A woman wearing headphones looking at a film camera and screen.

Northern Soul

Clio Barnard curates a special season at Pictureville Cinema dedicated to northern female filmmaking.

AboutWhat's on

30 Jan – 14 Mar 2025

Northern Soul is a celebration of northern women in cinema – as writers, directors, producers, characters and trailblazers.

About Northern Soul

Presented at Pictureville Cinema in the newly reopened National Science & Media Museum, the season is curated for Bradford 2025 by Clio Barnard, the West Yorkshire-raised writer director of The Arbor, centred on Bradford writer Andrea Dunbar, The Selfish Giant and Ali & Ava, a moving romance set in the city.

The selections in Northern Soul span six decades, from a ’60s British New Wave classic to the latest feature from one of our most exciting directors. They transport us everywhere from the Yorkshire Moors to the Wigan Casino, Blackpool Beach to the North East. And together, they showcase the diversity of perspective, experience and imagination that defines the northern female voice in film.

Northern Soul is part of Bradford: A City of Film, a programme of independent film across the Bradford District. Co-Produced by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and National Science and Media Museum with the support of the BFI, awarding funds from the National Lottery.

 

What's on

Black and white still image from A Taste Of Honey. A man stands behind a woman, who wears a blank expression.
Part of Northern Soul

A Taste of Honey

Tony Richardson, 1961

With post-screening discussion with Clio Barnard and Annabel Grundy.

A group of people on a coach, smiling and laughing. A still from the film Bhaji on the Beach.
Part of Northern Soul

Bhaji on the Beach

Gurinder Chadha, 1993

Gurinder Chadha and Meera Syal’s funny, frank and touching comedy.

A woman stares at the camera with a serious expression. A still from the film Under the Skin.
Part of Northern Soul

Under the Skin [35mm]

Carine Adler, 1997

Two sisters struggle to deal with the death of their mother. With introduction from Dr Karen Thornton.

Two people stand on a windy moor. A still from the film Wuthering Heights.
Part of Northern Soul

Wuthering Heights [35mm]

Andrea Arnold, 2011

Andrea Arnold’s elemental take on Emily Bronte’s masterful novel. With introduction from writer and critic Kate Stables.

A group of people raise their fists in the air in celebration. A still from the film Northern Soul.
Part of Northern Soul

Northern Soul

Elaine Constantine, 2014

The story of a 1970s youth culture that changed a generation.

Two ladies in rain jackets on a beach, grey skies and the sea is behind them
Part of Northern Soul

Typist Artist Pirate King

Carol Morley, 2022

A darkly funny exploration of a friendship between two women.

A pregnant woman stands in front of a bed. On the bed, an item of clothing is on fire.
Part of Northern Soul

The Arbor (2010)

Clio Barnard

Clio Barnard’s innovative portrayal of the late Bradford playwright Andrea Dunbar.