Mystery International Film Screening
2025-12-08 17:30 - 19:30 UTC | Performance Space
Rebellion, identity, and survival

This event is for individuals aged 15 and over.
Welcome to the event page for the eighth edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series.Event Details:

Doors open: 17:00
Introduction to the film: 17:20
Film starts: 17:30
Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3)
Popcorn: FREE!
Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café!

With the year winding down and the festive season approaching, we’re back in the Manchester Central Library Performance Space for another round of our monthly international film screening series.
The rules are simple: we give you five films to vote from here, and you’ll find out what won at the screening. This month’s (unintentional) theme? Rebellion, identity, and survival—stories that challenge norms and explore the human spirit across cultures and decades.
If I could show all five I really would as every one of these films is absolutely cracking, as it stands however I can only show one so get voting:
This month’s contenders are:
The Working Class Goes To Heaven (1971, Italy)
A factory worker’s life spirals after an accident, exposing the alienation and exploitation of industrial labour. Petri’s biting critique of capitalism and class struggle remains a cornerstone of Italian political cinema.
The Story of a Three Day Pass (1967, France/USA)
Melvin Van Peebles’ debut feature follows a Black American soldier on leave in France, navigating love and racial tension. A bold, stylish exploration of identity and prejudice during the civil rights era. An outsiders French New Wave film and one of the finest, a rediscovered masterpiece.
The Harder They Come (1972, Jamaica)
In honour of the late Jimmy Cliff revisit this reggae-infused crime drama about a musician turned outlaw, this cult classic captures the grit and dreams of Kingston’s streets. Its soundtrack helped bring reggae to the world stage.
Bacurau (2019, Brazil)
In a remote village, residents face a chilling threat that turns their quiet life into a fight for survival. A genre-bending mix of Western, thriller, and political allegory, Bacurau is a modern masterpiece of resistance and one of the last major roles of the late Udo Kier.
Enamorada (1946, Mexico)
A fiery romance unfolds during the Mexican Revolution as a revolutionary general clashes with a strong-willed woman. Fernández’s lush visuals and María Félix’s commanding presence make this a gem of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema.
We’ve made it easier to vote. Just click on the link here to book tickets and fill in your details. You’ll then see a drop down menu of the five films on the shortlist. You just need to select your favourite!

Carol of the Bells-Film Screening
2025-12-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Join us for a special screening of Shchedryk, a feature film by director Olesia Morgunets-Isaenko (122 min), in Ukrainian with English subtitles. At its heart is the world-famous melody by Leontovych, Carol of the Bells. The film intertwines the lives of Ukrainians, Poles, Jews, and Russians against the backdrop of Soviet repression, occupation, and war.
This is a charity screening, with registration and donations welcome. A huge thank you to the film’s producer, Taras Bosak, for providing the film.
The event is organised by Sunflower Manchester in partnership with Kryla Culture CIC, with the support of the “Watch Ukrainian” Association.
Doors: 4.30pm. Film Start: 5pm.
Book tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below

Mystery International Film Club!
2026-03-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
It’s a MONSTER HIT!!

This event is for individuals aged 15 and over.
Welcome to the voting page for the latest edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series.
Event Details:

Doors open: 17:00
Introduction to the film: 17:20
Film starts: 17:30
Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3)
Popcorn: FREE!
Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café!

The Mystery Film Clubs screenings at Manchester Central Library specialise in showing a wide and eclectic range of films from all over the world. These are the sorts of films unlikely to be seen anywhere else, underseen and under-loved masterpieces from every single point of the globe. There’s no delineation by genre or age, as long as the film is great it can be shown here.
This month’s choices are:
Election (2005 Hong-Kong)
A triad election is upon us and numerous factions vie for power. While the premise implies action, what we have here is a masterful political thriller from director Johnnie To that exposes the vulgarity at the core of tradition and politeness as they fail and are manipulated. Rapturous performances all round and one of the most jaw-dropping endings in film history.
Omar Gatlato (1976 Algeria)
A simple tale of a normal man, we follow him for a few days and meet his family, his friends and his crush, while we do this he addresses the camera and shows us around his city. As much about the man as it is about Algeria, as along our journey we meet the vibrant, colourful locals and the film celebrates a time and a place.
Labyrinth of Dreams (1997 Japan)
Tomiko falls in love with Niitaka, even though she also suspects him of being the Tokyo bus driver serial killer, who killed his female conductors after tiring of them. Gakyruu Ishii’s restrained and ethereal dream of beautiful ghosts cloaked in a hazy melancholy.
Mafioso (1962 Italy)
The past catches up with loveable Antonio in this Italian film filled with lightness and warmth before kidnapping the audience and reminding them the reality of the Sicilian Mafia. A film that will subvert your expectations, shock and entertain you.
The Horse Thief (1986 China/Tibet)
An unbelievable look at the impossible, almost unearthly environments of remotest Tibet as we follow young monk Norbu and his family after he is banished from his temple. A favourite of Martin Scorsese and an unparalleled filmic voice.
Book tickets and vote for your favourite film here or at the link below!

Hispanic Film Club: Mamá cumple 100 años
2026-04-15 17:45 - 19:45 | Performance Space
Manchester Central Library and the Instituto Cervantes of Manchester proudly present the Hispanic Film Club. Join us for this month’s film, Mamá cumple 100 años.
The Manchester Central Library and Instituto Cervantes Manchester present the Hispanic Film Club, a programme designed to celebrate the richness of Spanish-language cinema. This new series is dedicated to the acclaimed director Carlos Saura, one of the most influential figures in Spanish film, internationally recognised for his work exploring memory, identity and the relationship between art and society through a deeply personal and innovative aesthetic. Throughout his career, Saura received numerous awards and collaborated with renowned artists such as Geraldine Chaplin and Antonio Gades, leaving an indelible mark on world cinema.
The first three screenings will feature Elisa, vida mía (1977), Mamá cumple 100 años (1979) and Goya en Burdeos (1999), films that exemplify his ability to combine introspection, history and art in unique narratives. We have chosen Saura because his cinema offers a profound reflection on Spanish history and culture, perfectly aligned with the essence of the Hispanic Film Club: showcasing the diversity and depth of the Hispanic world through works that transcend borders.
This screening: Mamá cumple 100 años [Mama turns 100] (Carlos Saura, 1979).
Synopsis: Ana is alive and married with Antonio; they arrive in the manor in the countryside of Spain where she worked as a nanny many years ago, for the centennial birthday of the matriarch. In their reunion, she finds that Jose died three years ago; Juan left his wife Luchy; Fernando is still living with his mother and unsuccessfully trying to fly a hang glider; and the three little girls are grown-up. Further, she discovers that the dysfunctional family is completely broken, and Luchy in embezzling mother’s money. When Juan arrives for the celebration, he plots with Fernando and Luchy to kill the mother to get the inheritance. Meanwhile, Antonio has a brief affair with Natalia.
Suitable for ages 16+
Free – booking required via Eventbrite or click ‘Book now’ below
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Mystery International Film Screening
2026-05-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Welcome to the latest edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series.

This event is for individuals aged 15 and over.
Event Details:

Doors open: 17:00
Introduction to the film: 17:20
Film starts: 17:30
Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3)
Popcorn: FREE!
Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café!

The Mystery Film Clubs screenings at Manchester Central Library specialise in showing a wide and eclectic range of films from all over the world. These are the sorts of films unlikely to be seen anywhere else, underseen and under-loved masterpieces from every single point of the globe. There’s no delineation by genre, place or year, all that matters is the quality of the film.
This month’s choices are:
Clearcut (1991, Canada)
A roaring cult classic of Canadian cinema, a supernatural revenge thriller with big moral questions and furious anger as Polish director Ryszard Bugajski confronts the limits of liberal pacifism. With an incredible central performance from Graham that oscillates between trickster spirit and revolutionary spectre, the viewer is forced to confront their own views of heroism and justice.
Le Franc (1994, Senegal)
A man buys a lottery ticket and to protect it glues it to his wall, when the ticket wins he finds he has to transport both the door and the ticket to claim his prize. This simple image is used to explore themes of global economic catastrophe. Conceived in response to the 1994 devaluation of the West African CFA franc, the film transforms structural violence into slapstick surrealism. The protagonist is a spiritual successor to Chaplin’s The Tramp, with all the tragedy and comedy that entails.
Electra, My Love (1974, Hungary)
Experience the unique cinematic stylings of Miklós Jancsó, in a film with some of the most spellbinding staging and shots ever conceived. Epic Greek Tragedy on the Hungarian plains presented in its entirety through only twelve extended shots. Movement replaces montage: bodies, horses, flags, and crowds swirl in ritualised patterns that mirror cycles of uprising and repression. A whirl of film as dance, theatre and ritual.

Space-themed Day of Family Film Fun
2026-05-16 13:00 - 16:00
Calling all future star explorers to St Peter’s Square this Spring!
As the city keenly awaits the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester this May, Central Library is delighted to confirm some special intergalactic events for all the family.
On Saturday 9 May, brace yourself for an afternoon of space hopping, wacky experiments, moon walking, moon rock races, and more!
Whereas those jetting into the library the following weekend, Saturday 16 May, can expect a special space-age edition of Central Library’s legendary Family Film Club, plus an afternoon of themed out-of-this-world activities.
Clustered around the Performance Space on the ground floor of Central Library, all of these stellar events within the library will be completely FREE to attend.
You can see the full itinerary below – just drop in….
Saturday 16 May, Performance Space 1-4pm, FREE Activity Plan:

1:30pm: Space-themed film screening starts
1-4pm: Crafts

*****
Planetarium Go! Manchester is an immersive pop-up planetarium experience that invites audiences of all ages to explore the wonders of the universe in a truly unique way. Inside a large spherical dome, visitors are surrounded by a 360º screen that transforms astronomy and science films into an unforgettable journey through space.
Popping-up in St Peter’s Square, Manchester (just outside the Central Library) between 1-23 May, tickets for all planetarium experiences can be purchased in advance here: Planetarium Go Manchester
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Storytelling & Moving Image Showcase: A Schools Takeover
2026-06-11 17:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
This June, Manchester Central Library hosts the showcase for SNE Studios Storytelling & Moving Image pilot – a programme delivered in partnership with St Peter’s RC High School and Manchester City of Literature.
Over eight weeks, students from St Peter’s have worked alongside professional creatives to understand the power of storytelling and narrative voice, get hands on with cameras and editing software, and transform poems by Manchester writers into short films of their own, exploring themes of place, belonging, and community voice.
The evening presents the finished films to the public for the first time, alongside an awards ceremony and a panel discussion, co-hosted by SNE‘s Executive Director Baka Bah and a student, and featuring representatives from Manchester Metropolitan University (RISE), St Peter’s RC High School, and Blackmagic Design.
This is the proof of concept for a wider vision: an annual moving image and media literacy programme for young people, built on the belief that the next generation of storytellers deserves the tools, the training, and the platform to tell their own stories.
FREE TICKETS CAN BE BOOKED HERE.

French Film Club: Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis
2026-06-22 17:45 - 19:45 | Performance Space
The French Film Club is an invitation to discover the best of Francophone and French cinema. Screenings of exclusive French-language films (with English subtitles) take place once a month and are free and open to all. Join us and Alliance Française de Manchester for this month’s film, Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis.
Synopsis: ‘A French public servant from Provence is banished to the far North. Strongly prejudiced against this cold and inhospitable place, he leaves his family behind to relocate temporarily there, with the firm intent to quickly return.’
These free screenings are offered with the support of the Institut Français. Unless otherwise indicated, all Alliance Française de Manchester cultural events are open and accessible to everyone. They are public events and under 18s remain the responsibility of their parent/guardian at all times. Please be aware that films may not have a UK age classification.
Film in French with English subtitles. Recommended age rating for this film is 15+.
Free – booking required via Alliance Française website or click ‘Book now’ below.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
