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Imitation of Life (12) with Introduction by Ellen E Jones + Reception

,Cinema 1
An older woman sits on the grass with a younger woman at her feet.

Douglas Sirk’s 1959 masterpiece centers on the relationship between two single mothers, Lora (Lana Turner) and Annie (Juanita Moore), whose lives become deeply intertwined after a chance encounter. 

The film contrasts their experiences: Turner plays a white aspiring actress whose daughter (Sandra Dee) is navigating her first crush, while Moore portrays a Black woman whose light-skinned daughter (Susan Kohner) is attempting to pass as white. 

Through their intersecting lives, Sirk explores themes of race, class, and gender, using the framework of melodrama to present a poignant counterpoint to the ideals of 1950s suburban America. 

This event has been organised to celebrate the 2025 Kraszna-Krausz Moving Image Book Award recipient, Screen Deep: How film and TV can solve racism and save the world by Ellen E Jones.

Following the conversation, audience members will be invited to the cinema foyer a wine reception and book signing.

Tagged with: Cinema Young Barbican Members' Events More...
Film information
  • Release year   1959
  • Country of origin   USA
  • Director   Douglas Sirk
  • Runtime   2hrs 5mins

Ticket prices

Standard
£13
* Excludes £1.50 booking fee

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.

Ellen E. Jones is a British journalist, broadcaster, and author specializing in film and television. She is known for co-hosting the BBC's flagship film and TV program, Screenshot, and hosting the Barbican's ScreenTalks podcast. Jones also writes for publications like The Guardian and Empire magazine and has previously served as a TV critic for The Independent. Her book, "Screen Deep: How film and TV can solve racism and save the world," explores the potential of screen storytelling to address social issues. The Kraszna-Krausz Book Awards are the UK’s leading prizes celebrating excellence in photography and moving image publishing. They recognise individuals who have made an outstanding original or lasting contribution to literature concerning photography or the moving image. 

Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

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.