Art of Action is our Autumn and Winter season of events exploring action on screen through the ages.
We are proud to be part of a BFI UK-wide season, Art of Action, offering an action-packed journey through cinema from the jaw-dropping stunts of silent cinema pioneers via the daredevil ethos of Hong Kong filmmaking to today’s intricate dynamic visual choreography.
Enjoy screenings of classic and niche awe-inspiring action on screen, with some events organised by local young film curators, the 'Young Electrics', and also Keanu-rama – a celebration of Keanu Reeves’s thrillers, such as Point Break (pictured on the front cover of our new October-November printed programme) and The Matrix!
More events will be announced in the coming weeks, including The Train, Miracle Fishing (Doc Club Special), Art of Action 'Zine and Badge-making workshop, Saturday Kids Film Club, Art of Action film quiz and a host of student-led events!
Without stunts, the cinematic world would be a far less interesting place, mostly consisting of people talking, walking around and sitting down. And yet the people who do them, the daring stunt performers who throw themselves off things, drive at dangerous speeds, set themselves on fire and generally risk life and limb, just for our entertainment, are rarely celebrated. Art of Action is a chance to correct this!
Keep up to date with all the news via our enewsletter (sign up below).
Events coming up in the season:
Art of Action 'Zine workshop
Saturday 16 November, 2.30pm
Join local artist Tiger-lily Martinez for an afternoon of 'zine and badge making, inspired by female action heroines and stuntwomen.
Keanu-rama night: The Matrix
Saturday 16 November, 7.00pm (earlier start time)
Celebrate the wonder of Keanu Reeves with a full-length screening of the high-octane dystopian action thriller, The Matrix, and other Keanu-related fun, curated by Young Electrics film programming students!
The Train
Sunday 17 November, 3pm
In 1944, a German colonel loads a train with French art treasures to send to Germany. The Resistance must stop it without damaging the cargo.
Doc Club - Miracle Fishing (Cancelled)
We're sorry for any disappointment, but this screening is no longer taking place:
Sunday 17 November, 7.30pm
The story of a father's kidnapping as told through the 1994 video diaries of his son, the film's Director Miles Hargrove.
Book now for Miracle Fishing >>
Point Break
Friday 22 November, 7.30pm
From Academy Award winning director Kathryn Bigelow, experience Point Break, the ultimate 90’s cult classic, like never before as it returns to the UK in stunning 4K.
Saturday Kids Film Club - Art of Action Special
Saturday 23 November, 10am (please note this is a change of time from the previously advertised 2pm start)
The session includes an interactive workshop plus a related PG feature film led by our experienced workshop leader team. For our Art of Action special, we are delighted to look at Kung Fu Stunt Fighting - where the stunts are carefully staged to make sure that no animals or children are harmed in the making of any movie!
We are delighted to partner with 1066 Wing Chun for an interactive workshop to explore the importance of self-defence, and discuss the safety and skill in making film stunts safe!
Hot Fuzz
Saturday 23 November, 7.30pm
Police officer Nicholas Angel is known to be the best across London. His seniors, jealous of his achievements, transfer him to a remote village where he encounters various challenges.
Seven Samurai - 4K restoration
Sunday 24 November, 3pm
One of the most thrilling movie epics of all time, Seven Samurai tells the story of a 16-century village whose desperate inhabitants hire the eponymous warriors to protect them from invading bandits.
Stuntwomen on Film: Everything Everywhere All At Once
Saturday 30 November, 7.30pm
A hilarious and big-hearted adventure about an exhausted Chinese American woman who is swept up in an insane adventure, where she alone can save the world by exploring other universes connecting with the lives she could have led. With Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis in stand-out roles.
"I kick and punch quite hard, and it surprises people.” - Michelle Yeoh
Book now for Stuntwomen night >>
The Art of Action season looks at the cinematic artistry, skill and craft involved in creating iconic sequences and films as well as engaging with the historic roots and cross-cultural influences of action cinema. The overarching focus is on the physicality of actors and stunt performers whose extraordinary on-screen exploits built on the boundary-pushing legacy of their pioneering predecessors.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Sunday 1 December, 3pm
This ground breaking movie has lost none of its magic, two decades after its original release. Not a single ounce. It works on several different levels: as an electrifying martial arts extravaganza, a deeply affecting love story, and it carries a powerful thematic depth rarely seen in the martial arts genre. Therefore it's not surprising that the first draft of the screenplay said: "You will note in the script that none of the fight scenes are described, and I will just inform you now that they will be the greatest fight scenes ever in the history of cinema, period."
Book now for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon >>
The Adventures of Robin Hood + swordplay workshop with 1066 Wing Chun - Family Fridays
Friday 6 December, 4pm
Join us for a Family Fridays event showing a fun classic swordplay movie full of adventure, romance, with a healthy dose of laughs. Errol Flynn by far gives the most credible performance of the Robin Hood character. He oozes charm and wit here. Plus, arrive at 3.30pm before the film starts for a Kung Fu and Swordplay workshop with 1066 Wing Chun to lead a basic Kung Fu and Swordplay workshop!
Hong Kong Showdown: Police Story plus special guest Nanni Cobretti
Saturday 7 December, 7.30pm
Learn all about ‘70s & ’80s Kung Fu action films and its icons, from combat cinema expert Nanni Cobretti, who joins us to introduce Jackie Chan’s action comedy Police Story.
"I just want people to remember me like I remember Buster Keaton. Maybe one day, they remember Jackie Chan that way.” - Jackie Chan
Enter the Dragon
Sunday 8 December, 3pm
Join us to celebrate Kung Fu cinema legend Bruce Lee whose birthday on November the 30th marks National Martial Arts Day.
Book now for Enter the Dragon >>
Enter the Clones of Bruce + introduction
Sunday 8 December, 5.30pm
Enter the Clones of Bruce is a feature length documentary that explores the Bruce Lee exploitation craze, otherwise known as Bruceploitation. With an introduction from Sean Hollebon.
Book now for Enter the Clones >>
Listen to our Art of Action podcasts!
The film students at Bexhill College who have been working with us on the Art of Action season have created a set of Art of Action-themed podcasts for your listening pleasure - enjoy!
Stuntwomen in Cinema: Agata, Anni and Mathilda
Hong Kong Vs Hollywood Action Films: Fabrizio, Joshua and Oscar
History of Stunts: Poppy and Taya
Screening as part of Art of Action, a UK-wide film season supported by National Lottery and BFI Film Audience Network.
Keep up to date with all the events at the Electric Palace as they unfold via our enewsletter: