The ICA Cinemas: Let Me Count the Ways

As The London Film Festival draws to a close and we look forward to screenings including a retrospective celebrating the 25th anniversary of Krzysztof Kieślowski's 1989 masterpiece The Decalogue, TimeOut’s ‘best cinema in London’ poll has made us reflect on what it is that makes The ICA Cinemas the best big screens in town.

Here are just some of the reasons why:

The ICA Cinemas have a rich history of championing radical, exciting filmmaking
From underground and experimental offerings by Kenneth Anger, Frederico Fellini and Andy Warhol back in the late 1950s and into the 70s, to more recent screenings of rare Japanese cinema like Yoshitaro Nomura, and a 52 week run of The Act of Killing, the ICA Cinemas have always been spaces for remarkable alternative films to flourish. 

We are incredibly grateful to the ICA for believing in the film. The run shows that there is good reason to look at alternative release models for documentaries rather than relying on the traditional opening weekend to measure a film’s chances.
Oli Harbottle, head of distribution at Dogwoof, UK distributor for The Act of Killing

ICA cinemagoers are in good company
The ICA film programme draws many important figures from the worlds of film and entertainment. Industry legends who have visited us in recent years include Stuart Hall, John Akomfrah, Wim Wenders and Errol Morris. 

Seasons and festivals
The ICA puts together an incredible range of seasons and festivals, featuring curated collections of films showcasing the most important filmmakers and critical cinematic moments. Recent highlights include Elio Petri, championing a forgotten genius of Italian cinema of the 1960s and 70s, the Chantal Akerman retrospective A Nos Amours, screenings of revolutionary cinema deriving from the Third Cinema movement as part of ICA Cinematheque, and a collaboration with ICA Associate Artists NTS Radio on music documentary screenings, including Instrument.

You are part of the conversation
Our Artists Film Club programme of screenings and events offers unprecedented access to new and rarely seen works by emerging and established artists and draws audiences into the heart of discussion and debate around recent filmmaking developments. With the AFC, not only can you watch great original films, but also help shape contemporary moving image practice. 

We are ad-free
We only show trailers and information relevant to the film programme, so you’ll never have to sit through reels of adverts for the latest car or cocktail trend at one of our cinemas.

Cheap Tuesdays
Cinema tickets every Tuesday are only £3 for ICA Members (£6 full price). Matinee screenings throughout the week (before 5pm) are also open to Members at this price. Membership ranges from £30 for a Full Membership to £10 for a Concessionary Membership, which includes students and under-26s. Great value if you’re a film buff! ■

Moved to stand? This is your last chance to vote for the ICA as your favourite London cinema in TimeOut’s poll. Voting closes at 11.45pm on Sunday 19 October.

This article is posted in: Film, News

Tagged with: ICA Cinema, Film, TimeOut