'A woman's womb is the gateway to Hell.'

Grim folk horror film, compelling historical drama and disturbing political fable.

Otakar Vávra's startling depiction of 17th-century witch trials in Northern Moravia draws from real-life court transcripts and forced confessions in its portrayal of persecution, sexual repression and the evils of power and patriarchy - the film acting as an oblique critique of the political trials during Communist rule in 1950's Czechoslovakia. It is truly uncompromising as it follows the escalation of a small misdemeanour (a woman stealing a piece of the Eucharist to feed to a sick cow) into a full blown inquisition. The script, co-written by Ester Krumbachová (Daisies, Valerie And Her Week Of Wonders), finds literary antecedents in Arthur Miller's The Crucible and Aldous Huxley's The Devils Of Loudon. Beautifully shot in stark black and white, the visuals of oppressive courtrooms and women being burnt at the stake recall Dreyer's silent classic The Passion Of Joan Of Arc (1928) and Ken Russell's controversial, expressionistic The Devils (1971).

'Subversive, haunting, horribly compelling.'
Starburst Magazine

'Made with relentless precision, rhythm and logic… beautifully staged with stylish photography and a compelling score.'
Peter Hames, Czech And Slovak Cinema: Theme And Tradition

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Director: Otakar Vávra
Featuring: Frantisek Holar and Soña Valentová
Genres: historical drama/folk horror
Certificate: 15 - strong violence, torture, threat, sexualised nudity
Country: Czechoslovakia
Language: Czech with English subtitles

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'Czechtember' brings a collection of cult oddities and chilling allegories to the CUBE. A chance to dive into the sci-fi dreams, Kafkaesque nightmares, and deadpan black comedy of some of the boldest voices of the Czech New Wave.

'The CUBE Of Wyrding' is the CUBE Microplex's ongoing transnational folk horror/urban frights cinema series. It showcases the best in rural folk horror and urban wyrd films, including classics, lesser-known greats, and freaky oddities from the margins, and delves into the darker recesses of the genre. It additionally features silent films brought to life with spectacular live musical accompaniments, lively screen talks, and opportunities to immerse yourself in obscure horror soundtracks.

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Venue doors open 30 minutes before advertised start time. All film screenings are ad-free and 18+ unless otherwise stated, and start with no more than a 10 minute curated selection of trailers.

The Cube is a membership venue; please remember to bring your card. You can join on the door for £1 (life membership).