Paraphysis Theatre are very happy to announce their next screening in partnership with MatchBox Cine: Vera Drew’s debut The People’s Joker.
“This revolutionary DIY parody film and hilarious reimagining of the classic autobiographical coming-of-age story follows an unconfident, closeted trans girl as she moves to Gotham City to make it big as a comedian by joining the cast of UCB Live – a government-sanctioned late night sketch show in a world where comedy has been outlawed.
As mainstream success eludes our heroine, leading her to unite with a ragtag team of rejects, misfits, and a certain love interest named Mister J, “Joker the Harlequin” is born again as a confident (and psychotic) joker on a collision course with the city’s fascist caped crusader. Vats of feminizing chemicals, sexy cartoon interludes, scarecrow psychiatrists, CGI Lorne Michaels, and psychedelic gender dysphoria all play supporting roles. Helmed by writer/director/editor/star Vera Drew and using her own life experiences as a basis for the film, THE PEOPLE’S JOKER is a deeply personal journey that’s as much documentary as it is parody.”
Head along and watch this highly anticipated title in the most perfect space: a grassroots DIY queer cinema with a bunch of weirdos!
All profits are going towards QUARRY’s next venture. General Admission and Low Income/Unwaged tickets available.
Black Orpheus, or Orfeu Negro, is a romantic tragedy based on the play Orfeu da Conceição by Vinicius de Moraes. Set during Carnaval, two lovers embark on a tale of love and tragedy against the backdrop of late-1950’s Brazil.
It’s notoriety is both iconic and controversial; after sweeping the Oscars, Golden Globes, and receiving the Palme D’or, the music from the film became staples in Bossa Nova whilst it’s depiction of Brazil and people of colour has been perceived negatively with modern eyes. This beautiful dark romance will challenge you, delight you, bring you to tears and get you dancing up on your feet! Join them February 20th to grab some food and get involved in the post-screening discussion.
Tickets start from £1 so grab yours now by clicking the link on the right or on the door!
6:30PM – DOORS OPEN
*We’ll be serving refreshments*
7:00PM – BLACK ORPHEUS BEGINS
9:00PM – POST SCREENING DISCUSSION
THE FILM
Year: 1959
Runtime: 1h 40m
Certificate: 15
Director: Marcel Camus
Writers: Marcel Camus, Jacques Viot, Vinicius de Moraes
Country: Brazil
Languages: Portuguese
Genre: Drama, Romance
Cast: Breno Mello, Marpessa Dawn, Marcel Camus, Fausto Guerzoni, Lourdes de Oliveira, Léa Garcia, Adhemar da Silva, Alexandro Constantino, Waldemar De Souza, Jorge Dos Santos, Aurino Cassiano
Synopsis: A retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, set during the time of the Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro.

This screening is in collaboration with Liverpool African Diaspora Film Network
Presented by Black Girl Watching Film Club
A year after its launch at St Helens Lucem Cinema the film Another Country: A Journey through St Helens past is being launched on-line. and for free, courtesy of the St Helens Arts Service. The film was written and produced by Roger Hill.
What’s it about? Well, here’s what it says about itself-
Another Country tells the story of a not-so-quiet revolution. It is a documentary account of a particularly memorable period of music and culture in St Helens, a township among the many which sprang up across Northern England in the Industrial Revolution. In the 1980’s and 1990’s an exciting, unexpected and uniquely wonderful scene developed in the town, apparently from nowhere, and here it is in all its wayward spontaneity, as told by the surviving “actors” in that scene, with material from the period, and brought into the present with an optimistic glance into the future. Can culture make history? And then make it again? “Another Country” says Yes.”
You can access the film by going to https://vimeo.com/892908308. The film was made to provoke new activities and to open up the debate about local culture and is still available for public showings.
Also, look out for copies of a new magazine appearing in your library, bookshop or arts centre. It’s called Glass Eye and is being produced to feature the arts and culture scene in St Helens with a special emphasis on heritage.
Join People vs TV for a night of bold and experimental cinema at Fringe Flicks. On Friday, 7th February 2025, immerse yourself in a captivating evening of unconventional films that challenge the norm and spark conversation.
The night begins with David Lynch’s The Grandmother (1970), a surreal blend of live-action and animation that delves into themes of trauma, isolation, and connection. This haunting short film offers a glimpse into the early brilliance of one of cinema’s most iconic filmmakers.
The experience continues with a lineup of compelling short films from around the world and Liverpool, celebrating the weird, the subversive, and the imaginative. With its relaxed atmosphere and welcoming audience, Fringe Flicks is the perfect space to discover unique films, meet like-minded creatives, and support bold storytelling.
Whether you’re a cinephile or simply curious, this is an evening of cinematic surprises you won’t want to miss.
Date: Friday, 7th February 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: DoES Liverpool, The Tapestry, 68-76 Kempston St, L3 8HL
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
Paddington in Peru brings Paddington back home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears.
With the Brown Family and Mrs Bird in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mysterious disappearance plunges them into an unexpected journey from the Amazon rainforest to the mountain peaks of Peru.
Join Reel Tours on the third Thursday of every month downstairs in the Everyman to test your cinematic knowledge in the most exciting film quiz in Liverpool… in a theatre.
Whatever your area of expertise, be it Golden Age Hollywood, Foreign flicks or the most recent Blockbusters, we cover all decades, genres and talent. There are also some lovely prizes which could be yours, your own, your precious.
Reel Tours is your cinematic map of the world. We provide walking tours to the many filming locations in Liverpool as well as hosting numerous other events in the region, such as interactive quizzes, film screenings, talks & much more.
• £3 per-person
• Teams up to 6 members
• 8pm start (doors from 7.30pm, first come, first served)
Make it a Christmas to remember with a special screening of family-favourite, The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra.
Presented by Carrot Productions – the world’s leading performers of The Snowman film with live orchestra – their award-winning show features some of the UK’s finest professional musicians.
All shows will feature a special screening of The Snowman, accompanied by their live orchestra. There will also be a fun, festive introduction to the orchestra and a visit from the Snowman himself!
As an extra bonus, each performance will include a second short film, also accompanied live by their orchestra. For 2024, they have two fantastic new films on offer, each being screened and accompanied by our live orchestra for the very first time. Choose between:
The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle at 5pm, or
The Snowman and The Snowdog at 7.30pm.
PRICES: From £15 to £23
The Muppets reimagine Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by adding a hilarious and heartfelt touch of Muppet magic.
Ebeneezer Scrooge is a wicked, cold-hearted moneylender, angered by the Christmas spirit of his colleague Bob Cratchit (played by Kermit the Frog) and those around him. However, the arrival of the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future teach him to embrace the warmth and good will that comes with Christmas time.
Ahead of this film screening, enjoy an organ introduction from resident organist Dave Nicholas, who performs as our unique Walturdaw cinema screen rises from the stage.
Join Museum of Liverpool for a Special Screening of Red Poppies: Battle of Monte Cassino
Celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino with a powerful Polish film (with English subtitles) that tells the story of one of WWII’s most critical and unifying battles. This screening brings to life the incredible bravery of Polish, British, and Allied forces who fought side by side for victory, shaping the course of history.
The film follows Jędrek, an ex-gulag orphan joining Allied 2nd Corps. His meeting with Pola, a nurse, transforms him as they experience the Battle of Monte Cassino, crucial for the Italian Campaign and Jędrek’s destiny.
Get ready for a magical weekend of festive films and creative workshops as FACT’s Cinema in the City heads to Liverpool Lighthouse in Anfield. On Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December, enjoy family-friendly film screenings and activities that will spark your imagination.
Come and watch an enchanting film and take part in exciting creative workshops for all ages. Learn how to make a stop-motion animation where you can bring your stories to life, or join a puppet-making workshop that lets you craft your own character. Plus, enjoy face painting to transform into your favourite festive character!
Christmas isn’t complete without a festive movie outing, so grab your tickets for the whole family and join FACT at Liverpool Lighthouse for something special. Discover all listings below.
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (PG)
Friday 6 December | 1993 | 1h 15m
Doors: 17:00 | Drop-in Workshop: 17:30 | Film: 18:30
Tickets £5
MOG’S CHRISTMAS + THE SNOWMAN AND THE SNOWDOG (U)
Saturday 7 December | 2023 & 2013 | 23 & 24 mins
Doors: 9:00 | Face painting: 9:00 | Films: 10:30
Tickets £3 *tickets do not include face painting
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (U)
Saturday 7 December | 1992 | 1h 25m
Doors: 15:30 | Puppet Making: 16:00 | Film: 16:45
Tickets £5