The Floating Cinema, Yorkshire

Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor

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The Floating Cinema, Yorkshire

1 July-11 August 2017

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

The Floating Cinema, 2016 Image: © Hydar Dewachi
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A cinema is perhaps the last thing you’d expect to encounter floating down Yorkshire’s waterways. But that’s exactly what you’ll find should you head on down this summer, as The Floating Cinema takes to the waves. Delivered by UP Projects, the cinema will travel from Sheffield to Hull for ‘In Dialogue’: a free programme of feature films and documentaries curated in response to the major new artistic commission On the Bench by Leeds based artist Harry Meadley. Meadley’s work touches on themes of perseverance, determination and dedication – all of which are reflected in the films being screened.

The programme of films itself is exceptional; encompassing everything from important documentaries, Hollywood classics, urgent political art-house fare and beloved pieces of cinematic escapism. There’s a real international flavour too, with the fifteen films coming from nine separate countries. Screening at Rotherham Lock, Jafar Panahi’s Offside – a terrifically nuanced portrayal of six girls who dress up as men in order to sneak into Iran’s World Cup Qualifier with Bahrain – stands out as unmissable. As does Billy Wilder’s canonical film noir Sunset Boulevard which screens in Sheffield and South Ferriby.

The Floating Cinema, 2015 Image: © Hydar Dewachi

In Hull, sound artist Jason Singh takes us back in time as he performs his live vocal score for Drifters – John Grierson’s dramatic – location appropriate – silent documentary of life in the North Sea herring fleets in the 1920s. Whilst more recent documentaries such as 2013’s 20 Feet From Stardom, which begins the series in Sheffield’s Victoria Quays, and 2011’s contemporary dance focused Pina (Hull Marina), screen off the back of positive reviews from audiences and critics.

In addition to Meadley’s On the Bench, UP Projects have partnered with local arts organisations across the eight tour stops to curate an associated series of events, which will see The Floating Cinema transform in each location: becoming a site for exhibitions, one-off events, and education initiatives. With these added layers of engagement provided on top of the first class film programme, it seems that Yorkshire’s waterways are the place to be this summer.

Where to go near The Floating Cinema, Yorkshire

Leeds
Gallery
The Sculpture Gallery

The Sculpture Gallery is an outstanding new gallery, of pure sculpture, showcasing the work, not only of the six owners but guests also.

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Leeds
Hotel
Malmaison Leeds

Malmaison Leeds is a historic and dramatic building, full of character and individual style. Beautifully refurbished quirky bedrooms with power showers, blackout curtains and great beds.

On The Wall is a funky independent shop that sells a wide range of creative and artistic items including, posters, art prints, canvases, greeting cards and merchandise/gifts. They also offer a bespoke framing and canvas printing service and a screen printed t- shirt service. If you are looking for something more unique and inspiring they also sell work by local artists.
Leeds
Shop
On The Wall

Bright, bold and full of character, On the Wall pairs expert framing with prints, posters and gifts inside Leeds Corn Exchange.

Leeds
Restaurant
Canned Heat

Canned Heat is an independent bottle-shop & bar in the heart of Chapeltown, Leeds. Born out of a passion for Music, Art and Community.

Chorlton
Restaurant
Yane

Friendly neighbourhood restaurant in Chorlton, specialising in authentic Japanese cuisine such as donburi, katsu kare and traditional pickles, made in-house.

Creatures Comedy Club
Manchester
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Creatures Comedy Club

Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just after a spontaneous night out, there’s something here for everyone. Open 7 nights a week.

The Loft
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Music venue
The Loft

The Loft is an intimate, industrial-style club tucked away on the edge of Manchester city centre. Known for its impeccable sound system and low-key vibe.

Stables Tavern
City Centre
Restaurant
Stables Tavern

The Stables Tavern is an olde style pub in the St John’s neighbourhood of Manchester, where the Rovers Return once stood.

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