallout after a London Chinatown restaurateur is found dead in a phone box. This one-off screening will be followed by a Q&A with lead actor David Yip and host Rosa Fong, Senior Lecturer in Film, Liverpool John Moores University.
For those interested in British East and Southeast Asian stories on screen, there will also be a free event earlier in the day at 16:00 with a panel of East and South East Asian artists and creatives.
Language: English. Age Certificate: PG. Running time: 100 mins.
Sun 19 May, 18:00 / £10 - £13
Dust & Metal (2022) is director Esther Johnson’s archive essay film, showcasing films from across Vietnamese cinematic history, stemming from her field research in archives of the Vietnamese Film Institute. This special screening will be transformed into a unique and immersive experience with an accompanying live score from Xo Xinh, an electronic music composer and performer. Following the screening, Xo Xinh will join director Esther Johnson for an in-person Q&A.
Language: Vietnamese with English subtitles. Age Certificate: 15. Running time: 82 mins.
May screenings will be taking place at Pagoda Arts Community Centre on Henry Street.
All films at Cinema in the City are screened with open captions to provide an inclusive viewing experience. Open captions help to ensure that all viewers, regardless of their hearing abilities, can fully experience and engage with the film screening.
Locally loved Chinese restaurant Big Bowl Noodle Bar will be serving up delicious curries, dumplings, spring rolls and fluffy bento sponge cakes for those attending screenings of Ran Dong (The Breaking Ice) and Ping Pong. Vietnamese restaurant Doux Chaton will be treating guests to a choice of pork or tofu bánh mì, Vietnamese iced coffees and a selection of bubble teas at the unique screenings of The Little Girl of Hanoi and Dust & Metal.
Please note that food must be pre-ordered when booking your tickets.
Seating is unreserved. Feel free to bring your own cushion.
Recognising Liverpool's local talent and rich film history, Cinema in the City offers emerging artists and up-and-coming local filmmakers the opportunity to screen their short film before each main feature. With Cinema in the City screenings happening throughout 2024, submissions are now open to feature at one of our upcoming dates.
One short film will be selected for each screening and the successful artists / filmmakers will receive a screening fee of £100 plus two tickets to their screening.
If you'd like to submit your film for consideration, please complete this short form. If you have any questions, please email film@fact.co.uk.
We are unable to accept refunds for this event. Read our Ticket Terms and Conditions here.
Cinema in the City is supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.
FACT is funded by Arts Council England, Liverpool City Council and supported by Culture Liverpool.
FACT presents
Cinema in the City: Ran Dong (The Breaking Ice) [15]Directed by Anthony Chen, Ran Dong (The Breaking Ice) follows the blossoming relationship among three young adults in their twenties, set over a few short days in the winter snow.
FACT presents
Cinema in the City: The Little Girl of Hanoi [15]Directed by Hải Ninh, this compelling drama will be complemented by an original live musical response from London-based music producer and DJ, Nammy Wams.
FACT presents
Cinema in the City: Ping Pong [PG]Join us for a special screening of Leong Po Chih’s 1986 mystery-comedy, Ping Pong, screened for the very first time in high-definition thanks to a recent re-release.
FACT presents
Cinema in the City: Dust & Metal [15]This special screening of director Esther Johnson’s archive essay film is transformed into a unique and immersive experience with an accompanying live score from Xo Xinh.
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Our cinema screens are programmed and run by Picturehouse.
For FACT's film programme, visit What's On or look for our special Cinema in the City screenings.