Original title: Игла, Igla
Director: Rashid Nugmanov
Runtime: 80 min
Country: USSR, Kazakhstan
Language: Russian with English subtitles
Rating: M18 (Drug Use)

Synopsis

In 1985, to redress an era of stagnation, the Soviet Union embarked on perestroika, a period of rapid political reformation and openness, that led to its collapse in 1991. In 1986, the Zheltoksan movement saw thousands of students in Kazakhstan clash with the Soviet military in a radical act of self-determinism and dissent against the centre.

Emerging from this period, Rashid Nugmanov was part of a group of young directors, collectively known as the ‘Wild Kazazh Boys’ or ‘the Kazakh New Wave’. His debut feature, The Needle, stars the late counterculture hero and rockstar Victor Tsoi as an stoic drifter in Alma-Ata, as he crosses paths with his morphine-addicted ex-lover and the drug mafia. Freewheeling, experimental and romantic, paying homage to the aesthetics of the French New Wave, the film is emblematic of a creative movement that weaponised its new-found freedom of expression to disrupt the Soviet cinematic landscape, and forge new cultural identities.

Coming of Rage: Asian Youth & Politics on Screen runs from 2 – 25 June 2023. See the full programme here.

Oldham Theatre’s opening hours

Friends of AFA members may select the “Friends of AFA” option and enter your membership number if you wish to redeem your remaining complimentary tickets.

For further assistance, please contact us at ticketing@asianfilmarchive.org 

Important Notice:

Do note that Oldham Theatre does not play ads and screenings will start promptly. Arrive early so as not to disrupt the screenings. All patrons are encouraged to purchase your tickets online to be able to secure a seat. If you choose to purchase tickets or merchandise at Oldham Theatre’s box office, cashless payment is preferred.

Measures will be taken to ensure the health and safety of all patrons at Oldham Theatre. This includes wearing a mask at all times for both staff and patrons. Doors will open 20 minutes before showtime, so arrive early to register and find a seat.

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T&Cs
Concession tickets apply to Students (Local & Overseas), Full-time National Servicemen (NSF), Senior Citizens (55 years and above) only.

Please check film ratings before purchase of tickets. Please note that you may be asked to present your ID at the door (this applies to concession tickets as well). Only physical photographic identification is allowed, digital copies of identification are not allowed. AFA reserves the right to turn away any members of the public without physical photographic identification.

Upon confirmation of your order for Tickets, no exchange of Tickets will be made under any circumstances and Tickets are not transferable. No refund on Tickets will be made under any circumstances except due to cancellation of the event. The resale of Tickets at any price is prohibited.