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Pariah (15)

Outdoor Cinema 2024

A teenage lesbian living in Brooklyn falls hard for a girl in her church group in Dee Rees’ (Mudbound) beautiful debut starring Adepero Oduye.

One of modern cinema’s great debuts, Pariah is a heartfelt portrait of Black lesbian life, whose importance and legacy has increased in the years since its release. 

Adepero Oduye gives an excellent performance as Alike, the young poet who finds much-needed support from her best friend Laura (Pernell Walker), a butch lesbian who is far more confident. Alike struggles in her relationship with her unhappy mother (Kim Wayans, excellent), but escape is offered through a close relationship with another girl and a potential college opportunity.

Boasting beautiful cinematography and an excellent screenplay, Pariah is a landmark queer film that marked the arrival of an exciting new director. Rees went on to make the Oscar-nominated Mudbound (2017), becoming the first African-American woman to be nominated for the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar.

USA 2011 dir Dee Rees 86 min

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Associate Partner
Destination Partner
Culture Mile Bid logo
‘One of the things that makes Dee Rees’ Pariah so special is its continuing cultural resonance 10 years after its initial release. It’s a stunning and nuanced depiction of Black lesbian life.‘
Grace Barber-Plentie, British Film Institute

Event information

Information might change closer to the events taking place, so it’s worth double checking nearer the time, and we’ll be in touch with the most important information before your screening. 

Coming to the screening 
It’s first come, first served with seating – you can claim your seats up to an hour before the screening. Seat pads are available, although you're welcome to bring your own if you prefer to, or to be extra comfy.
 
You’ll be given a pair of headphones to listen to the film through; there won’t be any speakers outside. You’ll collect these on arrival and hand them in on the way back. 

We can’t provide blankets, but we advise you to bring one along, as well as a jacket or coat and anything else you’d like to have with you after sundown, as it’ll get chilly.
 
Please don’t bring large bags or lots of stuff with you, as there’s no cloakroom available.
 
Come in up to 15 minutes after the advertised start time. Staff members are there to help you find an available seat. If you arrive late, you’ll be missing the film – we’re punctual!

You’re free to take pictures of the screening area until the film begins, but after that, please don’t take photo or video once the film has started - the same piracy rules apply as they would for an indoor cinema. Also, please respect the privacy of our residents and your fellow audience members.

Food and drink
Food and drink is available to purchase on site. Only drink purchased on site can be consumed at the Outdoor Cinema. Glass bottles aren’t allowed for the safety of you and fellow audience members.

Access
Outdoor Cinema is wheelchair accessible: there is a ramp leading to the screening area. Please let us know in advance if you need assistance by emailing us at [email protected].
Assistance dogs are welcomed (but no pets, sorry!)

If there’s rain 
We’re at the mercy of the British summer. If the forecast looks like rain, we recommend you bring waterproof clothing. We’d ask you not to bring umbrellas though, so the person behind can still enjoy the film. 
We’ll cancel and refund if the weather is deemed to be extreme or unsafe. If that happens, you’ll receive an email from us. 

Finding the Sculpture Court
Just arrive through our main entrance and the Sculpture Court is up on level 3, just outside the Art Gallery. If you’re unfamiliar with our venue, don’t worry – we’ll provide directions on how to get here nearer the time. 

Finally, we’d ask you to remember that the Outdoor Cinema is in a residential area, so we’d kindly ask you to be as quiet as possible when you’re leaving. 

Two influencers munch a hot dog

Enjoy delicious food at the Sculpture Court

Copper Rattle: delicious gourmet hot dogs 🌭

Toum & Tahini: hearty, slow-cooked Middle Eastern curries 🥘

Kichiya Pastries: Japanese desserts & Dorayaki Matcha Ice cream 🍡

Conservatory Bar: beer, wine and soft drinks 🍹

Nachos and popcorn available 🍿

Sculpture Court

Location
The Sculpture Court is an outside space in the Barbican Estate and is accessible from Level 3, if coming from inside the Barbican building, or via the highwalks and Frobisher Crescent from outside. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.