Join us for a collection of feature films and shorts that provide fascinating fictional and real-life insights into the lives of soldiers, surgeons and civilians. Discover the perspectives of World War II bombers and Kurdish villagers, and enjoy quirky animated health warnings and field hospital high-jinks.

Meanwhile you can enjoy the film-rich ‘War and Medicine’ exhibition, two permanent galleries, licensed café and 1940s gramophone classics from the retro-chic Shellac Sisters, until 22.00.

This event is free. No advance booking required. Tickets for the feature films will be available on the day of the event from 16.00.

In support of the ‘War and Medicine’ exhibition
Feature programme

17.00-18.45, A Matter of Life and Death

During his last moments aboard a doomed World War II bomber, Squadron Leader Peter Carter conveys his tale of woe to an American radio operator called June. A heavenly error occurs when he jumps from his plane without a parachute, lands on Earth unharmed and falls in love with June…but an angel is dispatched to correct this mistake, and Peter must justify his existence to a celestial court.

Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger | UK | 1946 | 104 min

Certificate U

Starring David Niven, Kim Hunter, Robert Coote

19.15-20.45, Jiyan

Five years after the infamous chemical and biological bombings of Halabja, Diyari returns to his homeland from the USA to help to build an orphanage. The remaining villagers are physically and psychologically marked by the effects of the attack, including Jiyan (whose name means ‘life’), a ten-year-old orphan whose face is permanently scarred, but whose hope and warmth prove to Diyari that it might still be possible to restore their shattered community.

Jano Rosebiani | Iraq | 2002 | 94 min

Certificate 12A

Starring Kurdo Galalî, Pîsheng Berzincî, Çoman Hawramî

Kurdish with English subtitles

21.15-23.05, M*A*S*H

Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John McIntyre are two wise-cracking young surgeons drafted against their will into the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War. Between gory hospital shifts and countless rounds of martinis, they go to ridiculous lengths to distract themselves from the horrors of their surroundings, making it their business to undercut authority and regulation at all costs. Robert Altman’s antiwar comedy is best known for having spawned the classic TV series.

Robert Altman | USA | 1970 | 111 min

Certificate 15

Starring Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, Tom Skerritt
Shorts programme, Certificate 15, 16.00-22.00

No booking necessary, drop in at anytime.

Six Little Jungle Boys

The antics of six sprightly soldiers stationed in the jungle illustrate the pitfalls of poor personal hygiene.

John Halas and Joy Batchelor | UK | 1945 | 9 min

Shock & Awe

An Iraqi family shelter from the US bombardment that interrupts their evening meal.

Chase Palmer | USA | 2004 | 6 min

Zenith

Two doctors working in a war zone journey across the desert escorted by a child soldier.

Bruce Parramore | Norway | 2003 | 18 min

The Small Ones

Abstract portrait of a World War II doctor whose duty it was to reconstruct the bones of dead American soldiers.

Lynne Sachs | USA | 2006 | 3 min

Mr Wasinski’sSong

Mr Wasinski, a survivor of World War II, finds his hearing suddenly restored after 60 years of silence.

Aidan Fennessy | Australia | 2001 | 15 min