COMPETITION: 5 pairs of tickets up for grabs to the opening night of MUBI FEST Manchester

Ahead of the first-ever UK edition of MUBI FEST at Aviva Studios, the world-renowned streaming service and production company has five pairs of tickets up for grabs to catch Levan Akin’s eagerly anticipated new piece Crossing on Fri 12 Jul, with access to an exclusive Q&A after the screening on opening night.

Taking over Manchester’s acclaimed culture and arts venue across Fri 12 and Sat 13 Jul, MUBI FEST brings an eclectic celebration of trailblazing cinema and film culture to Manchester for the first time with a programme featuring unreleased movies, innovative shorts, stage talks, workshops, installations and an unmissable DJ lineup throughout the weekend.

MUBI FEST Manchester will be the first leg of the company’s worldwide annual programme, with events to follow in Mexico City, São Paulo, Chicago, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Istanbul and Milan.

Highlights include the Northern premiere of Levan Akin’s (And Then We Danced) sophomore feature, Crossing. The achingly poignant film follows the  story of Lia, a retired teacher from Georgia, who learns from her young neighbour, Achi, that her long-lost transgender niece, Tekla, has crossed the border into Turkey.

Lia and Achi embark on an illuminating journey across Istanbul in search of Tekla, discovering connections that transcend borders and generations in a tale which explores the irrepressible human will for belonging and reconciliation. Viewers will also get to hear from the director with a Q&A taking place after the screening.

Elsewhere, the MUBI screen will showcase an incredible collection of shorts from cinematic luminaries like Sofia Coppola, Yogos Lanthimos, Hayao Miyazaki, Yann Demange and up-and-coming British talent Luna Carmoon, alongside an arresting directorial debut from British music titan Skepta.

Throughout the weekend, a talented cohort of DJs from Manchester and beyond provide a blistering festival soundtrack, with sets from Bolibubbles, Tarzsa, Toby Kind and Fastlove, presented by local queer-run music collective High Hoops.

Visitors to the festival can also enjoy a series of workshops at the art table, a poster journey through MUBI’s storied history and an array of sumptuous food over both days, with signature cocktails available for just £6.50 all weekend.

Entrance to MUBI FEST is free, including all talks, workshops, and DJ sets. Tickets for film screenings in the Hall at Aviva Studios are available to book in advance for £8 per person.

Ahead of the festival, we’ve got five pairs of tickets to Crossing up for grabs on opening night. All you need to do is fill out the form below by 11.59pm on Sun 7 Jul.

Check out the full programme and book your tickets to individual MUBI FEST screenings below.

T&Cs: Applicants must be 15+, no cash alternative available, winners will be randomly picked by Manchester Wire. Alternative ticket dates are not available. Competition closing date is Sun 7 Jul, 11:59pm. Winners will be contacted by 4pm on Mon 8 Jul and will receive digital tickets via email.

Book your MUBI FEST tickets below.