Martin is a fisherman without a boat, his brother Steven having re-purposed it as a tourist tripper. With their childhood home now a get-away for London money, Martin is displaced to the estate above the harbour. Stubborn and devoted to his fishing roots Martin's clashes with rich London tourists set the wheels of conflict in motion. One of the most creative films of the year, Cornish writer and director Mark Jenkin tussles with the politics of empathy, class and change in this gripping and original drama. Shot entirely on an analogue, clockwork 16mm camera Jenkin developed his film by hand to create scratches and glitches, lending a harsh and primitive but totally engaging look to his film, resulting in a style unlike anything else in modern cinema. “Square frames of startling simplicity and beauty” Jessica Kiang. Variety “A genuine modern masterpiece” Mark Kermode “Ravishing cinema” Demetrious Matheou. Screen Daily

Iconic and game-changing, AKIRA is the definitive anime masterpiece! Katsuhiro Otomo's landmark cyberpunk classic obliterated the boundaries of Japanese animation and forced the world to look into the future. AKIRA's arrival shattered traditional thinking, creating space for future generations of ground-breaking movies. July, 1988 — World War III breaks loose. Then, in 2019, in megalopolis Tokyo... As the leader of a group of young robust delinquents, Kaneda spent his nights tearing through the urban wastes, racing his motorbike against rival groups. One night while riding with his gang, his friend Tetsuo suddenly encounters a strange boy― the product of human experimentation — and is injured in the ensuing crash. Shortly thereafter, a military squadron appears on the scene to take the boy and Tetsuo away to an army research facility. Determined to free Tetsuo from capture, Kaneda sneaks into the army research lab. However, a regimen of extreme experimental procedures has awakened a new power in his friend, and now he is consumed by madness... In Japanese with English subtitles.

BAFTA and Grierson award-winning filmmaker Gerald Fox celebrates the centenary of the “dream film” in cinema and its years of flowering during the silent film period in this kaleidoscopic, stylised documentary.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Gerald Fox.

Jim Jarmusch's Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winner, starring Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat. A feature film in the form of a triptych — the three stories all concern the relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent (or parents), and each other.

Hot off the record-setting resurrection of Evil Dead Rise, writer-director Lee Cronin turns to one of the most iconic horror stories of all time with an audacious and twisted retelling. The young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace - eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Charlie (Robert Pattinson) first spotted Emma (Zendaya) at a coffee shop one fall afternoon and somehow worked up the nerve to say hello. What started out as a trainwreck ended with them exchanging numbers—which led to three hour phone calls about everything and nothing, lazy Sundays camped out in parks and bookstores, and late-night diner runs where Emma ordered burgers so rare they were practically mooing. Two years of laughing until their ribs hurt later, and they're ready to make it official, but the happy young couple's stability is put to the test when an unexpected turn of events sends their wedding week spiraling out of control.

Iconic and game-changing, AKIRA is the definitive anime masterpiece! Katsuhiro Otomo's landmark cyberpunk classic obliterated the boundaries of Japanese animation and forced the world to look into the future. AKIRA's arrival shattered traditional thinking, creating space for future generations of ground-breaking movies. July, 1988 — World War III breaks loose. Then, in 2019, in megalopolis Tokyo... As the leader of a group of young robust delinquents, Kaneda spent his nights tearing through the urban wastes, racing his motorbike against rival groups. One night while riding with his gang, his friend Tetsuo suddenly encounters a strange boy― the product of human experimentation — and is injured in the ensuing crash. Shortly thereafter, a military squadron appears on the scene to take the boy and Tetsuo away to an army research facility. Determined to free Tetsuo from capture, Kaneda sneaks into the army research lab. However, a regimen of extreme experimental procedures has awakened a new power in his friend, and now he is consumed by madness... In Japanese with English subtitles.

Jim Jarmusch's Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winner, starring Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat. A feature film in the form of a triptych — the three stories all concern the relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent (or parents), and each other.

Hot off the record-setting resurrection of Evil Dead Rise, writer-director Lee Cronin turns to one of the most iconic horror stories of all time with an audacious and twisted retelling. The young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace - eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Charlie (Robert Pattinson) first spotted Emma (Zendaya) at a coffee shop one fall afternoon and somehow worked up the nerve to say hello. What started out as a trainwreck ended with them exchanging numbers—which led to three hour phone calls about everything and nothing, lazy Sundays camped out in parks and bookstores, and late-night diner runs where Emma ordered burgers so rare they were practically mooing. Two years of laughing until their ribs hurt later, and they're ready to make it official, but the happy young couple's stability is put to the test when an unexpected turn of events sends their wedding week spiraling out of control.

Iconic and game-changing, AKIRA is the definitive anime masterpiece! Katsuhiro Otomo's landmark cyberpunk classic obliterated the boundaries of Japanese animation and forced the world to look into the future. AKIRA's arrival shattered traditional thinking, creating space for future generations of ground-breaking movies. July, 1988 — World War III breaks loose. Then, in 2019, in megalopolis Tokyo... As the leader of a group of young robust delinquents, Kaneda spent his nights tearing through the urban wastes, racing his motorbike against rival groups. One night while riding with his gang, his friend Tetsuo suddenly encounters a strange boy― the product of human experimentation — and is injured in the ensuing crash. Shortly thereafter, a military squadron appears on the scene to take the boy and Tetsuo away to an army research facility. Determined to free Tetsuo from capture, Kaneda sneaks into the army research lab. However, a regimen of extreme experimental procedures has awakened a new power in his friend, and now he is consumed by madness... In Japanese with English subtitles.

Celebrate the Opening Night of the 9th London Bengali Film Festival with the UK Premiere of the Bangladeshi sensation, Pressure Cooker. Aligned with this year’s theme, "Identity through a New Lens," visionary director Raihan Rafi delivers a gripping thriller that explores the suffocating tensions of urban life and the shifting boundaries of self.

The evening begins with an exclusive VIP drinks reception, offering a chance to connect before the lights go down for this highly anticipated screening.* The pre-screening reception is invite only.

Country: Bangladesh
Language: Bengali

Hot off the record-setting resurrection of Evil Dead Rise, writer-director Lee Cronin turns to one of the most iconic horror stories of all time with an audacious and twisted retelling. The young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace - eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare.

A biopic exploring the life of Michael Jackson, from his Jackson 5 beginnings and extraordinary talent to his status as the biggest entertainer, promising an honest look at his triumphs, struggles, and iconic performances, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson as Michael, with Colman Domingo & Nia Long as his parents, directed by Antoine Fuqua.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Charlie (Robert Pattinson) first spotted Emma (Zendaya) at a coffee shop one fall afternoon and somehow worked up the nerve to say hello. What started out as a trainwreck ended with them exchanging numbers—which led to three hour phone calls about everything and nothing, lazy Sundays camped out in parks and bookstores, and late-night diner runs where Emma ordered burgers so rare they were practically mooing. Two years of laughing until their ribs hurt later, and they're ready to make it official, but the happy young couple's stability is put to the test when an unexpected turn of events sends their wedding week spiraling out of control.

Having thwarted Bowser's previous plot to marry Princess Peach, Mario and Luigi now face a fresh threat in Bowser Jr., who is determined to liberate his father from captivity and restore the family legacy. Alongside companions new and old, the brothers travel across the stars to stop the young heir's crusade.

GIRLHOOD. DEAD MEN DRIVING. REVENGE AT ITS FINEST.

Burning through the asphalt of the American highway, Thelma & Louise is a sun-scorched outlaw odyssey of freedom, fury, and friendship that refuses to ask permission. What begins as a weekend getaway swerves into something far more dangerous - a girlhood road movie where the rules are rewritten, the men don’t stay in control, and justice is taken, not given.

Part buddy movie, part rebellion myth, part furious scream into the canyon, this is a story about what happens when women push back - and keep driving.

Sometimes justice comes with a gun in the glovebox.

Hosted by the Bloody Mary Film Club, this screening opens with an intro from writer, artist and academic Mary Morgan @msmarymorgan, whose PhD, I Want Revenge, explores violent women on screen and fantasies of vengeance.

Set in 1973 on an uninhabited island off the Cornish coast, a wildlife volunteer's daily observations of a rare flower turn into a metaphysical journey that forces her as well as the viewer to question what is real and what is nightmare.

Jim Jarmusch's Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winner, starring Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat. A feature film in the form of a triptych — the three stories all concern the relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent (or parents), and each other.

Hot off the record-setting resurrection of Evil Dead Rise, writer-director Lee Cronin turns to one of the most iconic horror stories of all time with an audacious and twisted retelling. The young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace - eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare.

A biopic exploring the life of Michael Jackson, from his Jackson 5 beginnings and extraordinary talent to his status as the biggest entertainer, promising an honest look at his triumphs, struggles, and iconic performances, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson as Michael, with Colman Domingo & Nia Long as his parents, directed by Antoine Fuqua.

Charlie (Robert Pattinson) first spotted Emma (Zendaya) at a coffee shop one fall afternoon and somehow worked up the nerve to say hello. What started out as a trainwreck ended with them exchanging numbers—which led to three hour phone calls about everything and nothing, lazy Sundays camped out in parks and bookstores, and late-night diner runs where Emma ordered burgers so rare they were practically mooing. Two years of laughing until their ribs hurt later, and they're ready to make it official, but the happy young couple's stability is put to the test when an unexpected turn of events sends their wedding week spiraling out of control.

Set for release in UK cinemas through on 24th April, 'LONDON'S LAST WILDERNESS' is director Pablo Behrens' visually stunning documentary. It's a call to action to protect and maintain the environment of the area surrounding the Greater Estuary. Seen through the eyes of a visitor from another planet, the film highlights the vast and diverse eco system of the Thames and its various tributaries. Pablo Behren's unique vision of an alien landscape was shot over a period of 4 years, day and night, and spanning all seasons from the perspective of land, sea and air. ‘LONDON'S LAST WILDERNESS’ presents a compelling argument to preserve the natural world that is on our own doorstep. Followed by an in-person Q&A with the writer/director, Pablo Behrens.

Genesis Cinema and SwingdanceUK invite you along to our monthly Swing dance night!
Learn the steps Swing Dance Class 7.30-8.30pm with Simon!
Followed by dancing led by resident DJ Simon Selmon & guest DJs playing great dance music of the 30s, 40s & 50s & beyond for Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Jive, Shag & Balboa dancers!
A chilled atmosphere where you can meet friends, relax, enjoy a drink or a tasty pizza and dance the night away!

7.30pm Beginners Lindy Hop Class Pre-booking recommended
8.30pm Dancing with resident DJ Simon 'Mr Kicks' Selmon & special guest DJs - all welcome!

Last Entry 9.30 pm

Website: https://swingdanceuk.com/socials/some-like-it-swing/

A variety night of dreamy alternative comedy from the best up-and-coming acts you’ve been sleeping on - all from the comfort of the Genesis Bar.

Your hosts Finlay and Joe (Sketch Off Finalists 2024) present for you the sketch, clowning, character and musical comedy acts of your dreams. See comedians of all stripes performing material old and new, guaranteed to get you giggling. And enjoy it all whilst sipping on our signature Dream Juice™ cocktail.

Come down, settle in and snuggle up at Slept On Comedy. It’s a dream come true.

@sleptoncomedy @finlayandjoe

Small screens, massive impact. See what the next generation of storytellers have to offer at the first annual Queen Mary Short Film Festival.

Join us on the last day of April for a perfectly timed screening of the seminal 70s folk horror film The Wicker Man.

Sergeant Neil Howie, a police officer from the Scottish mainland, travels to the remote island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl, Rowan Morrison. A devout Christian, he is unsettled by the islanders' overt pagan beliefs, public sexual rituals, and indifferent attitude toward the missing child. As preparations for the May Day festival intensify, his suspicions grow-and he begins to fear that something far more insidious is at play.

The Wicker Man eschews many conventional horror tropes, instead blending elements of detective thriller, folk musical, and arthouse fantasy. The bright, colourful optimism of the spring setting contrasts sharply with an atmosphere of looming dread, creating an unsettling dissonance that underpins the slow-burning mystery.

Seasonal Affective Cinema is a quarterly film club screening movies that aesthetically and thematically reflect the changing of the seasons. @seasonalaffectivecinema

Miranda Priestly navigates her career amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing. She faces off against Emily Charlton, her one-time assistant, now a high-powered executive for a luxury group, with advertising dollars that Priestly desperately needs.

Miranda Priestly navigates her career amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing. She faces off against Emily Charlton, her one-time assistant, now a high-powered executive for a luxury group, with advertising dollars that Priestly desperately needs.

Celebrating filmmakers who have made outstanding debut films.

From Sidney, With Love (00:18:43)
Convinced that she is the daughter of Sidney Poitier, a bold young girl runs away from her Yorkshire mining town to London in search of him.

How to Hide It (00:12:54)
A moment of weakness after a humiliating breakup leads a young Muslim woman to play a forbidden lottery ticket.

Can't Float (00:09:50)
A young Black man struggles to overcome his own fear of the water — and America's historical stereotypes of Black people — to learn to swim.

Squeaky Bum (00:14:53)
On the day of the Euro's semi-final, a cocky teenage lad, Kyle, must confront grief and the shadow of his dad when a school puppet show hits too close to home.

Good Choice, Joseph (00:06:03)
A man who feels paralysed by choice is sent into an existential spiral after finding a mysterious tape player that can tell the future.

Bury Your Gays (00:19:58)
Actor Grace can’t understand why every role she lands ends in her untimely death—until a mysterious agent explains the ‘Bury Your Gays’ trope. Now, trapped in a genre-hopping battle for survival, Grace has one mission: do not die.

Spooky (00:05:23)
A young child feels disconnected from her parents and drawn into themselves and technology, until an unexpected house guest shakes up their routine.

A collection of short films showcasing the best of filmmaking

Rocket Fuel (00:14:45)
No money, shit-loads of time, and endless imagination - Lenny and Mullet are never bored wandering their estate looking for things to do. When they stumble across an abandoned car, they decide to turn it into a DIY spaceship.

The Long Spring (00:15:05)
Arron has taken his younger sister Kika on a journey to a better life, but his youthful optimism may have overlooked one of the darkest possibilities on the planet.

The Kankurang (00:10:11)
After a family drama, Omar, a turbulent child, faces new responsibilities. He’ll have to meet the Kankurang to become a man and embrace adulthood.

Smile Shines Wet (00:17:22)
After a life-altering event, Takashi (70) leaves his hometown and relocates to Kyoto with his 7-year-old granddaughter Nayu, relying on the quiet help of a distant relative.

Weight of the Soul (00:18.00)
A contemplative documentary that follows a young Ukrainian man whose life was split in two: before and after the call to duty.

The Truth About Space (00:13:40)
A young man is released from prison and has to face up to the lie that his estranged daughter has been led to believe – that he was in space.

Every Time I See A Yellow Car (00:14:12)
After a violent act shatters the lives of two brothers, Olly attempts to articulate a fractured and repressed truth, whilst his older brother Liam spirals between guilt and revenge.

Celebrating character-driven, personal stories

It Comes in Waves (01:45:00)
A family of four escapes the genocide in Rwanda and lands in Ottawa. They quickly learn that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Celebrating films which innovate either through storytelling or push creative boundaries

"C.R.E.A.M" (00:48:00)
A modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” told entirely through the lyrics of the Wu-Tang Clan.

Ballyman (00:17:30)
Ballyman follows Deji, a young Black man from South East London, as he traverses through the city hiding behind his (bally) balaclava

In Viadi (00:17:00)
IN VIADI is a journey back to oneself - an intimate yet profound act of reconnection.

Dys is Me (00:15:00)
A cinematic drama about what it is to experience life with dyspraxia told through live action, Mocap and martial arts carefully wrapped in an unusual love story. Made with those who live with the condition.

A collection of short films showcasing the best of filmmaking

A Young Sofiane (00:28:40)
On July 1, 2005, Sofiane Ouggad died in a scooter accident. His blood type, “A-,” suggested he was intoxicated; the young offender had caused the accident. A doubt remains: Sofiane’s blood type was “A+.” A mother’s fight to uncover the truth behind this incident.

Sync (00:15:45)
A promising teenage singer faces disappointment from his father when his voice breaks during puberty. Threatened by a melodious bird that captivates his father’s attention, he struggles to prove his worth and reclaim his place in the spotlight.

What Would Mother Say? (00:07:04)
Whilst vibing to reggaeton in the garden, mischievous Morty is about to light up her first joint—lifted straight from big sister Binky’s "secret stash." But when Binky catches her in the act, the sisters' long-running cold war erupts into open combat.

The December Blues (00:20:00)
Kofi, a freshly heartbroken Ghanaian boy, meets Bianca, a British girl visiting Accra for Detty December. But as the nights grow longer and Bianca’s return gets closer, they’re forced to face what love means when it comes with an expiration date.

Authors of the Estate (00:19:58)
In Northwest London, two estates take their story into their own hands, asking what if a council house can become a publishing house in this tale of ownership, creativity, and the power of words.

Breaking the Awards Ceiling: Conversation with 2 recent BAFTA winners (Two Black Boys in Paradise and Rock Paper Scissors) and BUFF's influence on the awards circuit. Panel length: 01:15:00

15 min break

BUFF Studios: The Business of Distribution: Panel talk about BUFF's exciting new venture with their rev share scheme and how it will open doors for filmmakers to earn money at the box office. Panel length: 40 mins

The best script submissions in contention for our awards show

Color (00:20.00)
When five racially diverse friends stumble upon a town engineered for perfect unity, their vibrant presence ignites a cultural reawakening of lost heritage and identity...but real change is never that simple.

AILM (00:20:00)
When a prodigal son returns to Dublin in search of his lost brother, he finds himself trapped inside a mysterious shelter governed by silence, memory, and an ancient consciousness.

Ms Mandy (00:20:00)
When nude photos of an acclaimed female headteacher are leaked, her career and reputation crumble. But with the help of a former friend, she is forced to confront her past demons and rediscover what kind of teacher - and person - she truly wants to be.

Celebrating the best of UK Films

The Engineer (01:16:00)
The remarkable story of Adrian Reynard, a pioneering force in motorsport engineering.

A celebration of LGBTQ+ stories

A Little Bit of Glitter (00:23:31)
When Vidya, a 62 year old recently-widowed Indian woman sublets a room in her house to a 19 year old black gay man, she re-discovers her sense of self and her love for make up, despite complications from the family.

Divine Intervention (00:25:00)
To get the promotion of their dreams, a mischievous earth-bound angel must get two ex-best friends to finally admit their love to each other.

Body of Our Own (00:25:00)
Amidst the vibrant chaos of South Asia, we meet three Hijra - Momo, Neshi and Jannat - as they explore friendship, freedom, and self-expression in a world that seeks to erase transgender women.

Molly (00:22:52)
A chance meeting at a launderette sparks an intense emotional intimacy between Vinnie and Ryan. As closeness blurs into desire, unspoken expectations surface, forcing them to confront what love demands before it fractures everything they have built.

Celebrating female-led and female-directed films

Endolife (00:12:38)
A short, hybrid documentary that combines the experiences of over 120 people with endometriosis into a single, scripted narrative.

Ugly, Afro Hair (00:25:43)
In a near-future society where altering natural hair is illegal, a Black woman must attend a state-mandated recovery group, Natural Hair Anonymous.

Lisa is Here (00:13:38)
Struggling to find herself after leaving her homeland and the career of an actress, black Russian woman Lisa is working as a nanny and making attempts to become an actress in a foreign country.

A Loud Piece of Armour (00:11:00)
A Loud Piece of Armour follows Holly on a mission to rediscover the primal scream she once had as a child.

Flown (00:05:09)
Ijeoma is a seemingly happy and content woman until it becomes clear she is trapped in her small room for reasons unknown. A story about the experiences of Bipolar II disorder.

Who Are You, Nanu? (00:15:00)
After her Nanu’s (‘grandfather’ in Hindi) ceremonial cremation brings her to the Holy Ganges River in India, nine year-old oddball Isha befriends the phantom of her Nanu’s own rambunctious nine year-old self.

Celebrating the best of UK Films

The Bridge (01:18:14)
The Bridge explores the untold story of Chelsea FC's devoted fan base of over 100 million people who have stood behind the club through every triumph and setback since 1905.

On the first Thursday of the month, every month, the Genesis Poetry Slam is an electric night of spoken word performances. There will be laughter, there might be tears, there will definitely be rhymes and rhythms.

Whether you’re here to perform or simply to listen, you’ll be part of one of the friendliest, most supportive slam communities around. We don’t have that reputation for nothing.

The Genesis Poetry Slam has been running for over 15 years, and is London’s only three-round poetry slam. Up to 12 poets compete in a night of competitive poetry, to see who makes it to the final round and can claim the title of slam champion for the month.

Join us for another electric night of spoken word as poets battle it out for a place in our December Grand Final.

Genesis Cinema, Stepney Green
Doors 18:45 / Slam starts 19:30
Audience tickets: £1 (advance booking essential)

On the night, sink into a comfy sofa, grab a cocktail or a pie, and watch some of the finest poets bring their words to life.

AUDIENCE
Tickets are £1 and must be booked in advance. Whether you’re a poetry lover or brand new to spoken word, you’ll be warmly welcomed.

POETS

There are two ways to sign up for a slam slot:
Pre sign-up: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/112945284141
On the night

We’re always working to keep the process fair and accessible, and this is the best format we’ve found so far.

Pre sign-up:
Sign up via the Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/112945284141. These slots are strictly first come, first served and fill fast. If you secure a pre sign-up slot, you do not need to buy a ticket – your name will be on the door.

On the night:
If pre sign-up slots are full, we may release a limited number of on-the-night slots, again first come, first served.

If you have a pre sign-up slot, please arrive by 7.00pm to keep it. Any unclaimed slots will be offered to poets on the reserve list. To keep things fair, if the slam has started and you haven’t checked in, you won’t be able to perform.

SLAM RULES

No props.
No costumes.
Reading from paper or phone is fine.
No hate.

And remember:
The points are not the point…
THE POINT IS THE POETRY.

Documentaries which bring people together to highlight a cause or inspire others

The Dying Trade (01:02:00)
Jack is a vegan activist. His father is a slaughterhouse worker. After years of avoiding the subject, Jack sets out to confront the unspoken tension between them.

Rise of the Legion (01:00:45)
Prepare to be enthralled, inspired, and swept away on a rhythmic journey unlike any other.“Rise of the Legion!” is a spellbinding documentary that dives deep into the heart and soul of The Spartan Legion Marching Band at Norfolk State University.

Celebrating films based on the African diaspora

Small Gods (01:46:00)
While struggling to provide for her son, an indigenous single mother falls in love with a charismatic street performer. But when a crisis strikes, it threatens to destroy their young family.

Since its launch in 2015, the British Urban Film Festival Awards have become a defining moment in the UK’s screen industry - recognising excellence, innovation, and the creative force of underrepresented voices shaping contemporary British cinema.
From writers crafting globally resonant stories, to producers and directors using film as a catalyst for cultural and social impact - alongside brands, partners, and suppliers driving innovation behind the scenes - the BUFF Awards honour those setting new standards across the industry.
Now in its 12th edition, the awards stand not only as a reflection of the past year’s achievements, but as a marker of the industry’s direction of travel - spotlighting the talent, ambition, and vision shaping the future of British film.
SATURDAY 9 MAY | GENESIS CINEMA, MILE END, LONDON

Made by Phil Maxwell and Hazuan Hashim, the film tells the story of the Battle of Cable Street through the words of people who were there, while celebrating the tradition of anti-racism in the East End.

The event will also mark the public launch of TOGETHER on Cable Street, a season to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street.

The Mandalorian and Grogu embark on their most thrilling mission yet in Lucasfilm’s all-new Star Wars adventure. The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Djin Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu.

The Mandalorian and Grogu embark on their most thrilling mission yet in Lucasfilm’s all-new Star Wars adventure. The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Djin Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu.

The Mandalorian and Grogu embark on their most thrilling mission yet in Lucasfilm’s all-new Star Wars adventure. The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Djin Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu.

Bruce LaBruce plays himself in this 1994 ‘cautionary bio-pic’ about a gay pornographic filmmaker who’s hit a rut. Stuck being too avant-garde for the porn industry and too sleazy for the arthouse cinema circuit, Bruce hasn’t been able to make himself the next Warhol until he runs across Googie, an up-and-cumming lesbian porn director who promises to help him. But will she really give him his big renaissance or is Bruce just being exploited as a butt double?

Blending elements of pornography, avant-garde cinema and documentary filmmaking into a series of films-within-a-film (and with a cameo by Vaginal Davis) the film blurs how all of these forms of moving image blur the lines between fiction and reality. Inspired by LaBruce’s own early years and presented as a digital restoration carried out by TIFF, Super 8 1/2 is messy, sexy and funny window into the queer underground scene of 90s Canada.

Films that F*ck is an irregular screening series exploring the queer intersections of pornography and moving image culture. It is organised by Siavash Minoukadeh

Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in John Millington Synge’s riveting play of youth and self-discovery.

Pegeen Flaherty’s life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that he’s killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero and begins to win hearts, that is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene…

Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Caitríona McLaughlin directs this darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets.

From acts of subtle defiance to mass movements protesting state repression, queer history is replete with rich traditions of resistance. This propulsive programme unites queer struggles past and present, real and imagined, where glimpses into liberated futures flicker into view. Across a trans kung fu enclave and Filipinx organising in 90s New York, resistance manifests as the sustained, collective labour of nurturing bonds and building sanctuaries.

The Martial Forest
Exiled from society, a kung fu master leads a queer collective of fighters.
dir. J Triangular | Taiwan, Colombia | 2025 | 8min

BECAUSE OF YOU: A History of Kilawin Kolektibo
This documentary traces the history of the trailblazing Filipinx queer collective Kilawin Kolektibo, who were active in New York in the 1990s.
dir. Barbara Malaran, Desireena Almoradie | USA | 2025 | 35min

Elegy for the Lost
This lyrical essay film explores sexual identity and power in contemporary China.
dir. William Hong-xiao Wei | France, Spain, UK | 2025 | 30min

Take Care, Till Springtime
A queer Chinese medicine practitioner heals after being brutalised by the police.
dir. Yi Shi | Canada, China | 2025 | 22min

Curatorial idea by Holly Rowley, as part of Up Next: Future Film Curators Lab 2025/26

As part of Queer East 2026, a cross-disciplinary festival that showcases boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ cinema, live arts, and moving image work from East and Southeast Asia and its diaspora communities.

Now restored in 4K, this first screen adaptation of Pai Hsien-Yung’s groundbreaking 1983 novel Crystal Boys tells the story of A-Qing, a high school student who is thrown out of his family home after being discovered having sex with a man. A-Qing heads to the gay cruising ground of Taipei New Park, where he finds refuge with a group of fellow queer outcasts. The film’s heady mix of dreamlike fantasy, hysterical melodrama, and glitzy nightclub scenes creates a camp, surreal mood. Yet director Yu Kan-Ping succeeds in capturing the emotional rawness of A-Qing’s experience, and from our 21st century perspective, offers a nostalgic documentation of real-life sites in Taipei’s historical cruising scene, now long gone. Stunningly shot and restored to include previously censored material, this stylistically dazzling adaptation can now be appreciated in its full, hallucinatory glory.

Told from the perspective of queer parents and children, these short films cast an attentive gaze on the complexity of family dynamics. Alternative possibilities for kinship blossom in decaying cinemas and darkened forests, where love and obligation are tangled up in knots of ambivalence. From childhood to parenthood, dealing with family doesn’t seem to get any easier, but unexpected moments of connection can illuminate the way.

Delay
A gay father tries to attend his straight son’s wedding.
dir. Hanxuan Wang | China, USA | 2025 | 15min

Papa’s Coding Day
A boy saves up money to buy his Papa a day off.
dir. Michael Pogoy | Philippines | 2025 | 18min

Toad Song
Seeking to find his tadpoles a new home, a boy stumbles upon a family secret.
dir. Qin Qin | USA | 2025 | 15min

What’s softest in the world rushes and runs over what’s hardest in the world.
Queerness, nature, and Daoism intersect in this hybrid documentary about parenthood in Singapore.
dir. Charmaine Poh | Singapore | 2024 | 15min

Honey, My Love, So Sweet
A boy learns about love through cinema.
dir. JT Trinidad | Philippines | 2025 | 20min

Content Note: contains depictions of sex

As part of Queer East 2026, a cross-disciplinary festival that showcases boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ cinema, live arts, and moving image work from East and Southeast Asia and its diaspora communities.

On the first Thursday of the month, every month, the Genesis Poetry Slam is an electric night of spoken word performances. There will be laughter, there might be tears, there will definitely be rhymes and rhythms.

Whether you’re here to perform or simply to listen, you’ll be part of one of the friendliest, most supportive slam communities around. We don’t have that reputation for nothing.

The Genesis Poetry Slam has been running for over 15 years, and is London’s only three-round poetry slam. Up to 12 poets compete in a night of competitive poetry, to see who makes it to the final round and can claim the title of slam champion for the month.

Join us for another electric night of spoken word as poets battle it out for a place in our December Grand Final.

Genesis Cinema, Stepney Green
Doors 18:45 / Slam starts 19:30
Audience tickets: £1 (advance booking essential)

On the night, sink into a comfy sofa, grab a cocktail or a pie, and watch some of the finest poets bring their words to life.

AUDIENCE
Tickets are £1 and must be booked in advance. Whether you’re a poetry lover or brand new to spoken word, you’ll be warmly welcomed.

POETS

There are two ways to sign up for a slam slot:
Pre sign-up: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/112945284141
On the night

We’re always working to keep the process fair and accessible, and this is the best format we’ve found so far.

Pre sign-up:
Sign up via the Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/112945284141. These slots are strictly first come, first served and fill fast. If you secure a pre sign-up slot, you do not need to buy a ticket – your name will be on the door.

On the night:
If pre sign-up slots are full, we may release a limited number of on-the-night slots, again first come, first served.

If you have a pre sign-up slot, please arrive by 7.00pm to keep it. Any unclaimed slots will be offered to poets on the reserve list. To keep things fair, if the slam has started and you haven’t checked in, you won’t be able to perform.

SLAM RULES

No props.
No costumes.
Reading from paper or phone is fine.
No hate.

And remember:
The points are not the point…
THE POINT IS THE POETRY.

EMPORIUM PRO WRESTLING RETURNS TO GENESIS CINEMA!
GET READY FOR THE EMPORIUM HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT

London’s wildest, weirdest, most explosive night out is back… and this time, it’s bigger, louder, and completely unhinged.

After debuting last year, Emporium Pro Wrestling returns to tear up reality once again — delivering a night of gravity-defying lucha libre, hard-hitting character chaos, and pure, cinematic spectacle like you’ve NEVER seen before.

June 12th marks the start of the Emporium Championship Tournament — a knockout battle where 8 of Emporium’s finest collide for gold, with only 4 advancing to the finals in July.
Who will rise? Who will fall? Who will make the next round and who will etch their name into history? You don’t want to miss this.

But this isn’t just wrestling.

Emporium featured London’s best “did that just happen?!” cabaret acts, shocking moments, full-throttle entertainment, and total theatrical madness.

Let the chaos begin… are you ready?

Tickets will fly faster than a top-rope dive so grab yours now.

Whether you’re a wrestling die-hard or a chaos tourist, Emporium Pro Wrestling is not to be missed.

EMPORIUM: THE AFTERS
THE FREE AFTERPARTY WITH ALL TICKETS THAT WON’T TAP OUT

When the final bell rings, the night is far from over.

Emporium: The Afters takes over Genesis Cinema’s private bar, transforming it into a full-blown free party. Rub shoulders with the wrestlers, swap the ring for the dancefloor, and lose yourself to late-night anthems by wrestler DJs, as everyone tear it up ‘til 2AM.

Costumes. Characters. Party.
It’s still very real to us… and it doesn’t stop ‘til the lights come on.

Live show. Full-on party. Total mayhem — and it’s all FREE with your tickets

Genesis Cinema, Bethnal Green
Seated by: 7:45PM
Show Starts: 8:00PM
Approx. Finish: 10:30PM

EMPORIUM: THE AFTERS
Start: 10:30PM
Finish: 2:00AM

This event is strictly 18+

Accessibility enquiries: info@genesis-cinema.co.uk | 0207 780 2000
General enquiries: emporiumprowrestling@gmail.com

Please Note:
• All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges unless the event is cancelled.
• Match card subject to change. While we strive to deliver the advertised lineup, unforeseen circumstances may require substitutions. The show will always maintain the same high quality of action, energy, and entertainment.
• Loud noises & strobe effects may be used throughout the event.

FOLLOW THE CARNAGE
Instagram: @emporiumprowres
Facebook: @emporiumprowres
X: @emporiumprowres

EMPORIUM PRO WRESTLING RETURNS TO GENESIS CINEMA!
GET READY FOR THE EMPORIUM HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT

London’s wildest, weirdest, most explosive night out is back… and this time, it’s bigger, louder, and completely unhinged.

After debuting last year, Emporium Pro Wrestling returns to tear up reality once again — delivering a night of gravity-defying lucha libre, hard-hitting character chaos, and pure, cinematic spectacle like you’ve NEVER seen before.

June 12th marks the start of the Emporium Championship Tournament — a knockout battle where 8 of Emporium’s finest collide for gold, with only 4 advancing to the finals in July.
Who will rise? Who will fall? Who will make the next round and who will etch their name into history? You don’t want to miss this.

But this isn’t just wrestling.

Emporium featured London’s best “did that just happen?!” cabaret acts, shocking moments, full-throttle entertainment, and total theatrical madness.

Let the chaos begin… are you ready?

Tickets will fly faster than a top-rope dive so grab yours now.

Whether you’re a wrestling die-hard or a chaos tourist, Emporium Pro Wrestling is not to be missed.

EMPORIUM: THE AFTERS
THE FREE AFTERPARTY WITH ALL TICKETS THAT WON’T TAP OUT

When the final bell rings, the night is far from over.

Emporium: The Afters takes over Genesis Cinema’s private bar, transforming it into a full-blown free party. Rub shoulders with the wrestlers, swap the ring for the dancefloor, and lose yourself to late-night anthems by wrestler DJs, as everyone tear it up ‘til 2AM.

Costumes. Characters. Party.
It’s still very real to us… and it doesn’t stop ‘til the lights come on.

Live show. Full-on party. Total mayhem — and it’s all FREE with your tickets

Genesis Cinema, Bethnal Green
Seated by: 7:45PM
Show Starts: 8:00PM
Approx. Finish: 10:30PM

EMPORIUM: THE AFTERS
Start: 10:30PM
Finish: 2:00AM

This event is strictly 18+

Accessibility enquiries: info@genesis-cinema.co.uk | 0207 780 2000
General enquiries: emporiumprowrestling@gmail.com

Please Note:
• All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges unless the event is cancelled.
• Match card subject to change. While we strive to deliver the advertised lineup, unforeseen circumstances may require substitutions. The show will always maintain the same high quality of action, energy, and entertainment.
• Loud noises & strobe effects may be used throughout the event.

FOLLOW THE CARNAGE
Instagram: @emporiumprowres
Facebook: @emporiumprowres
X: @emporiumprowres

BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new staging of Christopher Hampton’s celebrated adaptation of the classic novel, where among the glittering salons of the super-rich, one misstep can mean ruin. Marquise de Merteuil is a master in the art of survival. Alongside the magnetic Vicomte de Valmont, they turn seduction into strategy and weaponise desire. But when their alliance collapses into rivalry, the battle between them threatens to destroy everyone in their path. Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Marianne Elliott (Angels in America) directs this thrilling game of love, lies, and social warfare.

A full-day cinematic event celebrating the legacy of Bruce Lee.
The programme opens with the documentary LONGSTREET - A PHILOSOPHY IN MOTION, exploring Bruce Lee's involvement in the landmark series, followed by a screening of the original episode "THE WAY OF THE INTERCEPTING FIST."
This is followed by the premiere screening of the feature documentary BRUCE LEE: THE MAKING OF THE BIG BOSS.
The event concludes with a special presentation of THE BIG BOSS, screened from a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) of the original Mandarin version.
All screenings take place on a giant cinema screen for the ultimate big-screen experience, in a retro cinema setting inspired by the classic movie-going experience of the 1970s.
Fully approved by the Bruce Lee Estate and in support of the Bruce Lee Foundation.
Includes access to all screenings across the full-day event