Pride Donation

Rocky Horror Donation

Donations to a Pride charity – Rainbows Across Borders.

Scroll down for all scheduled screenings.

A GREYHOUND OF A GIRL
2023 | Dir Enzo D’Alò | 85m | Estonia | Ireland

Thursday 25 July 2024 at 2.30pm
Saturday 27 July 2024 at 2.00pm

Based on a story by Roddy Doyle, this animated films tells the story of four generations. Mary is learning to cook, using the recipes of her beloved grandmother, who is gravely ill. Mary is befriended by a mysterious old lady full of family tales.

Eleven-year-old Mary dreams of becoming a great chef, inspired by the delicious meals created by her beloved grandmother. However, Mary and her family must come to terms with her granny’s illness, helped by a mysterious visitor and a road trip across Ireland. Adopted from a novel by Roddy Doyle, this colourful animation provides some touching life lessons and a little bit of magic. Marvellous Makers – in association with Croydon Libraries and Leisure.

ROSALIE
2023 | Dir Stéphanie Di Giusto | 115m | France | Belgium

Tuesday 30 July 2024 at 2.30pm
Tuesday 30 July 2024 at 7.30pm

In 1870s Brittany, Abel, a bar owner deep in debt, marries Rosalie for her dowry, without knowing that she has an embarrassing secret. But she is determined to use her secret to their advantage.

If you enjoyed Benoit Magimel’s delicious performance in our recent screenings of A Taste Of Things with Juliet Binoche, you will love him in this historical drama about a café owner who unknowingly marries a hirsute woman for her dowry. Rosalie has been keeping her secret for her whole life, but things are about to change. His embarrassment of her looks initially puts a wedge between them and he thinks she will put his customers off their drinks. Inspired by the true story of the first Bearded Woman in France. French with English subtitles.

TWO TICKETS TO GREECE
2022 | Dir Marc Fitoussi | 110m | France | Greece

Wednesday 31 July 2024 at 7.30pm

School mates Blandine and Magalie are re-united for a trip to the Greek islands, but can these two mismatched characters re-discover their old friendship, with the help of Magalie’s friend Bijou?

Blandine and Magalie were schoolfriends who once planned to run away to a Greek island, and are now middle-aged, divorced and estranged. Blandine’s son finds Magalie online and books his mother’s dream trip for them. Blandine is uptight, and Magalie is a free spirit, so they don’t hit it off, and have soon drifted off-course in the Greek islands. They then bump into an old friend of Magalie’s, and their relationship changes. Great performances and dreamy Greek landscapes make this the ideal summer escape film. French with English subtitles.

HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS
2022 | Dir Mike Cheslik | 108m | Canada

Thursday 01 August at 7.30pm

In this 19th century, supernatural winter epic, a drunken applejack salesman must go from zero to hero and become North America’s greatest fur trapper by defeating hundreds of beavers.

This hilarious black & white non-dialogue movie mixes the slapstick genius of Buster Keaton with the modern techniques of Guy Maddin and the craziness of Looney Tunes! Jean Kayak, a drunken applejack salesman in the 19th century, loses his livelihood when beavers destroy his property. Determined to win the heart of a merchant’s daughter, Jean decides to become a fur trapper. Facing a harsh winter and hundreds of cunning beavers, Jean uses his wits and increasingly elaborate traps to overcome the odds and become the greatest trapper in the land.

THAT THEY MAY FACE THE RISING SUN (Dementia Friendly)
2023 | Dir Pat Collins | 111m | Ireland | UK

Tuesday 06 August 2024 at 11.00am (Dementia Friendly)

A young artistic couple have returned to rural Ireland from London, where they share a rural idyll with a group of memorable local characters over the course of a year.

This gently heartfelt adaptation of John McGahern’s 1980s-set novel follows a London couple to a lakeside village in the Irish countryside. As a year goes by, the community come together for haymaking, market days, lambing and the seasonal festivals, and we get to know its people through their work, play and religious observance. Set to birdsong and a piano score, this Best Film winner at the Irish Film and TV Awards reveals “under its quiet surface the human condition writ delicate but deep” (Financial Times).

COPA 71
2023 | Dir James Erskine | Rachel Ramsay | 91m | USA

Tuesday 06 August 2024 at 7.30pm

Witness the never-before-seen footage and hear from the pioneering women who defied societal norms at the Women’s 1971 World Cup in Mexico City. This wasn’t just a competition; it was a fight for recognition.

Forget what you know about the Women’s World Cup. Copa 71 unearths the forgotten story of the 1971 tournament in Mexico City. Witness the never-before-seen footage and hear from the pioneering women who defied societal norms to play the beautiful game. This wasn’t just a competition; it was a fight for recognition. Packed stadiums and passionate players made Copa 71 an extraordinary moment in sport, but one that has since been erased from history. This inspiring documentary reclaims their victory and celebrates the enduring spirit of women’s soccer. “A timely and galvanising telling of a remarkable story that every football fan should know” (Time Out). English and Spanish/Italian/French with English subtitles.

WILDING
2023 | Dir David Allen | 74m | UK

Thursday 08 August 2024 at 2.30pm
Thursday 08 August 2024 at 7.30pm

A dying landscape that is healed against all odds, going on to thrive in astonishing ways.The film will be followed by a recorded Q&A with Isabella Tree, hosted by Craig Bennett of the Wildlife Trusts which was filmed at the Knepp Estate.

Wilding tells the story of a young couple who backed nature to create a future for their failing, four-hundred-year-old estate. Battling entrenched tradition, and ripping down the fences, they allowed intensively-farmed land to return gradually to its natural condition, entrusting its recovery to a motley mix of animals both tame and wild. It began a grand experiment that has become one of the most significant rewilding experiments in Europe. Followed by a recorded Q&A with Isabella Tree.

THELMA (Babes in Arms Screening)
2024 | Dir Josh Margolin | 98m | USA

Friday 09 August 2024 at 11.00am (Babes In Arms screening)

When 93-year-old Thelma Post gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her.

A poignant comedy in which June Squibb shines as the spirited 93-year-old Thelma Post. When a phone scam rattles her world, Thelma embarks on a daring quest to reclaim her lost savings, reluctantly teaming up with Ben (Richard Roundtree), a long-forgotten friend. Their journey through LA’s underbelly challenges Thelma’s independence and reconnects her with family and life’s unexpected pleasures. “What a joy to witness it” (The Guardian).

KINDS OF KINDNESS
2024 | Dir Yorgos Lanthimos | 165m | Ireland | GB

Saturday 10 August 2024 at 1.30pm

An anthology film following three interconnected stories. Robert seeks freedom from his domineering boss. A police officer, Daniel, is unsettled by his wife’s strange behaviour and a woman searches for a prophesied spiritual leader with a unique ability.

Another Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone collaboration! If you loved Poor Things you’ll want to see this too. “Kinds of Kindness” is an anthology film incorporating three interconnected stories. Robert, a tightly controlled man, seeks freedom from his domineering boss. A police officer, Daniel, is unsettled by his wife’s strange behaviour after a presumed drowning at sea. Meanwhile, a woman searches for a prophesied spiritual leader with a unique ability. Each character grapples with fate, identity, and the unexpected turns life can take. The film explores these themes through a darkly comedic and absurdist lens.

UNICORNS
2023 | Dir Sally El Hosaini | James Krishna Floyd | 119m | UK | USA

Tuesday 13 August 2024 at 7.30pm

Luke, a young White single father and mechanic is forced to rethink his sexual identity when he falls in love with Aysha, a queer South Asian nightclub performer, who leads a double life.

Aysha, a queer South Asian nightclub performer leads a double life, complicated further when he meets Luke, a young White single father and mechanic who is forced to rethink his sexual identity as they unexpectedly fall in love. This must-see romance explores the thrill of raw desire, the gravity of familial responsibility, and the transformative power of being seen for who you really are. “Hardy and Patel really understand these characters and how they navigate their worlds” (RogerEbert.com).

THELMA
2024 | Dir Josh Margolin | 98m | USA

Thursday 15 August 2024 at 2.00pm *HOH
Thursday 15 August 2024 at 7.30pm
*HOH – Descriptive subtitles for those with hearing loss.

When 93-year-old Thelma Post gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her.
The 2.00pm screening will be followed by a discussion organised by the u3a Film Group.

A GREYHOUD OF A GIRL (relaxed)
2023 | Dir Enzo D’Alò | 85m | Estonia | Ireland

Saturday 17 August 2024 at 11.00am
Sales temporarily suspended while we sort out some admin arrangements.
Relaxed screening for young people living with autism and other neurodiversity.

FLY ME TO THE MOON
2024 | Dir Greg Berlanti | 134m | USA

Tuesday 20 August 2024 at 7.30pm

Marketing maven Kelly Jones wreaks havoc on launch director Cole Davis’s already difficult task. When the White House deems the mission too important to fail, Jones is directed to stage a fake moon landing as back-up.

A sharp, stylish comedy-drama set against the 1960s space race, Fly Me to the Moon follows NASA launch director Cole Davis (Channing Tatum) stressed about getting the Apollo 11 mission off the ground. Enter Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson), a marketing whiz tasked with spicing up NASA’s image. Their clash intensifies when Kelly is told to secretly film a fake moon landing as a desperate backup plan. Between the mission’s pressure and their undeniable chemistry, can they work together to achieve one giant leap for mankind?

THE NATURE OF LOVE
2023 | Dir Monia Chokri | 110m | Canada | France

Thursday 22 August 2024 at 2.30pm
Thursday 22 August 2024 at 7.30pm

Sophia’s life is turned upside down when she meets Sylvain. She comes from a wealthy family, while Sylvain comes from a family of manual workers. Sophia questions her own values after abandoning herself to her great romantic impulses.

French-Canadian professor Sophia is in a longstanding, comfortable but passionless marriage. Her curiosity about infidelity turns into something real when she meets Sylvain, the strapping builder tasked with fixing up her country home. Opposites attract, and they quickly begin a tumultuous affair, but the differences between their family, friends and viewpoints become both hilarious and uncomfortable. It’s rare for a Quebecois film to find a UK release – this perceptive and sexy romcom justifies its breakthrough! French with English subtitles.

Tuesday 27 August 2024 at 2.30pm
Saturday 31 August 2024 at 2.00pm
Sales temporarily suspended while we sort out some admin arrangements.

Adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, a young boy shipwrecked on a Pacific island during a global sailing adventure. Guided by Kensuke, he learns survival skills and discovers unexpected friendship.

Adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, Kensuke’s Kingdom follows a young boy shipwrecked on a Pacific island during a global sailing adventure. Guided by Kensuke (voiced by Ken Watanabe), he learns survival skills and discovers unexpected friendship. With stunning animation and heartfelt performances, including Cillian Murphy as the Dad, this film brings Morpurgo’s poignant tale to life, exploring resilience, companionship, and the bonds that transcend oceans.

SHAYDA
2023 | Dir Noora Niasari | 117m | Australia

Tuesday 27 August 2024 at 7.30pm

A young Iranian mother and her six-year-old daughter find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of the Iranian New Year.

In this beautiful film about freedom and love, a young Iranian woman named Shayda flees her abusive husband in Iran and seeks refuge in a Melbourne women’s shelter with her six-year-old daughter, Mona. It’s the festive Nowruz holiday, but fear hangs heavy as Shayda tries to rebuild her life and secure a divorce. Her estranged husband, Hossein, arrives demanding visitation rights, threatening to take Mona back to Iran. Shayda grapples with the Australian shelter’s unfamiliar environment, cultural clashes, and the constant terror of discovery, all while fiercely protecting her daughter. English and Persian with English subtitles.

THE BIKERIDERS
2023 | Dir Jeff Nichols | 116m | USA

Thursday 29 August 2024 at 2.30pm
Thursday 29 August 2024 at 7.30pm *HOH
*HOH – Descriptive subtitles for those with hearing loss.

In 1965, fiery Kathy (Jodie Comer) falls for Benny (Austin Butler), a member of the Chicago-based Vandals Motorcycle Club. As the club becomes increasingly associated with violence and crime, Benny is forced to choose between his loyalty to the brotherhood and his love for Kathy.

In 1965, fiery Kathy (Jodie Comer) falls for Benny (Austin Butler), a member of the Chicago-based Vandals Motorcycle Club. Their whirlwind romance is captured by photographer Danny Lyon, who documents the club’s camaraderie. But tensions rise as the Vandals founder, Johnny, clashes with members who want to expand and form new chapters. As the club becomes increasingly associated with violence and crime, Benny is forced to choose between his loyalty to the brotherhood and his love for Kathy. “I bought in and found the film compelling from start to finish” (Leonard Maltin).

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…….

Play Video

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…..

Play Video

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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Vacancies

Current vacancies:

Fundraiser

Publicity and Outreach Manager

David Lean Cinema Gift Voucher Application

David Lean Cinema Gift Voucher Application Form

Following submission of this form, you will receive an invoice by email with a clickable link to pay by credit or debit card. We will then confirm payment and send your voucher(s) by email with a PDF attachment.

Name *

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Confirm Email

Your voucher purchase will be confirmed by email. Vouchers purchased online can only be redeemed via our Ticket Line 020 3740 5740. Vouchers purchased at the Box Office can be redeemed at the Box Office in person or via the Ticket Line for advance bookings and seat reservation.

Contact Phone Numbers *

We will only call you if we have a problem processing this application. Note that phone calls may indicate “Number Witheld” on your phone if we call you.

Type of Gift Voucher required *

Senior (65+) – One entry per voucher
Senior (65+) – Two entries per voucher
Adult – One entry per voucher
Adult – Two entries per voucher
25 or under – One entry per voucher
25 or under – Two entries per voucher

The choice here depends on whether the user normally attends alone or accompanied.

How many vouchers of the type chosen?

Selected Value: 1

Move the slider to specify the number of vouchers.

Please specify (type in the box below) if you wish to personalise the voucher; ie To Charlie Chaplin and From Judy Garland

The only personalisation we offer is the “To” and “From” names of giver and recipient. Leave blank if you want to print the voucher(s) sent to you and write your own names in.

Christmas Quiz Fundraiser

The Big Christmas Quiz Fundraiser

Get into the holiday spirit; gather your friends and family for a festive quiz night filled with brain-teasing questions and heartwarming holiday cheer. With our special guest hosts leading the way, you’re in for a night of laughter, entertainment, and great company.

Best of all, your participation goes towards raising much-needed funds for the cinema.

Venue: Croydon Clocktower Cafe, Katharine St, CR9 1ET (Entry via main library entrance)
Food, drink and bar open from 5.30pm
Quiz starts at 7pm

Special guest hosts acting as Quizmasters: Joanna Scanlan (cinema patron) and Tobias Menzies (Prince Philip, The Crown). Raffle and quiz prizes to be won.

If you want to make it a full day of fun, don’t miss our pre-quiz film THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL screening at 4pm (Needs to be booked separately). It’s the perfect way to kick off the festivities!
CHRISTMAS QUIZ TICKETS 04 December from 5.30pm SOLD OUT
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL 04 December 2023 at 4pm

DLC Waiting List

David Lean Cinema Waiting List

NAME ME LAWAND

NAME ME LAWAND
2022 | Dir Edward Lovelace | 82 mins | UK

With: Lawand Hamad Amin and Rawa Hamad Amin

Five-year-old Lawand is on a quest to find a world where there are people like him – people who will understand him. Since birth, Lawand has been profoundly Deaf and unable to communicate with those around him. He undertakes a treacherous journey with his family from Iraq to Derby, home of the Royal School for the Deaf. But this new life soon comes under threat when the family face deportation. Along with members of the Derby community, they begin a new quest – a fight to stay in the place they now call home. Employing a striking visual style that frames Lawand’s development, from being voiceless to a voice representing others in the D/deaf community, Edward Lovelace’s (The Possibilities Are Endless) documentary is an inspirational and touching coming-of-age story.

Edward Lovelace uses impressionistic techniques to capture the world of Lawand as he learns to communicate in this moving, inspirational tale (Wendy Ide in The Guardian)
This is Croydon – London Borough of Culture screening

Buy tickets for Thursday 24 August 2023 at 2.30pm – Box Office open at 1.45pm for walk-in sales
Buy tickets for Thursday 24 August 2023 at 7.45pm
There will be a BSL Meeter and Greeter present at the evening screening.
For the evening screening the Arts Bar and Box Office (next to the cinema entrance will be open from 6.45pm)
Online sales have ceased but tickets are still available for purchase at the Box Office in the Arts Bar near cinema entrance.
Both screenings are presented in Kurdish, English and BSL with English descriptive subtitles throughout.
Producer’s message and trailer below

Patron – Joanna Scanlan

Joanna Scanlan - David Lean Cinema Patron

The David Lean Cinema has proudly announced renowned British actress Joanna Scanlan as its new Patron. Joanna achieved critical acclaim and won a BAFTA Film Award and a British Independent Film Award for her powerful performance in the film “After Love”.

Expressing her excitement, Joanna stated, “How thrilling to be honoured with the post of Patron of the David Lean Cinema, the shining beacon for all cinema lovers in Croydon. As a young person, independent cinema changed the course of my life and continues to do so. Grassroots cinema clubs like David Lean provide a dynamic source of pleasure and enlightenment. The irrepressible force of the movie as delivered by DLC’s enthusiastic volunteers is the weekly highlight of entertainment and culture for so many. I intend to support and promote fundraising and the team’s world-class programming. Join me at a film or two this year!”

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