A must-see for lovers of underground cinema, queer culture, the bizarre and the renegade. Pre-gentrification King’s Cross, London. The Scala cinema stands as a forlorn reminder of the neighbourhood’s former glory. But it is soon to be adopted by a new generation of avant-garde cinephiles, clubbers, visionaries, and the capital’s cultural mavericks. From Eraserhead to Pink Flamingos, all night gore-fests to queer clubbing extravaganzas, the Scala had it all. Jane Giles and Ali Catterall’s brilliant cut ‘n’ paste visual style pays tribute to all the mess and magic of the iconic Scala. John Waters, Adam Buxton, and Paul Burston join the many talking heads remembering the Scala’s heyday, while Dublin ex-pat Rory Perkins recalls turning London clubbing on its head under the Scala’s roof and one night even turning Madonna away… Long live the Scala!

PRE-FEATURE SHORT:

ROBERT & GEORGIE

Dir. Claire Richards. Film info: 16 mins, UK, 2024, Digital

Robert George Sanders, a fashion design graduate from Central St Martins, is on a journey to define himself artistically while resisting labels. The film delves into Robert’s exploration of his identity amidst personal and familial challenges, turning to his art for solace.

Tickets on sale on the GAZE website here.