From July 2011, Cornerhouse, Manchester’s leading centre for contemporary visual art and film, will book its film programme in association with independent cinema chain Curzon.
In a unique partnership, independent cinema Cornerhouse will collaborate with Curzon to deliver a must-see programme of international and UK releases.
Sarah Perks, Cornerhouse Programme and Engagement Director said: “2010/11 was a fantastic year for film at Cornerhouse. 129, 244 people visited our cinemas, one of our highest ever attendance figures. Improving on this success in 2011/12 will be tough, due to the significant national cuts in funding for film exhibition and education, but booking our film programme in association with Curzon gives us a great advantage. It gives us increased flexibility and the benefit of the Curzon’s insider knowledge. Ultimately, it will help us to maximise our box office income and to maintain the quality cultural programme our audience expects.”
Jason Wood, Director of Programming at Curzon Cinemas, added: “This is an exciting new partnership for Curzon. As well as providing a booking service for Cornerhouse, we’re also looking forward to working with the team to develop some great events, including Q&As with high profile film talent, shared seasons and innovative new digital content. We’re already off to a flying start – look out for a post-screening Q&A with Senna director Asif Kapadia at Cornerhouse in late May.”
Additional new film projects for Cornerhouse in 2011/12 include production and distribution of artists’ film and video, in creative collaborations with artists including Phil Collins, Gillian Wearing, Rosa Barba and Minerva Cuevas.
Cornerhouse already has two great film seasons lined up. Contemporary Arab and Maghrebi Cinema: New Directions and Aesthetics opening this week and running throughout June, presents a selection of groundbreaking and highly topical work from Algeria, the Lebanon, Palestine and Eqypt. The Asia Triennial Film Programme, curated by Cornerhouse, opens on Saturday 1 October with a live Q&A with Phillipine director Brillante Mendoza, and a preview of his most recent film, Lola. The season features a range of new films from across the region, as well as a major Mendoza retrospective.
For further information, images or interviews please contact: Clare Sydney, Head of Marketing and Communications on E: clare.sydney@cornerhouse.org, T: + 44 (0)161 200 1545