To celebrate National Space Day (2 May), the National Science and Media Museum’s Pictureville Cinema will be hosting a specially curated science fiction weekend. Running from Friday 2 – Sunday 4 May, “Beyond Earth” sees Pictureville screen a selection of handpicked sci-fi favourites, including titles from their own film archive, from classics through to underrated gems.

Opening with screenings of “First Man” (2018) and “The Martian” (2015), “Beyond Earth” invites cinemagoers to explore the outer edge of the universe from the comfort of their cinema seats. Other highlights from across the weekend include a screening of Steven Soderbergh’s science fiction drama “Solaris” (2002) and a special themed edition of Pictureville’s Classic Sunday offer, with a screening of “First Men in the Moon” (1964).

As Yorkshire’s largest independent cinema and the only one of its kind in Bradford, this specially curated season comes as part of Pictureville’s ongoing commitment to creating unique cinema experiences for all. As part of this, “Beyond Earth” sees Pictureville screen a double bill of Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece “2001: A Space Odyssey” [70mm] (1968) and Peter Hyam’s sequel “2010: The Year We Make Contact [70mm]” (1984), with the sequel taken from their own print archive. “2001: A Space Odyssey” will be shown on Pictureville’s famous curved Cinerama screen, with the cinema being the only public venue in the world with this capability. The double bill not only showcases their world-class projection facilities but also offers an exclusive opportunity to enjoy the titles as they were intended.

Continuing this celebration of film on film, Pictureville is partnering with the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) for a special 35mm screening of “Moon” (2009). With a shared mission to champion independent filmmaking and distinctive cinematic experiences, the collaboration underscores Pictureville’s ongoing support for independent filmmakers, bringing unique, thought-provoking films to the big screen and celebrating the magic of film in its original format.

The event also includes a special sci-fi edition of its weekly Kids Club offer, with a screening of “Lightyear” (2022) on Saturday 3 May. The screening also includes free space-themed crafting activities for young film fans wanting to get involved in the sci-fi fun. Kids Club is a weekly offer from Pictureville, with screenings on Saturdays and Sundays placed at a reduced price of £3 per ticket.

For more information and to book tickets to Beyond Earth, head to the Pictureville website

About BIFA
BIFA (British Independent Film Awards C.I.C.) is an internationally renowned organisation that celebrates, promotes, and supports independent filmmaking and filmmakers in the UK.

About the National Science and Media Museum
The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, West Yorkshire, opened in 1983, and has since become one of the most visited UK museums outside London. It draws on more than three million objects from its national collection to explore the science and culture of image and sound technologies, and their impact on our lives.

The museum creates special exhibitions, interactive galleries and activities for families and adults, and is home to Pictureville, Yorkshire’s biggest independent cinema with three screens including Europe’s first IMAX and the only public Cinerama venue in the world.

The National Science and Media Museum reopened on 8 January 2025, following a £6m once in a generation transformation. The museum is open seven days a week, from 10.00–17.00. For more information and to book tickets, please visit our website.