The Unknown Knowns by Dom Moore

Providing a unique insight into films not available elsewhere in Plymouth or the South West, the Jill Craigie Cinema explores hidden gems of past cinema, critical documentaries, and daring cult films that will inspire, scare and surprise.

Many films are accompanied by talks from film directors, filmmakers and critics who provide a fascinating insight into the changing culture of the moving image.

The Jill Craigie Cinema is located on the ground floor of the Roland Levinsky Building on the University of Plymouth campus.

Celluloid Psychology series

"Cinema is inextricably intertwined with psychology. Every film ultimately emerges from the mind of one human with the intention of making an impact on the mind of another."
Dr Alastair Smith, School of Psychology
The Celluloid Psychology series is an ongoing series of films exploring the mind and brain in cinema. Each of the carefully selected films is curated and introduced by a specialist in human behaviour who will discuss how their area of expertise can shed unexpected light on the psychological questions explored in the film.
Psychology eye

Highlights from the archive

The Arts Institute Film Commission 2021

Now in its fourth iteration, this annual film commission invited submissions from both emerging and established filmmakers and visual artists.

To coincide with The Arts Institute’s autumn theme of Storytelling, and a major exhibition across The Arts Institute and The Box in late 2021, the winning filmmaker was awarded £3,500 to explore one or more of the exhibition's themes including diversity of cultures and languages; oral and visual traditions of sharing knowledge; and creation stories.

Find out more about the 2021 commission

Still from 'Diviner' by Frances Scott, winner of the 2017 Film Commission Prize
Still from 'Diviner' by Frances Scott, winner of the 2017 Film Commission Prize

Revolutions season

A series of controversial films which were either banned or heavily censored on their release.

This popular season included a screening of Battleship Potemkin (1925); a silent film which focuses on the naval mutiny of the failed 1905 Soviet Revolution, the film was also accompanied by a live score created and performed by The Imperfect Orchestra.

This series was programmed in 2017, the year which marked the centenary of the Russian Revolution, a period that still generates controversy. Such a tumultuous political time also heralded a revolution within art, music, theatre and film, unleashing a period of radical experimentation and innovation that had an enduring impact throughout the 20th century.

Find out more about the Revolutions season

Battleship Potemkin
Battleship Potemkin (1925)
The House