SCALA!!! is a historical document as unselfconscious and feral as its subject. A ragged collage of testimonials and artifacts of the legendary Scala Cinema, which operated from 1973 – 1993 as a mecca for cinephiles, misfits and outsiders – from queer Londoners to punks and new romantics.

It is also not infrequent for The Garden Cinema to be compared to the Scala of, though we are admittedly more demure, and compliant with rules and closing times. Still, we proudly embrace this comparison as a badge of honor. As their more puritanical heirs, we are thrilled to screen this amazing documentary and pay tribute to the Scala’s legacy of celebrating independent film and embracing outsider culture.

Directors Jane Giles and Ali Catterall joined us at the Garden Cinema to discuss the film and the venue with journalist Saskia Baron and our audience members who chipped in with comments and anecdotes! Tune in to this journey through time.

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