NOW SHOWING…AT QFT 
17 June 2020
Queen’s Film Theatre (QFT) is this week celebrating Northern Irish cinemas with two documentaries on the QFT Player free collection: The Uncle Jack about cinema architect John McBride Neill and The Curzon Project, a short film all about the Ormeau Road's much-loved cinema.
The Uncle Jack is both a portrait of John McBride Neill, the cinema architect who, from the 1930s to the 1960s, designed 18 of Northern Ireland's most cherished cinemas, and a self-portrait of John T Davis. It features McBride Neill’s maternal nephew John T Davis, alongside David Holmes and Kristian Nairn.
It was ‘the Uncle Jack’ who catalysed Davis’ passion for filmmaking. “Jack was like a second father to me,” John T Davis told QFT, “and when he died, he left so much to me – his house, his inventions, his musical instruments, but most importantly, the 8mm camera that was to change my life forever.”
Watch The Uncle Jack on QFT Player for free here (no subscription necessary).
The Curzon Project is a short documentary, which tells the story of the Curzon cinema on Belfast’s Ormeau Road, open from 1936 until it closed in 1999.
Through interviews with the family who owned it, customers, projectionists and usherettes, the film’s narrative covers not only the history of the cinema, but its place in the community over 6 decades. It shares a glimpse into the lives of some of those for which the Curzon was a place to socialise, date, shelter and get inspired by classic movies on the silver screen.
Just 17 minutes long and featuring John T Davis, David Holmes and Kristian Nairn, it is an Out of Orbit production, in association with Film Hub NI, Kaffe O & Stylografik, directed by Jon Beer.
Watch The Curzon Project on QFT Player for free here (no subscription necessary).
During these hugely challenging lockdown months, QFT is bringing exclusive content to patrons at home, as part of a new chapter in the Theatre’s history, much of which is free to watch.
QFT is a unique cultural venue with over 50 years of experience of bringing high quality films to Belfast audiences. A friendly, intimate two-screen cinema, QFT values its audiences, as without their loyalty, support and interest, QFT would not be able to exist.
With its cultural film programme accessible to all members of the community, including those in primary/secondary education, those in unemployment or who consider themselves having a disability, QFT provides access screenings featuring audio enhancement, audio description and on-screen captioning.
Established in 1968 QFT is, according to the Discover Northern Ireland website, ‘the living, breathing heart of independent cinema in Northern Ireland’ and is somewhere that ‘occupies a unique place in Belfast’s cultural and entertainment life.’
In more 'normal' times, the QFT shows the very best in new and classic world cinema and hosts local and international film festivals and seasons throughout the year with regular theatrical premieres. It regularly welcomes special guests from the world of cinema, often hosting Q&A sessions with directors and cast, and bringing film lovers face to face with filmmakers.
Access a range of movies – free of charge or to purchase – and find out more about Queen’s Film Theatre – including membership – on the QFT website.Technical or other queries should be directed to qftmanager@qub.ac.uk.
For general enquiries about this story or to submit a graduate news item, please contact Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Queen’s University Belfast.
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