MUBI Announces The UK’s First MUBI FEST

June 7, 2024 Editor

MUBI, the global distributor, streaming service and production company, is pleased to announce the inaugural MUBI FEST in the UK taking place at Manchester’s Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, on Friday 12 – Saturday 13 July 2024.

MUBI FEST Manchester will be a celebration of every aspect of great cinema and film culture. The festival features a hand-picked selection of feature films and shorts to watch in innovative screening spaces, alongside stage talks, Q&As, workshops, installations and DJs throughout Aviva Studios. Created for the culturally curious, MUBI FEST Manchester is an opportunity to come together for an amazing day out with cinema at its heart.

MUBI FEST Manchester (July 12-13) is the first in the 2024 worldwide programme, with MUBI FEST events to follow in Mexico City (Jul 12-14), São Paulo (Jul 26-28), Chicago (Aug 17-18), Bogotá (Sep 6-8), Buenos Aires (Sep 12-15), Santiago (Oct 3-6), Istanbul (Nov 7-10) and Milan (Dec 13-15).

Highlights from the 2-day MUBI FEST Manchester programme announced so far include:

Friday 12th July: The Northern Premiere of Levan Akin’s (And Then We Danced) sophomore feature Crossing. The moving and tender tale of Lia, a retired teacher from Georgia, who learns from her young neighbour, Achi, that her long-lost transgender niece, Tekla, has crossed the border into Turkey. In search of Tekla, Lia travels to Istanbul with the unpredictable Achi, where they explore the hidden depths of the city and find unlikely connections that transcend borders and generations. Followed by Q&A with Writer and Director Levan Akin, in partnership with Gay Times.

Saturday 13th July: An exclusive opportunity to see the latest film from the celebrated directorial duo the Ross Brothers (Bloody Nose Empty Pockets, Contemporary Color) Gasoline Rainbow on the big screen. The Ross Brothers have turned their pioneering hybrid approach to the cinematic road trip with an undoubtedly candid, yet deeply loving portrait of the new generation as told in their own words. The screening will be followed by Q&A with Directors and co-writers Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross, in partnership with Dazed.

Saturday 13th July: An exclusive advance preview of Manchester-born filmmaker Naqqash Khalid’s debut feature In Camera. Nabhaan Rizwan stars as Aden who dreams of becoming a successful actor but the nightmarish grind of the audition circuit is taking its toll. But when confident newcomer Conrad (Amir El-Masry) moves into his flat, his unusual worldview inspires Aden to find a new part to play. Full of pointed notes about an industry rife with prejudice and hypocrisy it’s a playful, stylish satire not just of showbiz but also the myriad absurdities of modern life. Followed by Q&A with Writer and Director Naqqash Khalid.

Entrance to MUBI FEST at Aviva Studios is free, including all talks, workshops, and DJ sets. Full programme details will be announced soon. Tickets for film screenings in the Hall at Aviva Studios are available to book in advance for £8.00 per person.

Screening tickets will go on sale at 12 noon on Thursday 6 June 2024 at https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/mubi-fest-manchester/

“MUBI has always been about building community around our shared love of cinema and MUBI FEST is our way of celebrating the creativity and culture that comes with filmmaking. We’re excited to bring MUBI FEST to the UK for the first time alongside eight other cities around the world this year.” – Tsari Paxton, MUBI Director of Marketing for UK & Ireland

“We’re delighted to be welcoming MUBI FEST to Aviva Studios for its first UK presentation this summer. It is a fantastic sign of the versatility of our space and also Manchester’s ever-growing significance as a centre for culture, creativity and innovation.” – Jane Hector Jones, Commercial Director, Factory International

Listings Summary

MUBI FEST

Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ

Friday 12th – Saturday 13th July

Friday 12 July @ 7PM

CROSSING – Northern Premiere

In partnership with Gay Times
Showingin the Hall at Aviva Studios, followed by Q&A with Director Levan Akin

Saturday 13 July @ 3PM

GASOLINE RAINBOW – Special Screening
In partnership with Dazed

Showingin the Hall at Aviva Studios, followed by Q&A with Directors Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross

Saturday 13 July @ 7PM

IN CAMERA – Exclusive Preview Screening
Showingin the Hall at Aviva Studios, followed by Q&A with Director Naqqash Khalid