MUBI FEST Manchester will be a celebration of every aspect of great cinema and film culture. The festival features a hand-picked selection of feature films and shorts to watch in innovative screening spaces, alongside stage talks, Q&As, workshops, installations and DJs throughout Aviva Studios. Created for the culturally curious, MUBI FEST Manchester is an opportunity to come together for an amazing day out with cinema at its heart.
MUBI FEST Manchester (July 12-13) is the first in the 2024 worldwide programme, with MUBI FEST events to follow in Mexico City (Jul 12-14), São Paulo (Jul 26-28), Chicago (Aug 17-18), Bogotá (Sep 6-8), Buenos Aires (Sep 12-15), Santiago (Oct 3-6), Istanbul (Nov 7-10) and Milan (Dec 13-15).
Highlights from the 2-day MUBI FEST Manchester programme announced so far include:
Friday 12th July: The Northern Premiere of Levan Akin’s (And Then We Danced) sophomore feature Crossing. The moving and tender tale of Lia, a retired teacher from Georgia, who learns from her young neighbour, Achi, that her long-lost transgender niece, Tekla, has crossed the border into Turkey. In search of Tekla, Lia travels to Istanbul with the unpredictable Achi, where they explore the hidden depths of the city and find unlikely connections that transcend borders and generations. Followed by Q&A with Writer and Director Levan Akin, in partnership with Gay Times.
Saturday 13th July: An exclusive opportunity to see the latest film from the celebrated directorial duo the Ross Brothers (Bloody Nose Empty Pockets, Contemporary Color) Gasoline Rainbow on the big screen. The Ross Brothers have turned their pioneering hybrid approach to the cinematic road trip with an undoubtedly candid, yet deeply loving portrait of the new generation as told in their own words. The screening will be followed by Q&A with Directors and co-writers Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross, in partnership with Dazed.
Saturday 13th July: An exclusive advance preview of Manchester-born filmmaker Naqqash Khalid’s debut feature In Camera. Nabhaan Rizwan stars as Aden who dreams of becoming a successful actor but the nightmarish grind of the audition circuit is taking its toll. But when confident newcomer Conrad (Amir El-Masry) moves into his flat, his unusual worldview inspires Aden to find a new part to play. Full of pointed notes about an industry rife with prejudice and hypocrisy it’s a playful, stylish satire not just of showbiz but also the myriad absurdities of modern life. Followed by Q&A with Writer and Director Naqqash Khalid.
FREE ACCESS ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE:
FILMS:
Drop in to the MUBI Screen – a purpose-built cinema nestled under the belly of Aviva Studios where you can immerse yourself in a series of exceptional short and feature length films all weekend.
In the MUBI Screen, we’ll be showing shorts from visionary directors, such as Sofia Coppola, Yorgos Lanthimos and Hayao Miyazaki, up-and-coming British director Luna Carmoon (Hoard), as well as Yann Demange’s Dammi starring Riz Ahmed.
The festival will also host screenings of renowned musical artist Skepta’s directorial debut, the short film Tribal Mark.Co-directed by Skepta and Dwight Okechukwu, the short follows Mark (Jude Carmichael), a teenage Nigerian immigrant who is adapting to life in London and how he is introduced to the world of the undercover Black Secret Service.
After a full day of exceptional short films, we will close out the MUBI Screen programme with a 10PM showing of Sean Baker’s critically acclaimed comedy-drama from 2015 Tangerine.
MUSIC:
Setting the festival soundtrack, expect music from some of the most exciting DJs from the UK’s music capital Manchester, and beyond.
On Friday’s opening night, localqueer-run music collective High Hoops present an evening of iconic DJs, featuring Istanbul-born Toby Kind and High Hoops co-founder Fastlove will see out the night with signature high-octane house and synth.
On Saturday, look forward to energising performances from rising talent Chandé, expert party starter Bollibubbles, and an unmissable closing set of electronic soul, by one of the UK’s most exciting talents, Tarzsa.
TALKS:
We’re bringing the much-loved Dazed x MUBI Cinema Club to MUBI FEST Manchester
Join us from 11AM on Saturday for a packed lineup of unmissable talks including Life in the Creative Industries, a Director Roundtable on Casting, and a Behind the Scenes with Film Industry Professionals, with exclusive access to some of the most in-demand creatives working today. Secure your free spotHERE.
ART:
Once your creative juices are flowing, stop by the Art Table and make some fun and creative pieces of art with film at its core. There’s something for everyone with origami and press printing drop-in workshops running across the weekend.
Visit our special MUBI Poster Installation that takes you through MUBI’s history and eye for design, with posters from previous releases, retrospectives and specials on display.
Additionally, the festival will have plenty of delicious food and drink on offer, including Most Wanted for drinks, Manchester favourites Pasta Factory for fresh Italian fare, and the Aviva Studios offering by Super Serve, which includes tacos, pizzas, breakfast burritos, small plates, as well as a bar truck and £6.50 MUBI FEST cocktails all weekend; with more food and drinks partners to be announced.
