What the alien language from Arrival
reveals about being human


What is the connection between human language and how the human mind works? Understanding the precise relationship between language and how we experience the world has been a central challenge for linguistics and cognitive science throughout the history of those fields. Arrival tackles this question by introducing us to the alien Heptapods: a mysterious species that experiences the universe in a completely different way to humans. The film is an adaptation of Ted Chiang’s 1998 The Story of Your Life, and both pieces explicitly tie the cognition of Heptapods to their language. How they communicate, the story goes, fundamentally shapes how their minds work - and even alters the minds of the humans who learn to communicate with them.

Sunday 13th April 2025, 6:30 for 7pm. £20/£18 RSVP
Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS

It's the 21st Century, and in the far reaches of outer space eight space freighters are nearing Saturn. Back on Earth, all forests have become extinct from careless environmental exploitation. The precious cargo aboard this freighter fleet are closed ecological systems, successfully preserving the flora and fauna of the forests in giant geodesic domes.

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Saturday 9th December 2023, 7.30pm. FULLY BOOKED
Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Rd S, Edinburgh EH4 6AD

This finest retelling of Charles Dickens’ novella, has become a Christmas classic. Michael Caine’s lead performance as the lovable old skinflint, is ably supported by all your furry favourite Muppet characters. The Great Gonzo in particular stands out for his narration of the story as Dickens himself.

Caine said "I'm going to play this movie like I'm working with the Royal Shakespeare Company" and it shows superbly. The rousing score was composed by Miles Goodman with songs by Paul Williams. Toast the season with a glass of mulled wine and revel in the Dickensian dress code option.

Sunday 26th November 2023. FULLY BOOKED
Glasgow Film Theatre, 12 Rose St, Glasgow G3 6RB.


As part of the BFI's Cinema Unbound: The Creative Worlds of Powell and Pressburger season, we present a touring expanded screening of the aclaimed 'Black Narcissus', the 1947 British psychological drama film written, produced, and directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, and starring Deborah Kerr, Sabu and David Farrar.

Based on Rumer Godden's 1939 novel of the same name, the film is set in an old Indian palace situated high in the Himalayas where a small convent of Anglican sisters are trying to establish a school and hospital. Our multi-sensory presentation will augment the unfolding narrative and the Academy Award winning cinematography of Jack Cardiff.

Saturday 10th June 2023, 7:30 for 8pm. £15 RSVP
Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Rd S, Edinburgh EH4 6AD

We're delighted to be back at Lauriston Castle after our sell-out run of Atmosphere events from 'Carry on Screaming' to 'Gosford Park'. The writer of the latter, Julian Fellows returns with his award-winning creation, the continuing historical drama of the aristocratic Crawley family and staff.

It’s 1928, and with family away in France, a film production company uses their home as the location for a silent film ‘The Gambler’, right at the dawn of the talkies. Come dressed for your close up, Hollywood or Riviera, as there's champagne to win. Ticket includes a complimentary glass.

Sunday 16th April 2023, 5:30pm and 8pm. £12|£10 RSVP
FloWave, Max Born Crescent, King's Buildings EH9 3BF

A young boy finds a fish trapped in a glass jar on the beach. He frees her, and names her Ponyo, but she’s no ordinary fish. The daughter of a wizard and sea goddess, she wants to be human. But in using her father’s magic to achieve her aims, a dangerous imbalance is unleashed in the ocean. The children must save the world, and fulfil her dreams.

FULLY BOOKED