Maona presents: Mapantsula15

Directed by Oliver Schmitz | South Africa | 1988 | 1h 43m | Zulu w/ English subtitles | Starring Thomas Mogotlane, Thembi Mtshali, Peter Sephuma, Marcel Van Heerden, Eugene Majola

A small-time hustler navigating the streets of Soweto finds himself entangled in anti-apartheid protests. When singled out by the local police, he faces a pivotal decision: prioritise personal gain or join the movement against racism. A quintessential example of guerrilla filmmaking, Oliver Schmitz’s 1988 cult-classic crime drama has finally emerged in stunning 4K resolution after years of suppression. Screenings marking the 30th anniversary of South African Freedom.

These screenings will be introduced by Dr Robert Freeman. Robert is a lecturer in English, and affiliate of New College, Oxford. He writes on African film, literary value, and the history of cultural institutions.

Reviews

‘The film starts as a racy gangster melodrama with an unusually pungent low-life city background, then builds inexorably to a moral reckoning, a ferocious, unforgettable denouement.’
Michael Wilmington, The LA Times

Sorry - you missed it!

We showed Maona presents: Mapantsula between May 21, 2024 and May 22, 2024.

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What else is on?

Today (Monday 25th May)

13:45

Kokuho 15
2h 55m | Japanese w/ English subtitles
In 1964 Nagasaki, orphaned Kikuo is taken in by a renowned kabuki actor and raised alongside his son. As both boys become devoted performers, friendship turns to rivalry in Sang-il Lee’s sweeping drama exploring ambition and artistic mastery. Japan’s highest-grossing live-action film.

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17:30

The Magic Faraway Tree U
1h 50m
The Thompson children discover a magical tree leading to fantastical lands. Facing quirky inhabitants and wondrous adventures, they reconnect and grow closer. Enid Blyton’s beloved classic comes to life in this enchanting adaptation starring Andrew Garfield, Nicola Coughlan, and Claire Foy.

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20:00

The Stranger 15
2h 2m | French w/ English subtitles
Set in French Algeria, Meursault drifts through life until his mother’s death sparks judgment, conflict, and tragedy. François Ozon’s sensitive, queer-inflected adaptation illuminates the emotional and moral complexities at the heart of Albert Camus’s existential masterpiece.

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Tomorrow (Tuesday 26th May)

17:45

Wild Foxes 15
£6 for Members + short film
1h 34m | French w/ English subtitles
At an elite sports academy, young boxer Camille survives a near-fatal accident thanks to teammate Matteo, but mysterious pain threatens his recovery and future. Valéry Carnoy’s Cannes-winning coming-of-age debut explores masculinity and vulnerability within the competitive world of boxing.

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20:00

Us 15
1h 56m
A family’s holiday turns terrifying when mysterious doppelgängers appear at their home. As chaos spreads nationwide, hidden truths emerge about identity, privilege, and repression in Jordan Peele's sharp psychological horror. Screening plus an introduction by Dr Christy Wensley.

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Plan your visit

Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road.We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We only show a few adverts – less than most cinemas – and we only play a couple of trailers, so please don’t be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!