Stephen Frears & Hanif Kureishi's Oscar-nominated critique of Thatcher’s Britain — a love letter to the virtues of multiculturalism.

My Beautiful Laundrette (15)

Saturday 7 November | 15:00

£6/£4.50* per person

Chitra Ganesh presents one of her favourite films, Stephen Frears and Hanif Kureishi's Oscar-nominated critique of Margaret Thatcher’s Britain — a love letter to tolerance and the virtues of multiculturalism.

Stephen Frears UK 1985 98mins

35mm transferred to digital video | In English

Set in London's Pakistani community at a time of heightened racial tensions and homophobia, My Beautiful Laundrette follows the fortunes of handsome young Omar who, together with his English friend Johnny, takes over a run-down laundrette given to him by his rich uncle. Together they transform it into a gaudy, neon-lit palace complete with muzak and video screens. Against a background of racism and poverty in the rough London suburb, their own relationship, portrayed with tenderness and passion, blossoms to love.

‘A sharp, smart picture, with English eccentricity, sly quirk and political subversion, that represents a brilliant and almost unique engagement with contemporary history in 80s British cinema: a satire of Mrs Thatcher’s Britain which involved playing Toryism at its own game.’ —Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian ★★★★★

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Doors open 14:30; Film starts 15:00. Drinks are available from Baltic Kitchen and may be taken into the auditorium.

Please note we cannot offer refunds on this event.

*Concessions: under 18s, unwaged & 65+

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Baltic Cinema’s SELECTED strand shows films selected by our artists and partners, and special presentations. My Beautiful Laundrette has been selected by Chitra Ganesh, currently exhibiting in our Level 4 gallery, as part of a season of films.

Baltic Cinema

Baltic Cinema is a new year-round cinema programme at Baltic, lighting up our Level 1 Cinema with the best new and archive films. Bringing otherwise rarely-screened work to the North East, Baltic Cinema also expands our exhibitions, offering a chance to explore further some of the themes they raise.

Supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.

Accessibility

We want our events to be inclusive and accessible. If you have any accessibility requests or questions, please email myexperience@balticmill.com (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/baltic-shop-creates-a-mini-banner-tickets-1254428863499?aff=oddtdtcreator). Ahead of your visit, you can find out about Baltic's facilities and accessibility here (https://baltic.art/plan-your-visit/supporting-your-access-needs/).

Description supplied by the event organiser.