Helena Nogueira’s rarely screened lesbian romance set across South Africa and a thinly-disguised Mozambique, was released two years before the end of Apartheid.
Alexandra (Jana Cilliers), a political journalist, is released from a South African prison after accusing the government of plotting military intervention in the neighbouring country of Mozania (a thinly-disguised Mozambique). As she waits to reunite with her lover, marine biologist Dorothy (Sandra Prinsloo), she reflects on the last few years, including her relationship and her political awakening.
Banned in its home country for its anti-Apartheid stance and the lesbian romance at its centre, Quest for Love is fiercely critical of South Africa’s intervention in Angola and Mozambique. While elements of its story have dated, its clear rage against racist government policy is remarkable for a film made in the last years of Apartheid.
South Africa 1988 dir Helena Nogueira 94 min
Please note this film contains scenes of violence some viewers may find distressing.
We are showing a rare, unrestored digital copy of the film.
Ticket prices
Students £11
Unwaged £11
Over 60s £11
Under 18s £6
Wheelchair spaces, free companion seats may now be booked online.
Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking, so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.
Booking a wheelchair space
Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select 'wheelchair user' ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected.
Booking essential companion tickets
Please select at least two tickets and one of them will be automatically discounted to zero in the basket.
Booking British Sign Language or Captioned Seats
Select seats in the area appropriate to your needs.
Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Tara Brown is a Film Curator. They describe themselves as a Black fat queer non-binary trans disabled femme. Inspired by the principles of Disability Justice their primary goal is to ensure that cinema is as accessible, diverse and brilliant as possible! Currently they are a Trustee for Reclaim The Frame, an Assistant Programme Advisor for London Film Festival, Short Film Advisor for Sheffield DocFest and Programmer for Fringe! Queer Film + Arts Fest.
Explore the rest of Queer 80s
There are plenty of great films screening as part of Queer 80s throughout June
Queer 80s
Queer 80s
Queer 80s
Queer 80s
Queer 80s
Queer 80s
Give a year of art, music, film and theatre
Cinema 3
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.
