A rare chance to see one of the great unsung films of Soviet cinema. Made in 1934, and rediscovered in the 1960s, Happiness, directed by Aleksandr Medvedkin, is “a grotesquely funny parody of farm life, before and after the Revolution (1917), full of rich visual invention and eccentricities.” Sergi Eisenstein famously said after seeing the film, “Today I saw how a Bolshevik laughs.”

Film starts at 7.45 and will be followed by discussion led by film lecturer Michael Goddard.

Entry to film £3 or £2 for unwaged, low waged, students or OAPs.

The Pope’s impending visit to a small Uruguayan town stimulates a flurry of activity among the poorest residents, who hope to strike it rich by catering to the needs of the 50,000 expected pilgrims. Convinced that his idea is the best, one man uses up his family´s savings to build a paying toilet . . . El Bano del Papa (The Pope’s Toilet) is a humorous and poignant story of dignity and solidarity that demonstrates the human impact of poverty and employment.

Director: César Charlone – 85 mins

Film starts at 7.45 and will be followed by discussion. Entry to film £3 or £2 for unwaged, low waged or students.

Guantanamera is a 1995 comedy from Cuba, directed by Alea and Tabío. When Aunt Yoyita dies during a visit to Gina in Guantánamo, Gina must take the body to Havana. Gina’s overbearing husband Adolfo, a punctilious undertaker with political ambitions, takes charge of the journey.

On the road, they keep crossing paths with Mariano, a playboy trucker with a woman at every way station. He and Gina recognise each other from their student days. Before they reach Havana, Gina realises she can choose between Adolfo and Mariano.

Film starts at 7.45 and will be followed by discussions on Cuba, politics and film.

Entry to film £3 or £2 for unwaged, low waged, students or OAPs.

The Marx Brothers’ classic anarchic comedy! To rescue the small country of Freedonia from bankruptcy, Mrs. Teasdale agrees to donate 20 million dollars if Rufus Firefly is appointed its new president. Firefly is a cynical, sarcastic dictator who refuses to play politics by the book. When Firefly falls out with a neighbouring country’s ambassador over Mrs Teasdale, war between the countries is declared. Who will save the day?

Film starts at 7.45 and will be followed by discussion on the Marx Brothers, anarchism and film.

Entry to film £3 or £2 for unwaged, low waged, students or OAPs.