The Barnabáš Kos Case12A

Directed by Peter Solan | Czechoslovakia | 1964 | 1h 32m | Slovak w/ English subtitles | Starring Jan Bzduch, Dagmar Kákosová, Josef Kemr, Jarmila Kostova, Viliam Polónyi

A shy, overlooked triangle player in a state orchestra is unexpectedly promoted to Musical Director. But power changes him fast. The once modest Barnabáš Kos becomes arrogant and controlling, reshaping the orchestra to fit his ego. Directed by Peter Solan, this sharp, absurdist satire blends dark humour with a distinctly Kafkaesque edge, exposing how flawed systems reward mediocrity and nurture petty authoritarianism.

Our screening on Thursday 28th May features an in-person introduction by filmmaker Peter Strickland.

Director's Cuts: Peter Strickland

Book tickets

Wednesday 27 May

 6.00pmBook tickets
Thursday 28 May

+ Intro w/ Peter Strickland

 8.15pmBook tickets

What else is on?

Today (Saturday 23rd May)
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16:00

Dreamers 15
+ Introduction
1h 19m
After fleeing persecution in Nigeria, Isio is held in a removal centre awaiting an asylum decision. When she falls for her outspoken roommate Farah, she must choose between trusting the system or risking everything for love and freedom. Screening introduced by Asylum Welcome.

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18:15

Space Is the Place 18
1h 22m
Director's Cuts: Peter Strickland
Sun Ra leads his Arkestra on an interstellar journey to forge a new utopia. Blending sci-fi, performance, and radical politics, this electrifying film boldly channels Afrofuturist vision into a vibrant, cosmic experience where music, myth, and liberation collide.

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20:15

Rose of Nevada 15
1h 54m
When a long-lost fishing boat returns to a Cornish village, hope rises for renewal. Nick and newcomer Liam join a voyage, but return transformed and caught in a haunting time loop. Shot on grainy 16mm, Mark Jenkin (Bait) delivers a haunting, mind-bending folktale.

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Tomorrow (Sunday 24th May)
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14:45

Space Is the Place 18
1h 22m
Director's Cuts: Peter Strickland
Sun Ra leads his Arkestra on an interstellar journey to forge a new utopia. Blending sci-fi, performance, and radical politics, this electrifying film boldly channels Afrofuturist vision into a vibrant, cosmic experience where music, myth, and liberation collide.

Book here

Find out more

17:00

Gentle, Angry Women 12A
+ Q&A
1h 3m + 30m Q&A
Special Events
A new generation of young activists uncovers the overlooked history of the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp. Retracing a 110-mile protest march, they connect past and present, exploring feminist activism and intergenerational resistance.

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19:15

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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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!

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