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David Lean Cinema Strategy

DAVID LEAN CINEMA STRATEGY

The David Lean Cinema has recently celebrated two anniversaries. It is 30 years since the cinema opened in the Croydon Clocktower and, for the past 11 years, the David Lean Cinema has been operating independently, led and supported by volunteers and registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC).
To continue to build on our successes and commitment to making our cinema inclusive and accessible, we have devised a three-year strategic framework aimed at diversifying our audience, becoming more financially sustainable, and ensuring we remain a keystone cultural institution in Croydon.

To learn more about our objectives, please refer to the DLC’s Strategy 2025-2027, which sets out in detail what we plan to achieve, and how we plan to do it.

Samantha Clark – Chair, David Lean Cinema

Calendar

AGM 2024

David Lean Cinema AGM 2024

SAVE THE DAVID LEAN CINEMA CAMPAIGN CIC
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Monday 7th October 2024 – 7:30PM
David Lean Cinema Auditorium
Arts Bar open from 6.30pm

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Report on the work of the Campaign in the period March 2023 – April 2024 by the Chair

3. Report on the Accounts in the period March 2023 – April 2024 by the Treasurer

4. Appointment of Accountants – Treasurer to propose

5. Appointment of Officers and the Committee

6. Any Other Business

NB The Chair’s Film Quiz will follow the formal agenda.

It will help us to know, in advance, approximate numbers of people attending so please email your intentions to agm(at)davidleancinema.org.uk or use the Contact Form on this website.
If using the email address above, replace (at) with @ – this is an anti-spam protection.

Relevant documents will be available here nearer the time:

2023-2024 Chair Report
2023-2024 Treasurer Report
2023-2024 Accounts

Hetain Patel Shorts

Hetain Patel Shorts at David Lean Cinema - September 2024

A series of screenings curated by artist Hetain Patel to coincide with Come As You Really Are, a free exhibition commissioned by Artangel currently open to the public in Croydon. Each film (see further below) has been selected for its’ personal resonance to Patel and is paired with a short film of his own, which relates thematically to the feature film. For more information and to book a visit to the exhibition (located in the old Grants buiilding) visit artangel.org.uk

Hetain Patel is a London-based artist and filmmaker, whose work challenges reductive categorisations of identity and art. Often rooted in personal experience, and that of his immigrant family, Patel’s work invites us to see identity as multi-dimensional and complex, linked as much to what we choose to do, as to that which is assigned by birth, heritage, social norms, and conventions.
Patel’s films, sculptures, live performances, paintings and photographs have been shown worldwide in galleries, theatres and on iconic public screens, including Piccadilly Circus, London, and Times Square, New York. His works have been presented at the Venice Biennale, Ullens Centre for Contemporary Art, Beijing and in London at institutions including Tate Modern and Sadler’s Wells.

Patel’s works are in public and private collections in the UK and internationally, including Tate, British Council, Arts Council England, Government Art Collection, Manchester Art Gallery, M+ Museum Hong Kong, KNMA New Delhi, and Fondazione In Between Art Film, Rome.

Regarding this series at The David Lean Cinema Hetain Patel says:
“Each of the 3 feature films have been hugely influential to my identity and also how I make films. Behind the fantastical thrill of them are deeply relatable approaches to learning how to become yourself – from imitation and wearing disguises, to faking it until you make it, they show there isn’t just one way to try this, and that its ok to get it wrong along the way”.

COMING TO AMERICA
1988 | Dir John Landis | 116m | USA

Saturday 28 September 2024 at 2.00pm

An Artangel presentation, preceded by Hetain Patel’s short film LANDING – 2022 (Council Cert U) – 10m

Pampered African Prince Akeem, realising he is being railroaded into a marriage of convenience by his father, escapes to the States and looks for a woman in Queens who he can respect for her strong will and intelligence.

Five years after Trading Places, John Landis and Eddie Murphy re-team to bring Murphy’s script hilariously to the screen. Pampered African Prince Akeem is shocked to find he is being married off by his father. He and his manservant escape to New York to search Queens (where else!) for a woman who will love him for himself.

Pride Donation

Rocky Horror Donation

Donations to a Pride charity – Rainbows Across Borders.

AOUS Walking Tour

Join us for a volunteer led film location walking tour through Sanderstead, Croydon.

ALL OF US STRANGERS – FILM LOCATION WALKING TOUR
Saturday 26 October 2024 at 2pm

Join us for a volunteer led film location walking tour through Sanderstead, Croydon. The tour meeting point will be Riddlesdown station where two members of the David Lean Cinema will greet you (meet from 1.45pm). The tour will be stopping off at some of the main locations that were used for the filming of All of Us Strangers. The tour end point will be Sanderstead Station around 4.45pm.
We estimate the walk to be 2.5 hours long, which includes walking and stopping time. Places are limited, with only 20 spaces available.
Participants should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time, and make yourself known to the guides for registration with a copy of your ticket.

Participants must be 18 or over. Although we will make every effort to make the walk safe, participants walk at their own risk.

Important Information: Health and Safety for the Walk
At David Lean Cinema, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Before embarking on our film location walking tour, we want to ensure that you have all the information you need to enjoy the experience safely.

Route Details: Our tour route has been selected to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for participants aged 18 or over and all fitness levels. The route will take place on pavement and a paved route through Sanderstead recreation ground. The walk features moderate hills with regular stopping points.
Weather Conditions: Please be aware that weather conditions can change quickly. We recommend dressing appropriately; and packing essentials for the weather such as waterproof jacket, umbrella, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. In case of inclement weather, we may need to reschedule or cancel the tour. We will notify you in advance if any changes are necessary.
Hydration and Comfort: It’s important to stay hydrated during the tour, especially on hot days. We recommend bringing a water bottle and wearing comfortable, sturdy footwear suitable for walking long distances. Try not to bring too much with you, don’t load yourself down with too many bags or other items that could be cumbersome for you on the tour.
Participant Wellbeing: If you have any medical conditions or mobility issues that may affect your ability to participate in the tour safely, please inform your guide before the tour begins. We will do our best to accommodate your needs and ensure your comfort and safety.

By working together and following these guidelines, we can ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience on our film location walking tour. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to exploring Croydon with you!

Listings

Our ticketing arrangements have changed. If you notice any oddities in using the system or have queries regarding this change please send us a message via our contact form – Click Here – The DLC Ticket Line (020 3740 5740) is available for phone bookings but the process will be slow until the procedure is perfected. Apologies for any inconvenience.

COMING SOON TO THE DAVID LEAN CINEMA

ICOMS

2023 | Dir Blitz Bazawule | 141m | USA

Cast: Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Ciara, Aunjanue Ellis

In Blitz Bazawule’s adaptation of The Color Purple, the indomitable spirit of Celie Harris, portrayed by Taraji P. Henson, unfolds against the backdrop of early 20th-century America. Enduring the harrowing trials of abuse, forced marriage, and separation from her sister Nettie, Celie’s life takes an unexpected turn when she forges a powerful connection with the spirited jazz singer Shug Avery (H.E.R.). As the narrative weaves through decades, Celie’s resilience, bolstered by the unwavering support of friends like Sofia (Danielle Brooks) and Mary Agnes (Fantasia Barrino), leads to a triumphant reunion with Nettie and the reclamation of familial ties. With a stellar ensemble cast and a stirring blend of soulful music, The Color Purple is a poignant exploration of sisterhood & empowerment.

Wednesday 03 April 2024 at 7pm
The Arts Bar will open from 6pm serving drinks and snacks.
All tickets £10

Trailer below…….

Six black women discuss the film and the close bond that exists in black female sisterhood.

Sisterhood: A Short Film produced in partnership with The Color Purple.
Director: Amber Akaunu
Producer: Jendella Benson
Florist: Teanne Andrews

Featuring: Tobi Oredein, Charlene Badibanga, Victora Sanusi, Jasmine Braithwaite, Anyika Onuora, Nkechi Onuora.

1996 | Dir F. Gary Gray | 123m | USA

Cast: Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica A.Fox

Four Black women, all of whom have suffered for lack of money and at the hands of the majority, undertake to rob banks. While initially successful, a policeman who was involved in shooting one of the women’s brothers is on their trail. As the women add to the loot, their tastes and interests begin to change and their suspicions of each other increase on the way to a climactic robbery.

“Set It Off is a lot more than a thriller about four women who rob banks. It compares with WAITING TO EXHALE, but with a strong jolt of reality. It creates a portrait of the lives of these women that’s so observant and informed.” The movie surprised and moved me; I expected a routine action picture and was amazed how much I started to care about the characters. Roger Ebert

Wednesday 10 April 2024 at 7.30pm

Trailer below…..

Finding Us

If visiting us for the first time, allow extra time to find us as we have limited signage visible from the street and we are in the middle of a large building.

We are located in Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET and the entrance is next door to The Spreadeagle pub and Clocktower Cafe. This entrance is for Croydon Central Library but as you go in, veer off left and go upstairs to the first floor where the entrance to the Arts Bar and Cinema is down a ramp opposite the escalator. This escalator can be used from the ground floor if you cannot manage the stairs and can be found at the end of the atrium, past the stairs from the ground floor.

We do not screen advertisements and show minimal trailers so programmes start at their advertised time.

We are 10 minutes walk from East Croydon and West Croydon train stations. More detailed information is here.

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