Hastings to celebrate Art of Action films

Get ready for stunts galore onscreen, a night of Keanu Reeves, ‘zine-making and kids’ film workshops, and a host of special guests at energetic events to celebrate action in cinema, says Annie Waite. The Art of Action season smashes onto the Electric Palace cinema screen from 16 November. Buckle up!

Film fans in and around Hastings are about to get the chance to gain unrivalled insight into the skills, daring and influences of a genre which regularly tops cinema box office charts and has created a century’s worth of stars.

Starting on Saturday 16 November, the Electric Palace cinema in Hastings Old Town is among more than 70 venues UK-wide taking part in Art of Action, a thrills and spills-filled season of films.

Keanu-rama hits Hastings

Art of Action choices for Hastings audiences include a host of special guests to help celebrate niche awe-inspiring action on screen, some events organised by Young Electrics – young film curators – including Keanu-rama, a celebration of Keanu Reeves’s thrillers, such as Point Break and The Matrix!

There is also an action films-inspired ‘zine-making workshop, a Saturday kids’ film club with 1066 Wing Chun, and a selection of classic martial arts films to mark National Martial Arts Day on 30 November – action legend Bruce Lee’s birthday.

Julia Andrews-Clifford, Electric Palace co-director, says of the season:

“This season invites you to enjoy ‘100% pure adrenaline’ with classics like The Train, Seven Samurai and Enter the Dragon alongside cult hits and comedies Point Break, Hot Fuzz and Everything Everywhere All At Once,” she says.

“It shines a light on the artistry and bravery of stuntmen and stuntwomen, actors and actresses who do their own stunts, anticipating the new campaign for Best Stunts at the Oscars. Come to the cinema over November and December and join us for the ride!” Julia continues.

Events coming up in the Art of Action season:

Art of Action ‘zine workshop
Saturday 16 November, 2.30pm
Local artist Tiger-lily Martinez hosts an afternoon of ‘zine and badge making, inspired by female action heroines and stuntwomen.

Keanu-rama night: The Matrix
Saturday 16 November, 7.30pm
Celebrate the wonder of Keanu Reeves with the high-octane dystopian action thriller, plus other Keanu-related fun, curated by Young Electrics film programming students.

The Train
Sunday 17 November, 3pm
Bexhill-based Roland Squire of 5 Minute Film Club YouTube channel provides an introduction to this action-packed classic Burt Lancaster war film.

Miracle Fishing
Sunday 17 November, 7.30pm
The story of a father’s kidnapping as told through the 1994 video diaries of his son, the film’s director, Miles Hargrove.

Point Break
Friday 22 November, 7.30pm
From Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow, experience Point Break, the ultimate ’90s cult classic, like never before as it returns to the UK in stunning 4K.

Saturday Kids’ Film Club – Art of Action Special
Saturday 23 November, 2pm
An interactive workshop with 1066 Wing Chun to explore the importance of self-defence, and discuss the safety and skill in making film stunts safe! Plus a related PG feature film.

Hot Fuzz
Saturday 23 November, 7.30pm
Police officer Nicholas Angel is known to be the best across London. His seniors, jealous of his achievements, transfer him to a remote village where he encounters various challenges.

Seven Samurai – 4K restoration
Sunday 24 November, 3pm
One of the most thrilling movie epics of all time, the film tells the story of a 16-century village whose desperate inhabitants hire the eponymous warriors to protect them from invading bandits.

Stuntwomen on Film: Everything Everywhere All At Once
Saturday 30 November, 7.30pm
A hilarious and big-hearted adventure about where one woman alone can save the world by exploring other universes connecting with the lives she could have led. With Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis in stand-out roles.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Sunday 1 December, 3pm
This ground-breaking, electrifying martial arts extravaganza, is also a deeply affecting love story, and carries a powerful thematic depth rarely seen in the martial arts genre. Therefore it’s not surprising that the first draft of the screenplay said: “You will note in the script that none of the fight scenes are described, and I will just inform you now that they will be the greatest fight scenes ever in the history of cinema, period.”

Family Fridays: The Adventures of Robin Hood + swordplay workshop with 1066 Wing Chun
Friday 6 December, 4pm
A fun classic swordplay movie full of adventure, romance, with a healthy dose of laughs. Errol Flynn  oozes charm and wit. Plus, 1066 Wing Chun lead a basic Kung Fu and swordplay workshop before the film starts.

Hong Kong Showdown: Police Story plus special guest Nanni Cobretti
Saturday 7 December, 7.30pm
Learn all about ‘70s & ’80s Kung Fu action films and its icons, from combat cinema expert Nanni Cobretti, who joins us to introduce Jackie Chan’s action comedy Police Story.

Enter the Dragon
Sunday 8 December, 3pm
Join us for an evening celebrating Kung Fu cinema legend Bruce Lee whose birthday on 30 November marks National Martial Arts Day.

Enter the Clones of Bruce + introduction
Sunday 8 December, 5.30pm
A feature-length documentary that explores the Bruce Lee exploitation craze, otherwise known as Bruceploitation. With an introduction from Sean Hollebon.

Get in on the action

For more information or to book for Art of Action season, please visit the Electric Palace website, and head along to the Electric Palace cinema at 39a High Street, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3ER.

This season is presented by the BFI Film Audience Network (BFI FAN) thanks to BFI National Lottery funding.

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