Koyaanisqatsi (1982) - 35mm Film Screening

There is no conventional story or dialogue in Koyaanisqatsi. Instead, Godfrey Reggio's extraordinary film brings together images of landscapes, cities, technology and human life, transforming familiar scenes into a hypnotic meditation on the relationship between humanity, nature and the modern world.

Koyaanisqatsi is unlike almost anything else ever made.

The title comes from a Hopi word meaning “life out of balance”, and the film communicates its ideas almost entirely through image, movement and music. There are no characters to follow and no conventional narrative to explain what you are seeing. Instead, the audience is invited to simply experience the film.

For us at Slindon, this is a particularly personal choice. Koyaanisqatsi is a film that has had a profound impact on us and changed the way we think about cinema. It is not the conventional, but that is precisely why we want to show it.

This screening starts at 7pm and we don’t run adverts or trailers, so we recommend arriving 15–20 minutes early. This gives you plenty of time to find a seat (all seating is first come, first served) and enjoy a drink from the bar before the show begins.

PLEASE NOTE WE ARE A CASHLESS VENUE, AND ONLY ACCEPT CARD PAYMENTS

Halfway through the film we take a short intermission while the film reels are changed over. It’s the perfect chance to discuss the film so far, top up your glass at the bar, and treat yourself to some delicious Caroline’s Dairy ice cream, served by our wonderful usherettes.

Because we’re showing these films from often original 35mm and 16mm prints which are over 50 years old, so the occasional pause in running can happen if a reel needs adjusting. If it does, rest assured our projectionist will have things running again in no time, it’s all part of the authentic analogue experience!

While many of our films are rated as family-friendly, we don’t recommend bringing infants or very young children. The soundtracks on older film prints, combined with the natural acoustics of our hall, can sometimes feel a little overwhelming for little ears.