Manchester Crime and Justice Film Festival at Number 70 Oxford Street

Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor

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Manchester Crime and Justice Festival

18 March-1 April 2020

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Number 70 Oxford Street plays host to a Crime and Justice Film Festival courtesy of the Department of Sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University. Building on the success of last year’s event, this year’s festival has expanded to include an eclectic mix of crime cinema that takes in everything from classics to acclaimed modern film — and tickets are all absolutely free.

Commencing on Wednesday 18 March with a Crime and Justice Networking and Learning Fair aimed at criminal justice professionals, volunteers and service users. Later that day, there’s a screening of 1952’s Ealing classic, I Believe in You. The film, about a probation officer played by Cecil Parker will be introduced by Justin Russell Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Probation, while a post-screening Q&A will feature further experts.

this year’s festival has expanded to include an eclectic mix of crime cinema

Manchester Metropolitan University’s Dr Jenny Van Hooff and Dr Mike Salinas will provide an introduction and host a Q&A for Mary Harron’s American Psycho on Wed 25 March. Expect discussions to explore the themes of masculinity, capitalism and crime and the eradication of emotion from dating. Finally, Wed 1 April sees a screening of Japanese director, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s 2018 Cannes Palme d’Or-winner Shoplifters. Hosted by post-graduate student Charlotte Gislam, audiences can discuss the ethical implications of a rarely-depicted kind of crime family.

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