Cinema in Manchester and the North

Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor

Last Updated 19 May 2022

There’s a real variety on offer in cinemas this month. From classic Charlie Chaplin comedy, to a restored Hitchcock, and an ’80s vampire double bill, film fans of all stripes should find something to enjoy.

HOME have a season dedicated to exploring the work of Hollywood Blacklistees in Europe. Accused of communist sympathies or just unwilling to collaborate with the authorities, these filmmakers forged a path abroad and played a part in some of the most distinctive films of their era.

At Liverpool’s FACT, there’s an exploration of the work of famed Italian film composer Ennio Morricone. Featuring spaghetti westerns, sweeping crime sagas and art-house thrillers, there isn’t a dud amongst this programme of hits and under-seen gems.

There’s also a couple of film seasons dedicated to two of contemporary cinema’s biggest provocateurs. Also at FACT, Gaspar Noé has been invited to curate a programme of movies relating to his latest opus, Vortex. While in Manchester, Odeon have lined up a series of Paul Verhoeven’s Hollywood hits — including Robocop, Basic Instinct and Total Recall — to coincide with the release of his latest, the excellent nunsploitation flick, Benedetta.

Here are our picks

1. Paul Verhoeven at Odeon Great Northern

Odeon Manchester

Paul Verhoeven, Until 23 May 2022, from £6.50 - Book now

A season of cult director Paul Verhoeven’s biggest Hollwood hits timed to coincide with the release of his latest feature, Benedetta.

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2. Hollywood Blacklistees in Europe

HOME

Hollywood Blacklistees in Europe at HOME Manchester, Manchester, Until 31 May 2022, from £7.50 - Book now

HOME explores the impact of filmmakers blacklisted in Hollywood due to perceived communist sympathies.

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3. Gaspar Noé Presents at FACT

FACT

Gaspar Noé Presents at FACT, City Centre, Until 13 June 2022, from £7.00 - Book now

To mark the release of Vortex, the new feature by provocative auteur Gaspar Noé, Picturehouse at FACT have invited the director to curate his own film season.

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4. Psycho: Original Theatrical Cut at Showroom Cinema

Universal Studios

Psycho: Original Theatrical Cut at Showroom Workstation, City Centre, 27 May–2 June 2022, from £9.70 - Book now

See Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece on the big screen, restored to its original glory.

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5. Picturehouse Re-Discover: Morricone at FACT

© 1966 United Artists - MGM

Picturehouse Re-Discover: Morricone at FACT, City Centre, 29 May–10 July 2022, from £8.00 - Book now

One of the greatest film composers of all time. Explore the work of Ennio Morricone at FACT this summer.

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6. Grimmfest at the Mini Cini/ Fright Night & The Lost Boys

Columbia Pictures

Grimmfest at the Mini Cini/ Fright Night & The Lost Boys at Ducie Street Warehouse, Manchester, 10 June 2022, from £15.00 - Book now

Teenage vampires from the eighties! Catch a ridiculously entertaining double bill courtesy of Grimmfest.

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7. Sheffield DocFest 2022

Sheffield Doc/Fest, 23–28 June 2022 - Book now

Shefield DocFest returns this June with a mammoth programme that explores and expands the limits of documentary.

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Activity 10 June–27 May 2022, FREE

French Film Club at Alliance Française

Alliance Française host free film screenings of French speaking cinema with English subtitles both online and onsite in French Film Club.

Culture Guides

Hurvin Anderson, Double Grille, 2008 © Hurvin Anderson. All Rights Reserved, DACS/Artimage 2022

Exhibitions

Whatever the weather, we’ve got tonnes of new art for you to enjoy. This month we bring you lots of choice: from large, all-encompassing displays to smaller and equally as interesting shows to suit all tastes.

Families

With summer just around the corner, here are some of the best family-friendly events taking place in Manchester and the North in the coming months, both indoors and outdoors, so you can enjoy a fun trip out with your family come rain or shine!

Literature

Live literature has plenty for readers and writers alike this spring, with emerging names and established authors taking to a mic near you, along with the opportunity to perform or put pen to paper yourself. There’s lots to listen to in real life and there are still opportunities to join in to events online. Read more here…

Music

From the North’s best festival line-ups to the wildest collaboration you’ll catch on a Manchester stage this year, check out our latest music picks.

Theatre

Check out our updated theatre guide for provocative dance shows, prosecco-popping outdoor performances and site-specific Shakespeare.

Classical Music in Manchester and the North

We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester and the north.

Food and Drink

Enjoy spring and summer at some of the best restaurants and bars in Manchester and the North.

Tours and Activities

Discover a new hobby, experience the most deliciously diverse area of Manchester’s city centre and explore the city’s infamous music scene in this month’s Tours and Activities guide.