A programme of films exploring vital aspects of Black history and culture
The Lexi is proud to partner with Charmaine Simpson, founder and CEO of Black History Studies, for this immensely popular run of screenings. The events are lively and inclusive, with audience discussions exploring the film and the issues it raises, encouraging networking and inspiring debate. Everyone is welcome – but we suggest booking well in advance!
Previous screenings have included: The Amazing Nina Simone, Angela Davis: Portrait of a Revolutionary, Nanny of the Maroons, The Psychosis of Whiteness, Jamaica For Sale, Mama Africa, Hero, Resurrecting Black Wall St: The Blueprint and many more!
Find out more about Black History Studies here:
https://blackhistorystudies.com/
A screening and discussion group for film fans looking to make friends
New to the area? Need a break from working at home? Want to practice your English (don’t we all…)? Or maybe you just fancy a matinee and a chat? Everyone is welcome at a Cinemates screening.
We show a main feature in the afternoon, then invite the audience to stick around afterwards for a relaxed discussion. Patrons are also welcome to watch the film another time and just pop in for the post-show chat, if that works better timing-wise.
Tickets £7 / £5 | Second Tuesday of the month | Bar open from 2.30pm | Film starts 3pm
A friendly film discussion group for seniors
If you’re over 60 – or just an old soul – this is the film discussion group for you. We screen a new movie from our main programme, and our friends at the U3A provide film notes to help facilitate a post-show discussion. Our longest-running community strand, Cinema Gems has become a Lexi institution.
Bar open and serving hot drinks from 1pm
Screening starts 1.30pm | Higher lighting levels on arrival | Tickets £7 / £5
4th Wednesday of every month
Expand your cinematic horizons at our friendly neighbourhood film school
The Lexi Film School offers a diverse programme of rediscovered gems, underrated masterpieces and established world cinema classics. All are welcome!
The films are selected and introduced by film artists and experts, from critics, academics and curators to filmmakers themselves. Each film is chosen for its potential to excite and stimulate debate. Attendees also receive exclusive pre-screening Film Notes, written by the speaker and including suggestions of further reading and related viewing.
Also, everyone that attends the Lexi Film School will receive a free month of MUBI membership. Online streaming service MUBI hosts a carefully curated, ever-changing selection of global cinema, which complements our #LexiFilmSchool nicely!
The Lexi Film School takes place on Monday evenings at 6:30pm. You can book for individual screenings, or sign up for the whole term to get the best price.
Ticket prices: Standard £9 / Member £7 or all 6 screenings for £36
Enhance your cinema experience with filmmaker Q&As, in-depth introductions and lively discussions
At The Lexi we’re all about getting the most out of the movies. An expert introduction can place a familiar film in a whole new context, while a Q&A with one of the filmmakers might offer a valuable peek behind the scenes. Panel discussions allow us to explore the wider issues behind the film – and Lexi audiences are known for their informed and entertaining questions!
Past Lexi guests have included everyone from major players like Tom Hiddleston, Mark Rylance, Joanna Hogg and Chris Morris to a whole gallery of academics, critics, filmmakers and specialists, many of whom have introduced films in our unique Lexi Film School strand (link). In addition to our on-site Q&As we also regularly broadcast live-by-satellite Q&As and introductions.
A relaxed mid-morning movie screening for carers and babies
Parents, carers and family members: if you find yourself looking after a baby under 1 on a Wednesday morning, why not drop into our 11am “bring a baby” screening?
You’ll see a new film from our main programme, with the volume slightly lowered to protect sensitive ears. Babies tend to be mesmerised by the cosy glow of our fibre optic chandelier – but if they’re not, crying and vocalising is absolutely fine. Best of all, this is a tutting-free zone so you can feel free to get up and walk around as much as you need to during the screening.
Bar open and serving hot drinks from 10.30 | Screening starts 11.00 | Buggy parking at the front of the screen | Baby changing facilities are available in our unisex loo | Tickets £7 / £5
Audio Described screenings for visually impaired audience members
The Dolby Fidelio system also offers audio description, so please ask for a headset at the box office and let us know which screen you’re going to.
Captioned screenings for D/deaf and hard of hearing audience members
We screen films from our main programme with Captions on a regular basis, for both adults and children who are Deaf or experience hearing loss.
Captioned screenings are different to subtitled screenings as they provide a transcription of all of the audio from a film, displayed at the bottom of the cinema screen. Along with the dialogue from the film, the subtitles include non-dialogue audio such as “(sighs)” or “(door creaks)”.
Hearing Loop with a Hard of Hearing track
Our hearing loop has been upgraded to the Dolby Fidelio system, and we have headsets for customers to use in the auditorium.
The Hard of Hearing track has all the same audio as usual, just a little louder.
You can also bring your own earphones if you prefer. Please ask for this at the box office and let us know which screen you’re heading to so we can tune you in!
We run screenings with closed captions twice a month, so please check our programme for details.
For more information, please visit our accessibility page.
Relaxed & autism friendly screenings
We screen films from our main programme in a more relaxed environment, with better lighting and lower sound volumes.
For more information, please visit our accessibility page.
