Saved events

35 Shots of Rum (12A) [35mm] + ScreenTalk with Dr Hélène Neveu Kringelbach & Rōgan Graham, hosted by Clive Nwonka

The Devil Finds Work: James Baldwin on Film

Two people hold hands in a dark, moody landscape.

This 35mm screening of Claire Denis' drama exploring a father/daughter relationship against the backdrop of the multiracial city, followed by a ScreenTalk relating the work to Baldwin's ideas.

Central to Baldwin’s The Devil May Find Work is the question of interracial relationships as a cinematic spectacle. By looking at interracial relationships on screen, we gain an understanding of the racial climate of American society through the way it responds to different forms of Black masculinity. 

Building on Baldwin’s thinking, we are screening Claire Denis’ outstanding exploration of the human condition, and the subtle and everyday experiences of multiracial community, 35 Shots of Rum. The film asks us to consider the now diurnal role of interraciality in relations to social change, belonging and cultural identify, through the complicated dynamics of a father/daughter relationship.

2008 France/Germany dir. Claire Denis 100 min, in French and German with English subtitles

This project is part of the ‘James Baldwin and Britain’ project (2024-2027), led by Douglas Field, Kennetta Hammond Perry and Rob Waters, with thanks for the generous support by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. 

The film programme is curated by Dr Clive Chijioke Nwonka.

Give a year of art, music, film and theatre

They'll enjoy free entry to all exhibitions, discounts, no booking fees, priority booking, Members' events, our Members' Lounge and more (T&Cs apply)

Cinema 1