In celebration of Ada Lovelace Day, we present this playful drama, in which pioneering computer engineer Ada (played by Tilda Swinton) comes to digital life across the centuries.
AI wizz Emmy (Francesca Faridany) creates a programme that can bring historical figures to life through photography; when she connects with Lady Ada Lovelace across the centuries, the two women find much that connect them. Everything from their thoughts on love, sex and the pressure to reproduce, to the suppression of women in science and technology and their overbearing mothers – both roles played wonderfully by cult actress Karen Black. Longing for Ada’s company, Emmy begins to develop a way of bringing Ada across the centuries – but could it work?
The first ever film to use ‘virtual set, Lynn Hershman Leeson’s fantasia is full of feminist technological ideas, innovative visual technique and a compelling, female-centred story.
US 1997 Dir Lynn Hershman Leeson 85 min
*Locally classified
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Barbican Cinema 2
Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue.
Address
Beech 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.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Cinemas 2 & 3 are located at Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican Centre’s main Silk Street entrance. There are a couple of steep, dropped kerbs and an incline to negotiate between the two sites. Level access from Beech Street.
Mobility
Each auditorium has three permanent wheelchair spaces (two in the third row and one in the front row) and 153 fixed seats with capacity for a further three spaces in the front row. Access to each auditorium is up a ramp. There are also a number of seats with step-free access.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
An infrared system for hard of hearing customers is provided in each auditorium; headsets or neck loops can be collected from foyer staff. The ticket desk counter is fitted with an induction loop.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
