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FACT is stepping back in time this October with a weekend of 90s nostalgia. The cultural centre for art, film and creative technology is bringing its pop-up cinema experience, Cinema in the City, to VideOdyssey (Toxteth, Liverpool) – one of the UK’s last remaining video rental shops. From Friday 25 to Sunday 27 October, FACT will present three coming-of-age double features that shaped youth culture in the 1990s and defined a generation.
Each film will be screened from an original ex-rental VHS videotape, adding an authentic layer of retro charm that transports viewers back to the era of videotape rewinding. This unique experience invites film lovers to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the ’90s, making it a perfect opportunity to relive—or discover for the first time—the magic of watching movies from analogue videotape.
Friday 25 October 2024: Pump Up The Volume and Kicking and Screaming
● Pump Up the Volume (1990) is a rebellious drama that captures the angst and disillusionment of suburban youth. Starring Christian Slater as Mark, a shy high school student who transforms into a pirate radio DJ under the alias “Hard Harry,” the film explores themes of free speech, teenage rebellion, and the power of voice in challenging the status quo. As Mark’s broadcasts ignite a wave of unrest among his peers, the film becomes a powerful statement on the struggles of a generation longing to be heard.
● Kicking and Screaming (1995) is Noah Baumbach’s directorial debut. This witty, dialogue-driven comedy chronicles the lives of four recent college graduates who are reluctant to move on from their academic cocoon. As they drift aimlessly through post-graduate life, grappling with relationships, ambition, and existential angst, the film offers a humorous yet poignant reflection on the uncertainties and anxieties of transitioning into adulthood. Baumbach’s sharp writing and keen observational eye make this a defining exploration of 90s slacker culture.
Saturday 26 October 2024: Juice and Boyz N The Hood
● Juice (1992) is a gritty crime thriller that delves into the lives of four Harlem teens whose friendship unravels as they seek respect and power in their neighbourhood. Directed by Ernest R. Dickerson and featuring a standout performance by Tupac Shakur, the film examines the dangerous allure of violence and the consequences of chasing the “juice”—street credibility and control.
● Boyz n the Hood (1991) is a powerful exploration of life in South Central Los Angeles following three childhood friends (Cuba Gooding Jr, Ice Cube, Morris Chestnut) as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a neighbourhood plagued by violence, poverty, and systemic injustice. This coming-of-age drama, directed by John Singleton, highlights the stark realities of urban life and the choices that can shape one’s destiny.
Sunday 27 October 2024: Show Me Love and But I’m a Cheerleader
● Show Me Love (Fucking Åmål) (1998) is a tender and authentic Swedish coming-of-age story that captures the angst and excitement of teenage love. Directed by Lukas Moodysson, the film follows two girls in a small town who struggle with their feelings for each other amidst societal expectations and the complexities of adolescence. This heartwarming drama is a poignant portrayal of first love and self-discovery.
● But I’m a Cheerleader (1999) is a satirical comedy that tackles the absurdity of conversion therapy with humour and heart. Directed by Jamie Babbit, the film follows Megan (Natasha Lyonne), a cheerleader sent to a conversion camp to “cure” her homosexuality. Through its vibrant aesthetics and sharp wit, the film critiques societal norms while celebrating the journey to self-acceptance and love.
Cinema in the City’s weekend of double features takes place at VideOdyssey on Windsor Street, L8.
After opening in 2018 and becoming a haven for 80s and 90s nostalgia, the video rental shop has been dedicated to preserving physical media in the age of digital streaming. VideOdyssey has created a space for those who share a love of cult classics and hidden gems.
The video rental shop is also home to a retro games arcade with vintage titles such as Ms. Pac-Man, Street Fighter II and Donkey Kong; a film studio; and a screening room.
To keep cinema-goers fuelled during each evening of back-to-back screenings, there will be a pop-up food truck to cater for all with a selection of drinks and film-themed cocktails.
Lewis Eyles, Film & Events Officer at FACT, said: “We are excited to be taking Cinema in the City outside of the city centre, and to be stepping back in time to spotlight a programme of cultural classics. This special VHS edition focuses on a decade of film that defined a generation and we’re delighted to be working with VideOdyssey to screen all of the double features from videotape.”
Andy Johnson, Owner of VideOdyssey, said: “We are super excited to host FACT’s Cinema in the City screenings in our studio cinema. With such a great selection of movies, we can’t wait to roll out the VHS cinema red carpet for everyone attending. FACT has long been an inspiration for us in our mission to save film, and we are delighted they have chosen to screen the selected films from their true analogue format – it’s a dream come true.”
Tickets for Cinema in the City at VideOdyssey are priced from £10-13 and are on sale now. Tickets include entry to a double feature which gives visitors seated viewing of two films and unlimited access to VideOdyssey’s games arcade. For the complete time travelling experience, each evening will be accompanied by a 90’s music playlist featuring tracks from each film’s soundtrack.
For more information, visit FACT’s website.
