We hope you had a relaxing weekend, because you’re going to need all your energy to keep up this week with films, plays, dance, music, art and book launches all vying for your attention, and you wouldn’t want to let them down, would you?

Think of it as training for August… There are some fabulous charity events coming up too – from The Jazz Romantics’ night for Kipawa (Friday) to a Special Simpsons Saturday at the Eric Liddell Centre and Capital Sci-Fi Con’s weekend blockbuster for CHAS; where else could you meet a Star Wars First Order Admiral in the flesh? So, on your marks, get set, and you’re off the starting block – remembering, of course, to check all details with organisers before you go!

MONDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 2016

rastamouse at the cameo

Picturehouses Toddler Time: exclusive short screenings for pre-school children and their parents and carers. Today: Rastamouse Over Da Moon (U): Join ‘Da Easy Crew’ in a programme of mystery and adventures including a hi-tech heist, world record bids and a trip to the moon! Author Michael De Souza says of his creation, ‘Rastamouse has a positive message for young children, promoting the need to understand what is right from what is wrong, and why, in a meaningful context – through understanding, love an’ respect, Rastamouse will always make a bad thing good’. 11am, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets cost £3 per child, accompanying adult free.

Passing Through Zero: an exhibition of photographs by Boris Bittker (1916 -2005). A native New Yorker and prominent legal academic (author of The Case for Black Reparations, an acclaimed study of America’s debt to African-Americans) Boris was a keen amateur photographer who travelled to many exotic and intriguing countries and captured the essence of the people. His daughter Susan has exhibited his work, which was published in 2011 with text by Candia McWilliam. 1-8pm Mondays & Wednesday, 10am-5pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Stockbridge Library, Hamilton Place. Ends 29th February 2016. All images © the artist.

audacious women festival banner

Audacious Women Festival: Where have all the women gone? Who has control over the imagery of women today and throughout history and how are women like Elsie Inglis or Mary Somerville represented or remembered? Wifie (Women in Focus in Edinburgh) members continue to explore and question these ideas through their photographic practice and invite you to come along and get involved in a small photography project as part of the Audacious Women Festival.

WIFIE bannerThey will be running a photography workshop where you will have a chance to try your hand at some studio portraiture, do a bit of ‘dressing up’ if you like and help the group execute its plans to bring some of these historic & audacious women into the light. This is a women-only event. 7-8.30pm, Walpole Hall, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free but registration is required and may be made via eventbrite here. The Audacious Women Festival is a chance to break down personal, political or institutional barriers, and to celebrate audacious women everywhere. ‘Do what you always wish you dared!’ Take your own audacious action, on your own, with friends, or through your organisations. Break convention. Get outside your comfort zone. Be adventurous. denise mcnulty at gayfieldDo a charity parachute jump, throw some bricks through the glass ceiling, or organise a protest march. Anything that will make a positive difference to you or to the world. There will be entertainment, workshops, films, book events and more throughout the festival – see daily listings for more information.

Strokes of Light: a pictorial story of how artist Denise McNulty has used her artistic practice to manage chronic depression. The photographs include stunning body art to represent Denise’s experiences. Open preview tonight 6.30-8.30pm, then 2-7pm Tuesday-Friday and 12 noon-5pm Saturday. Ends 27th February, Gayfield Creative Spaces, Gayfield Square. Free. Part of the Audacious Women Festival.

national library interior 1

Guided Tours of the National Library: a guided tour of the building and an introduction to the Library’s collections and history. The National Library of Scotland is Scotland’s largest library and home to much of the nation’s knowledge, history and culture; this flagship building features a café, shop and free year round programme of exhibitions and events. 2pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Numbers are limited, so booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 623 3734 or via eventbrite here. Please let NLS know if you have special access requirements.

Moving Minds: an opportunity to view the fascinating Moving Minds exhibition – created by audacious Gypsy/Traveller women from across Scotland and MECOPP (Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project). In an open, honest and often humorous way women have shared their memories, challenges, poetry and photographs, as well as reflecting on the impact prejudice can have upon mental health and wellbeing. 10am-6pm daily, Chaplaincy Centre, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free. Ends 29th February 2016. Part of the Audacious Women Festival. Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about Moving Minds and the Gypsy and Traveller communities here.

the japan foundation touring film programme 2016 poster

IKIRU: The Highs & Lows of Life in Japanese Cinema. Inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s iconic 1952 film Ikiru (‘To Live’), the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2016 will provide an exciting collection of films looking at the way in which Japanese filmmakers have been observing and capturing people’s lives, and how people across the ages persevere, negotiate and reconcile with the environment and situation they live in.

the lettersToday’s opening film is The Letters/Tegami (12A) (In Japanese with English subtitles): Tsuyoshi and Naoki are two brothers who have always looked out for each other since they lost their parents. When older brother Tsuyoshi becomes unemployed, he is driven to commit a robbery in order to help Naoki with his university tuition fees and accidently commits murder. Undergoing a rough life as the brother of a murderer, Naoki begins to despise his sibling for the trouble he caused. This beautiful and tear-jerking social portrait of the offender’s family shows the toll the act of murder can have on the lives of those surrounding the perpetrator and is based on a novel of the same title by best-selling writer Keigo Higashino. 8.40pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. The next film in this series is Being Good/Kimi wa iiko (15) on Wednesday 24th February.

game night at oxgangs library

Game Night: a new weekly event in the library. 6pm tonight and every Monday, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North. All welcome – ask staff for more details.

Playa neckpiece - Jo Pudelko, Leith Sch of Art

Jo Pudelko, Exothermic: Adventures in Ultra-Adornment – a new exhibition of jewellery. In August 2015 Jo Pudelko travelled to the US to attend Burning Man, held annually in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada. She returned with a wealth of information in the form of direct experience, sketches, photographs and interviews that have informed a new body of studio work. This collection focuses on the human need for adornment and examines it through the lens of Burning Man. 9am-4.30pm, Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays), Leith School of Art, North Junction Street. There will be a talk about the exhibition on Thursday 3rd March – contact venue for details. Image: Playa Neckpiece (2016) by Jo Pudelko.

family historyLearn Your Story: A Beginner’s Guide to Family History. A four week course starts today. 2-3pm, Edinburgh & Scottish Collection, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Booking is essential and may be made by calling 0131 242 8070 or emailing central.edsc.library@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Leith Conversation Cafés: friendly, respectful and engaging conversation sessions where people of different cultures can learn from each other, gain knowledge of their local area, practice their English and feel included. They are a chance for people to share stories, experiences and passions with others they might not normally meet, over a friendly cup of something warm. Conversation topics for each session are decided about a week in advance by volunteer hosts with input from guests, and the conversations are structured so that everyone has a chance to speak and be heard, leith conversation cafeshowever shy or confident they feel and no matter how many words of English they know. 10am-11.30am today and every Monday, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street and 7.30pm today and every Monday, The Yellow Bench, 31 Crighton Place (Leith Walk). You can find more details here. Please see Sunday’s Listings for the third Conversation Café of the week.

nina forever at cameo

Picturehouses: ourscreen – Nina Forever (18). Holly (BIFA award-winner Abigail Hardingham) appears to have found true love when she falls for her colleague Rob (Cian Barry). He is nursing a broken heart after losing his girlfriend Nina (Fiona O’Shaughnessy) in a fatal road accident and she desperately wants to relieve his anguish. However, the couple’s happy union is soon compromised when the restless Nina returns from the afterlife and begins taunting them each time they attempt intimacy. At this special screening there’ll be a Q&A with writers/directors Chris Blaine & Ben Blaine, hosted by Richard Sandling who plays Man On Bus in the film. After the Q&A the Blaine brothers will also be on hand to draw your death, should you wish to get some advanced warning of your fate. 9pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets are available from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online. This event has been organised with ourscreen.com.

Eilidh Steel and Mark Neal: a Scottish duo whose performances combine many of their own tunes and songs along with old traditional music on fiddle, guitar and vocals, with many influences from Argyll and the West Coast of Scotland. They have toured extensively around Europe with concerts in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall at Celtic Connections, and outdoor gigs to over 4,000 people in Verona, have supported Madness and have been the backing band for Ewan McGregor. ‘This debut album (Imprints) …. is a treat for traditional music fans. The album showcases the strong tune and songwriting of both artists, sitting these new tunes and songs seamlessly alongside traditional Scottish repertoire. Eilidh Steel & Mark Neal clearly show their grounding in Scottish musical traditions, always staying innovative and exciting’ (Music News Scotland). 7.30pm, The Outhouse, Broughton Street Lane. Image: Allan MacDonald.

Nothing Ever Happens Here Presents….Tuff Love & The Prettiots: Tuff Love are Julie Eisenstein (guitar, vocals) and Suse Bear (bass, vocals) plus drummer Iain Stewart (also a member of The Phantom Band). They come from Glasgow and they write ‘dazzling, sun-streaked guitar pop songs with mesmerising lyrics, heart-wrenching vocals and dreamy melodies like the sound of pure summer’. The Prettiots are ‘New York’s no-nonsense ukulele wielding ‘It Girls’’ – an all girl three-piece indie art-pop band who ‘paint an exceptionally vivid portrait of what it’s like to be young and living in New York City’. 8pm-12 midnight, Dissection Room, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £8 in advance (£10 on the door, sta) and are available from the Box Office on 0131 560 1580 or online here.

TUESDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2016

village pub innovators at Traverse

Village Pub Theatre: LGBT Innovators. To celebrate LGBT History Month, Village Pub Theatre is taking over the Traverse Bar Café for two nights with short plays under the theme of ‘LGBT Innovators’. Tonight: a roaming bar performance from Melanie Jordan and Emma Anderson, short new plays from Giles Conisbee, Helen Shutt and Jo Clifford, directed by Caitlin Skinner, a special work in progress performance of Love Song to Lavender Menace by James Ley, directed by Ros Philips and a panel discussion responding to the evening’s work and themes, featuring James Ley, Jo Clifford, Sigrid Neilsen and Bob Orr. For ages 14+. 7.30pm, Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Street. Tickets cost £6.50 and may be obtained from the Box office on 0131 228 1404 or via Hub Tickets here. See Wednesday’s listings for details of the second part of the programme. Village Pub Theatre is an evolving community led theatre project based at The Village, South Fort Street Leith. Image © Rich Dyson.

after flodden rosemary goring

Rosemary Goring: Dacre’s War. The author and Literary Editor of The Herald discusses her new novel with Alan Taylor. The sequel to bestseller After Flodden, Dacre’s War is set 10 years after the battle; it is both a vivid tale of vengeance, intrigue and heartache and a portrait of the turbulent border between Scotland and England in the 16th century. 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required and may be made by calling 0131 623 3734 or via eventbrite here.

kirkliston library computer course imageKirkliston Library Computer Course – for absolute beginners! Starts today at 2pm, Kirkliston Library, Station Road. Call the library on 0131 529 5510 to book your place.

Jill Martin Boualaxai: stratigraphic. An exhibition of painting, printing and found objects. Stratigraphic (strəˈtɪɡrəfɪ ): digging through the detritus like an unhinged archaeologist or treasure hunter. Jill collects the discarded objects and ephemera from floors, cupboards and drawers; old maps, architectural drawings, photographs, electrical components, mechanisms, rusted metal, boxes, glass, architectural salvage, broken plastics and wood. stratigraphic at gayfield feb 2016Jill collects everything. [Archaeologcal Stratigrapgy] a vertical section through the earth showing the relative positions of the human artefacts and therefore the chronology of successive levels of occupation. 12 noon-6pm daily (closing party 7-9pm Thursday 26th February), Gayfield Creative Spaces, Gayfield Square. Free. Ends Sunday 28th February 2016.

Trans a Memoir - Juliet Jacques

Juliet Jacques: Trans. In July 2012, aged thirty, freelance writer Juliet Jacques underwent sex reassignment surgery – a process she chronicled with unflinching honesty in a serialised national newspaper column. Trans tells of her life to the present moment: a story of growing up, of defining yourself, and of the rapidly changing world of gender politics. Revealing, honest, humorous and self-deprecating, Trans includes an epilogue with Sheila Heti, author of How Should a Person Be?, in which Jacques and Heti discuss the cruxes of writing and identity. 6pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. All welcome; free – donations also very welcome! ‘In an age of increasingly timid and poorly-supplied chain bookshops, everyone should be glad that Word Power exists’ (AL Kennedy). Part of the Audacious Women Festival.

Orthodox at Cameo

Picturehouses Discover Tuesdays: a chance to see something different and brilliant in this weekly slot – from cult classics and art-house gems to riveting documentaries. Today’s film is Orthodox (18): two of Britain’s finest character actors – Stephen Graham (Snatch, This Is England) and Michael Smiley (Kill List) – star respectively as Benjamin, a down-on-his-luck bare-knuckle fighter, and Shannon, a gangster who is his shady manager, in this gritty, affecting thriller. 6pm, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0871 902 5723 or online.

film studies at ed university image

Screening Europe: a new season curated by Film Studies at the University of Edinburgh, introducing a varied selection of past and contemporary European films to celebrate and interrogate the history and aesthetics of cinema in Europe. Both members of the public and students are invited to an exciting series of introduced screenings that will chart the development of film across Europe.  the draughtsman's contractTonight’s film is The Draughtsman’s Contract (15):  Shot in the formal gardens of Groombridge Place in Kent, Peter Greenaway’s metaphysical detective story is set in 1694, as a sexually manipulative artist dandy is commissioned to produce twelve landscape drawings of the house. It soon becomes unclear who is actually in charge. As is usual with Greenaway, the film is cluttered with allusions to art, history and theory while the painstaking attention to detail is undercut by the ludicrous nature of the characters and their farcical pretensions.  The screening will be introduced by Professor Duncan Petrie (Department of Theatre, Film and Television, University of York). 6pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. The next film in the series will be Eisenstein in Guanajuata (15), showing on Tuesday 1st March.

WEDNESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2016

Common Riding (c) jeremy sutton-hibbertUnsullied and Untarnished: The Ties That Bind. Few if any parts of Scotland have such a coherent and enduring regional identity as the Borders. Why is this and what is it that makes the Borders so unique? The annual Common Ridings and festivals each summer in towns such as Hawick, Selkirk, Langholm and Lauder are more than just local gala days, they are ancient rituals that unite the present with the past. A history of tradition that celebrates local history but also, more widely, unites the Borderland as a place apart – and proudly so. Regular Times columnist and Scotland Editor of The Spectator Alex Massie will talk about Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert’s Common Ridings portraits. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre. Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed. Image © Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert.

glasgow women's library logo

Edinburgh Story Café: bring along a bite of lunch and relax while you listen to specially selected stories and powerful poetry, handpicked from the rich Glasgow Women’s Library collection of women writers, being read out loud; bring your own thoughts to the supportive discussion.  A great chance to chill out at lunchtime, discover some new women authors and enjoy the company. For booklovers and those new to reading and reading groups;  women only. For ages 16+. 1-2pm, Boardroom, Central Library, George IV Bridge. edinburgh libraries logoPlease register via eventbrite here. For more information please call: 0141 550 2267 or email info@womenslibrary.org.uk. This Story Café group is supported by Edinburgh City Libraries in partnership with Glasgow Women’s Library.

gay men's book group logo

Edinburgh Gay Men’s Book Group: an inclusive group where you can meet new people and read/discuss interesting books. 7-9pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact the group at info@gaybookgroup.co.uk.

musical notesTovey Memorial Prize Competition: the Tovey Memorial Prize is awarded annually to the University of Edinburgh Music student who shows the greatest promise in composition or performance. 2pm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square. Free admission.

the japan foundation touring film programme 2016 poster

IKIRU: The Highs & Lows of Life in Japanese Cinema. Today’s film is Being Good/Kimi wa iiko (15) (In Japanese with English subtitles): Tasuku (Kengo Kora) is a new primary school teacher, struggling to deal with his class, who is constantly on the receiving end of concerns from the children’s overly-protective parents.  Despite feeling out of his depth, when he discovers that one of his pupils is being abused by their parents, he decides that he must do something to help. Meanwhile in the same city, Masami (Machiko Ono), a woman who appears to be a good mother, can’t help lashing out at her own child. being goodDirector Mipo O (The Light Shines Only There) returns to this year’s programme with her latest film, a heart-wrenching portrayal of isolated people caught in downward spirals, but which also shows how simple acts of kindness can blossom and make a difference in someone’s life. This film was awarded the NETPAC Jury Prize at the 37th Moscow International Film Festival. 6pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. The next film in this series is The Elegant Life of Mr Everyman (12A) on Thursday 25th February.

pierce brown - edinburgh bookshop event

The Edinburgh Bookshop in conversation with New York Times Bestseller Pierce Brown. The author of the Red Rising trilogy, the film rights to which have already been bought by Universal, will be chatting about his writing and the up-and-coming film, and signing books afterwards. Books will be available to buy or you can bring your own for signing. For ages 13+. 6.30-8.30pm, The Edinburgh Academy, 42 Henderson Row. Free but booking is required and may be made via eventbrite here or by calling the shop on 0131 447 1917.

penny stone

Adventures in Audacious Songwriting: A Women’s Songwriting Workshop. Open to all women, whether or not you have ever sung or written anything before – have a bit of a blether, find some of our common experiences and write something together, or share stories and write individually. We never know what might happen until we begin! Bring your self. That’s all we need to write and share some audacious women’s stories in song! Facilitated by local radical songwriter and singer, Penny Stone. Please note this workshop is for women only. 10.30am-12.30pm, City Art Centre, Market Street. Free but registration is required and may be made via eventbrite here. Part of the Audacious Women Festival.

artcore young writers group at craigmillar

Writers Inc – #artcore Young Writers Group: Ioannis Tsirkas.  The published poet and film scholar will talk about literature, film, philosophy, and their interesting interrelations. Plus – bring your work and get some expert feedback. For ages 13-25. 6pm, Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road.  For more information please contact #artcore on 0131 555 4604 or ask in the library.

Mindful Wednesdays: a new bi-weekly meet up group hosted by Sofi’s Amy Fowler. Start your year with a fresh head and a positive attitude; mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, mindful wednesdays at sofi's imagewhile calmly acknowledging and accepting feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. We may not always have full control over our lives, but with mindfulness we can work with our minds and bodies, learning how to live with more appreciation and less anxiety. 7.30pm, Sofi’s Bar, Henderson Street.

LGBT Icebreakers

LGBT Exchange: Meet Up. A new monthly meet up for those looking to connect with a like-minded community and meet new people. Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, pan, poly or none or several of the above, the organisers would love to see you there.  Exchange is a space where people are encouraged to share their thoughts, suggestions for things to do and ideas for how to get involved in other relevant projects or groups.  ‘We strive to make the evening a safe space where we do not make assumptions about others and everyone has the opportunity to contribute’. 7.30-9.30pm, The Regent Bar, 2 Montrose Terrace. Free. For more information please contact admin@lgbthealth.org.uk or visit www.meetup.com/exchangelgbt.

breaking the mould

Breaking The Mould: Edinburgh. A display about some of the women (and a few who didn’t make it) featured in the recently published WEA Scotland book Breaking the Mould: Edinburgh – Researching and Celebrating 100 years of Women’s History in Social and Political Activism since the beginning of WWI .  A celebration of socially and politically active women, some even audacious, who were involved in making some of the radical changes in society which took place during the 100 years from the beginning of WWI. Copies of the book will be available – come along and read more about these fascinating women. 10am-8pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am-5pm Thursday to Saturday, Scottish and Edinburgh Reference Room, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Ends 29th February 2016. Part of the Audacious Women Festival.

Audacious is as audacious does: with Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, Kezia Dugdale MSP, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Leeann Dempster, Chief Executive Hibernian FC and Yasmin Sulaiman, Senior Engineer with Amey (Forth Road Bridge repairs)…..an audacious conversation with prominent women in public life to hear about the influences that have made them the audacious women they are today. 6-7.30pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Free but registration is required and may be made via eventbrite here. Part of the Audacious Women Festival.

on good and evil 2

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Alex Danchev: On Good and the Evil and the Grey ZoneHow can works of the imagination help us to understand good and evil in the modern world? In this new collection of essays, author and Professor of International Relations at the University of St Andrews Alex Danchev puts art to work in the service of political and ethical inquiry. He takes inspiration from Seamus Heaney’s dictum: ‘the imaginative transformation of human life is the means by which we can most truly grasp and comprehend it’. This is a book of blasphemers, world menders, troublemakers, torturers and turbulent priests of every persuasion. In this talk he will focus on the idea of the art and the artist as ‘moral witness’ – the crucial moral witness of our troubled times. The presentation will be illustrated by photographs by Chloe Dewe Mathews from the series Shot at Dawn. 6.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets may be obtained from the shop’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8222, emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk or via eventbrite here.

village pub theatre logo

Village Pub Theatre: LGBT Innovators. To celebrate LGBT History Month, Village Pub Theatre is taking over the Traverse Bar Café for two nights with short plays under the theme of ‘LGBT Innovators’. Tonight: six short plays responding to the theme LGBT Innovators from Ellie Stewart, Jonathan Holt, Deb Jones, Sophie Good, Louise E Knowles and Sylvia Dow, directed by Caitlin Skinner, with Special Guest Host Miss Annabelle Sings from Dive Cabaret, followed by a celebratory LGBT Innovators after-show party with DJ. For ages 14+. 7.30pm, Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Street. Tickets cost £6.50 and may be obtained from the Box office on 0131 228 1404 or via Hub Tickets here. Village Pub Theatre is an evolving community-led theatre project based at The Village, South Fort Street Leith.

THURSDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2016

nicolette-jones

Picture Hooks Lecture: Illustrating Books for Children. A leading literary commentator, writer, critic and broadcaster, Nicolette Jones has been the Children’s Book Reviewer of The Sunday Times for more than two decades, and in 2012 was shortlisted for the Eleanor Farjeon Award for distinguished service to the world of children’s books. She will give a keynote speech on children’s book illustration to celebrate the 2015/16 Picture Hooks exhibition. 5-6pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre. Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Gaelic rhymetime 2

Rannagan na chloinne: Seinn comhla rinn! Gaelic Rhymetime! Come and enjoy Gaelic songs and rhymes at these special Seinn sessions. 10.30am, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. Free: all welcome. The next sessions will be at Leith Library on 27th February and at Blackhall Library on 10th March – please contact libraries for times.

Freeheld_Movie_Poster

Picturehouses Big Scream: exclusively for babies under the age of twelve months and their parents and carers. Today’s film is Freeheld (12A), starring Julianne Moore, Ellen Page and Michael Shannon. Director: Peter Sollett.  10.30am, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets are at usual matinée prices: babies admitted free.

seagull trust logo

Mayfield Salisbury Thursday Club: a weekly programme of music, visual presentations, films, talks and demonstrations. Although mainly for retired people, visitors of any age are always welcome. This week David Mieres talks about The Seagull Trust, a charity offering free cruises on Scotland’s canals for people with special needs. 2-4pm, Upper Hall, Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church, 1a Mayfield Road. Annual membership costs £4 per year and 50p a week is charged for tea; new members are most welcome, but you don’t have to be a member to come along. For more information please contact Florence Smith on 0131 663 1234.

the world is my country - at SSC

The World is My Country: a participatory celebration, in stories and pictures, of the people and movements that opposed the First World War. Featuring disobedient soldiers, feminist peace initiatives, a Maori princess, a famous Cambridge philosopher and the striking graphic art of Emily Johns. Organised in collaboration with the Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre. Launch tonight at 6pm with Emily Johns and Gabriel Carlyle, then 10am-6pm, Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays, and please note the Centre’s exhibition space is occasionally not accessible to the public because of a private function booking. Please call ahead to check.), Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Part of the Middle Eastern Spirituality and Peace Festival.

ecumenical friends edinburgh

Ecumenical Friends Edinburgh: a group of men and women from various denominations who meet on Thursdays from September to March each year. They bring their own packed lunches and share a time of fellowship together, after which there is a speaker; over the months they cover a wide variety of topics. Meetings are open to anyone who wishes to come and it isn’t necessary to come every week. For a copy of the programme contact katylaidlaw@talktalk.net. 12.30-2pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street.

caritas strings - george watson's

Greyfriars at 12: George Watson’s College Caritas Strings. The Senior String Orchestra will play Arvo Pärt Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten, GF Handel Concerto Grosso Op 6 No 4, WA Mozart (arr Hoffman) Amadeus! from Symphony No 25, E Elgar ‘Allegro Piacevole‘ from the Serenade for String Orchestra  and A Paizzola (arr Kazik) Libertango. 12 noon, Greyfriars Kirk, 1 Greyfriars Walk.

shoreline of infinity at deadhead comics

Shoreline of Infinity Presents Event Horizon 5. Edinburgh’s monthly evening of sci-fi entertainment, with poetry from Aileen Ballanytne, short stories by Lynsey May, live music from Atzi Muramatsu and reading from Pippa Goldschmidt – plus comics, art, chat, raffle prizes and more! 7.30pm, Deadhead Comics, West Nicolson Street. Free entry, all welcome! Shoreline of Infinity is a new sci-fi magazine from Scotland.

bookbinding-leaflet-cover-2015

Elizabeth Soutar Bookbinding Awards: the awards, initiated by NLS in 1993, aim to encourage the practice and development of creative and craft binding skills. This international competition is open to bookbinders across Europe, and the winning entries will join the Library’s collection of fine bindings. The judges look for a best creative and a best craft binding. Winners of the awards will be announced at tonight’s ceremony and all entries will be on display. 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required and may be made by calling 0131 623 3734 or via eventbrite here.

lgbt language cafe 3

LGBT Language Cafe: a safe, sociable and supportive space for LGBT people whose first language is not English. Improve your spoken English and your confidence and socialise with other LGBT people; facilitators Sophie and Clare will provide fun and inclusive ways to help you practice speaking English, build your vocabulary and find out more about the LGBT community in Edinburgh. 6.30-8.30pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact Jules Stapleton Barnes on 0131 523 1104 or email jules@lgbthealth.org.uk.

bold daughters at SSC

Bold Daughters – Women, Girls and Goddesses at the Threshold of Transformation. Do they take that first step into the kingdom for the fairies? Do they jump from the glass mountain into the dead sea? Are they pushed through the forbidden door into the storm that lies beyond? Storyteller/artist Alice Fernbank brings you folktales of daughters who engage their wit and wisdom and do what needs to be done for a deeper, freer, fuller and happier life. In the company of her own artwork and some musical friends, journey with Alice through burning forests, quaking bogs, crashing oceans and into the realms of the Gods. 7.30pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£6 and may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 556 9579 or online here. Part of the Audacious Women Festival.

Nothing Ever Happens Here Presents….Hector Bizerk + Bossy Love: Hector Bizerk’s live show is something of a cultural phenomenon, combining front-man Louie’s razor sharp poetry with the incredible tribal rhythms of Audrey Tait to create a crescendo of thought-provoking music. The live show has additional elements of live art, b-boying and improvisation and is a celebration of modern hip-hop culture with a very Scottish twist. Bossy Love are singer/mechanical scientist Amandah and ex-Dananananaykroyd sticksman/BBQ restaurateur John Baillie Jnr, whose debut mixtape Holidates was released late last year and ‘feels like a journey through electronic music from 1981 right up to now’; it’s a collection of RnB, impromptu raps, found-sound, caramel sweet vocal hooks and hardcore hip hop beats. Over 18s only. 8pm-late, Dissection Room, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £10 and are available from the Box Office on 0131 560 1580 or online here.

the japan foundation touring film programme 2016 poster

IKIRU: The Highs & Lows of Life in Japanese Cinema. Today’s film is The Elegant Life of Mr Everyman/Eburiman shi no yuga na seikatsu (12A) (In Japanese with English subtitles): Eburi is a lowly salaryman who drunkenly promises two magazine editors that he will write them a masterpiece. Once sober, Eburi commits himself to his promise and after deliberating over what to write about, he decides to write a novella using himself, his middle class life and his experiences as the theme. Based on the popular magazine series by Hitomi Yamaguchi and falling within the framework of Toho’s popular genre of ‘Salaryman Comedies’, this classic film depicts the life of Eburi (played by Keiju Kobayashi in a career-defining role), showing his mixed feelings about Japan’s social and economic outcome of the Second World War. Featuring animation and audacious editing, this idiosyncratic and inventive film is a timeless treatment of life in postwar Japan. 8.40pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. The next film in this series is A Japanese Tragedy (15) on Friday 26th February.

the elegant life of mr everyman

FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2016

Rubens' The Feast of Herod

In Focus: The Feast of Herod by Peter Paul Rubens. The dramatic subject, dynamic composition, sumptuous colour and bold brushwork of Rubens’ large canvas present a remarkable visual feast, the fruits of a long, prolific and internationally successful career. Art historian Ailsa Turner discusses the painting in the context of preferences exercised by both painter and possible patron. 12.45-1.15pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

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Southside Creative Writing Group: now in its eighth successful year, the group continues to use innovative starting points for new writing, offer constructive feedback on works in progress and experiment with particular themes and styles over a number of weeks. There may also be opportunities to use various city locations and institutions for inspiration, and to read in public. New members – of any level of experience or confidence – always welcome. 10am-12 noon, Southside Community Centre, Nicolson Street. £2 per session + membership of the Centre (£5 per year). For more information please contact the Centre on 0131 667 0484.

modern scottish women

Gallery Social: Modern Scottish Women. A relaxed and informal guided tour, with refreshments, for anyone affected by dementia and their relatives, friends and supporters. 10.30am-12 noon, Scottish Gallery of Modern Art TWO, Belford Road. Free but booking is required and may be made by contacting the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.

Emma Lloyd

Lunchtime Concert: Emma Lloyd (violin), Julia Lungu (viola) and Justyna Jablonska (cello) play Webern Trio Op 20, Schubert Trio in Bb D 471 and Schnittke Trio. 1.10pm, Playfair Library Hall, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge. Free admission. Part of the Concerts at the University Spring – Summer 2016 series.

fuora dance project poster

Fuora Dance Project: an emerging project-based dance company set up by two professional freelance dance-artists, Federica Esposito and Giulia Montalbano, who are based in Dundee. The principal feature of the project’s repertoire is the focus on cultures and traditions from different parts of the world. Fuora are developing their work at NEA this week, and would love children and families to come to their sharing this afternoon. 1.45pm, North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court. Free but booking is required and may be made in person at NEA or by calling 0131 315 2151.

bonnie fechters at SSC

Bonnie Fechters: Songs and Stories of Hope and Resistance. ‘In the 1970s there was a wee bit of a stooshie here in Scotland – I understand it reached other parts of the world, too – it was called the Women’s Liberation Movement…’  Inspiring stories and songs about women’s activism and struggle, from Edinburgh’s Magdalene to the Vietnam war, the medieval witch-killings to the Zero Tolerance campaign. Threaded through with names you may never have heard of but who were there and made a difference. 7.30pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£6 and may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 556 9579 or online here. Part of the Audacious Women Festival.

LGBT women poster

LGBT Women’s Wellbeing Group: an inclusive and informal group that offers the chance to meet other LGBT women in a relaxed environment for chat, information and activities promoting health and wellbeing.  The group is open to all LGBT women and welcomes transgender people who primarily identify as women. Today: ‘Love me’  – February might be the month of St Valentine ’s Day, but how often do we make the time to reward ourselves with some relaxation? The session will be full of tasters showing how we can inexpensively and regularly offer ourselves some self-care. 5.30-8.30pm, free. For details of venue and to stay up to date with the group contact Alison on alison@lgbthealth.org.uk to be added to the group’s email reminder list.

guid crack whisky

Guid Crack: Gothic Fairy Tales. Amanda Edmiston weaves dark, dreamy and often humorous Gothic fairy tales at Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling night. Her original stories blend plant-lore, legends and literature with traditional elements. 7.30-9.30pm, Circus Café, 8 St Mary’s Street (please note new venue). Donation of £5/£4 requested. Accompanied young adults welcome.

cinema attic feb 2016 prog at summerhall

CinemaAttic: Drag the past out. Spanish & Latin American short-film nights. A powerful curated selection of short films, all with English subtitles, with networking breaks for the enjoyment of both the Ibero-American community and cinema lovers alike. This month’s theme is love partners – dealing with the past; a bunch of stories in which couples enter into profound crises when the past turn up in their present lives. Coping with unsettled past experiences, learning to forgive, leave behind. Mexico and Puerto Rico contribute to this February programme. 8pm, Red Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £5 and are available from the Box Office on 0131 560 1580 or online here.

wine tasting image

Dalriada Wine Tasting: an informative and delicious evening of wine, hosted by a knowlegeable expert who will guide you through the chosen varieties. 7.30pm, Dalriada, 77 The Promenade, Portobello. Tickets cost £10 and are available from the bar.

alone with people - LGBTI shorts at filmhouse

Present Love (12A): A Collection of Joyous LGBTI Shorts. The collaborative intention to celebrate LGBT History Month between Filmhouse, LGBT Youth Scotland and the University of Edinburgh provided the impetus for the creativity of four industrious students to curate this lovingly sculptured programme, with a clear, queer aim to challenge one-dimensional depictions of the LGBTI community, on-screen, worldwide. ‘After observing a harmful, growing trend of tragic LGBTI narratives that seek to illustrate our lives and relationships within confines where joy may not, and cannot, be sustained, we decided to take action, through the universal powerful language of the moving image. As such, we present you with a series of charming short films and informative interviews with prominent LGBTI figures, that aim to inspire, encourage and support the rights of the LGBTI community’. Today’s films are Christine Choe’s The Queen, Anna Rodgers’ Hold On Tight, Drew Van Steenburgen’s Alone with People, Sergio Di Bitetto’s Plugin and Elizabeth Rohrbaugh’s Dylan3.45pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. Also showing at 3.45pm on Saturday 27th February. Image from Alone with People.

chasing shadows

Adventure Film Festival: 11 of the world’s most exciting action and adventure documentary films at 30 locations nationwide. Experience adventure as it happens around the globe in this three night programme, from being sling shot over the cliffs of Norway, riding horseback through the extreme terrain of Patagonia and jumping out of planes with the oldest female skydiver. Tonight’s film is Chasing Shadows: Warren Miller Entertainment’s 66th annual winter sports film is a celebration of why we commit ourselves every winter to a passion that’s guaranteed to melt away every spring. Follow the world’s biggest names in skiing and snowboarding on a breathtaking cinematic journey as they push toward the edge, where the mountain’s shadow cast below leads the way. Watch JT Holmes, Seth Wescott, Caroline Gleich, Steven Nyman, Marcus Caston and more as they pursue turns on the mountains of dreams: Chamonix, Alaska’s Chugach, the Chilean Andes, Utah’s Wasatch and the mightiest range of them all: the Himalayas. 8.45pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. The next programme in the Festival includes The Last Explorers of the Rio Santa Cruz (PG) and is showing on 3rd March.

Bang A (Jazz) Drum for Schools in Africa: this month The Jazz Romantics’ (Bev Wright (vocals), Les Reid (sax), Brian McGrail (guitar), Gugi Johnny Gugalski (bass) and Tony Irvine (banging a drum, or two). club night will be helping to raise funds for Kipawa, a small local charity that supports Mukuyu School in Africa. 8-11pm, The Village, 16 South Fort Street, Leith. Tickets are £3, with all proceeds going to the charity – so go along and support this great cause!

the japan foundation touring film programme 2016 poster

IKIRU: The Highs & Lows of Life in Japanese Cinema. Today’s film is A Japanese Tragedy/Nihon no Higeki (15) (In Japanese with English subtitles): having lost her husband in the war, Haruko (Yuko Mochizuki) struggles to bring up her ungrateful materialistic-minded son and daughter. Despite her countless sacrifices, including selling her land and even her body, her now grown-up children reject their mother, driving her to despair. Directed by Keisuke Kinoshita, considered to be one of the most important directors of the Golden Age of Japanese cinema in the 1950s, this film is a bleak portrait of post war Japan through the story of a mother’s self-sacrifice. Through masterfully interspersing his film with verité-styled flashbacks and newsreel footage, Kinoshita creates an insightful account of the personal toll of war and the slow, painful process of recovery. 6pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. The next film in this series is Uzumasa Limelight (12A) on Saturday 27th February.

a japanese tragedy

Ed Aczel at assembly roxy

Ed Aczel: The Random Flapping of a Butterfly’s Wings. ‘Britain’s greatest living anti-comedian’ (Guardian) returns to the road for his second nationwide stand-up tour, as he tries once again to nail down the nature of existence. Aczel is known for not following the rules of stand-up comedy and he aims to use his show, with help of the Chaos Theory, to change the world once and for all – although it may turn out to be too complicated. He asks whether you can have your cake and eat it – ie seek to change human consciousness forever and keep your weekends free. Ed includes a couple of amusingly circular stories about his life, which thankfully don’t last long. Bringing Maths, History and Improv to life for beginners, he explores his own inner psyche with a section analysing his dreams – and then tries not to get too paranoid. 7.30pm, Upstairs at Assembly Roxy, Roxburgh Place. Tickets cost £12/£10 and may be purchased here.

SATURDAY 27TH FEBRUARY 2016

feminist street art

Audacious Women & Girls Do Graffiti. Do you have a message you want to share with the world? What better way to do it than with graffiti?! This graffiti workshop is open to women and girls of all ages who have ever wanted to try or learn graffiti Art. A graffiti artist will facilitate the workshop, which will take place outside on the community walls, New Street, – so wrap up warmly! Only 12 spaces so get in quick… 10.30am-12.30pm,  City Art Centre, Market Street. Free but booking is essential and may be made by emailing cat.young@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk . Part of the Audacious Women Festival.

NMS Young Demonstrators – Meet us! Join Us! Are you creative, fun, up for a challenge and aged 14-22? Do you want to have a say in what the National Museum does for young people? Come and meet the Young Demonstrators team and chat to them about getting involved. The team is looking for new members – could it be YOU? Come along and find out who the current members are and what they do.; share your views on what the museum can do for young people and chat about getting involved. The Young Demonstrators get to meet museum staff, plan events and activities in the museum, and lots more… all while having fun and learning skills which look great on the CV. The team meets once every two weeks on a Monday 4-6pm at the museum. 1-4pm, Grand Gallery, Level One, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Drop-in; no booking required; everyone aged 14-22 welcome!

shrek_forever_after

St Bride’s Family Cinema: see your favourite films for free! Adventure, excitement, fun and laughs – everyone welcome. Juice and choc ices are available to purchase in the interval at 50p each. This week’s film is Shrek Forever After (U). Please note that all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 10.30am-12.30pm (includes interval), St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace, Dalry. Next week’s film is Robin Hood (U).

simpsons special saturday poster

Simpsons Special Saturday: a Family Fun Day, raising vital funds for Simpsons Special Care Babies. Grateful parents Gemma and Scott Dutton have been working closely with Babies and Bumps Café to organise a range of brilliant activities for all ages! Bambino Beats, Enjoy-a-Ball, a soft play bus and Bonnie Bairns Photography will all be running sessions, there’ll be a pamper room for Mummies and their friends – take some time to relax after a delicious afternoon tea with family and friends. Plus a silent auction with fantastic items to bid for – from a £100 spa voucher to a signed Edinburgh rugby shirt and a block of children’s dance lessons – and a raffle with great prizes. Please help support this amazing charity who provide resources and equipment to the Neonatal Unit at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. 1-4pm, Eric Liddell Centre, 15 Morningside Road. Tickets are available from eventbrite here.

fruitmarket artists' bookmarket 2016Artists’ BookMarket: the gallery’s annual celebration of artists’ books and artist-led publishing. Plenty of home-grown talent and new participants from further afield than ever before. Browse the stalls of work available for sale from this growing area of art practice and enjoy a weekend long programme of talks and workshops and even a silent book disco. minecraft 4 week course at morningside library - poster11am-6pm, The Fruitmarket Gallery, Market Street. Also open 12 noon-5pm on Sunday 28th February.

Minecraft Story Mode: this interactive adventure will be part of a 4 week group ‘let’s play’ starting today. For ages 9+. 11am, Morningside Library, Morningside Road. Places are limited and booking is essential: ask library staff for details or call them on 0131 529 5654.

Juniper Green Farmers’ Market: stalls with an extensive range of products, including breads, cakes, fruit, vegetables, pies, preserves, coffee, Fair Trade goods, hot snacks and drinks. The market also offers local residents the chance to meet with their local councillors, community councillors, MP and MSP. 9am-1pm, Juniper Green Village Hall, 1A Juniper Park Road. Organised by Juniper Green Community Council.

The Friends of Newington Cemetery Snowdrop Walks: volunteers  will show visitors the best places to find snowdrops and other spring flowers, and provide information on the work the Friends group (which was set up by Grange/Prestonfield Community Council) is doing to restore the cemetery to its former glory. Originally called the Newington Necropolis when it opened in 1846, the cemetery is an example of the post-1830s garden cemeteries movement, and remains a peaceful 14 acre green haven in the midst of an urban area. In 1994, partly because of its overgrown and neglected state, the cemetery was compulsorily purchased by Edinburgh City Council. There are many interesting graves of local citizens and also a War Memorial, and 156 individual war graves (142 from the First World War and 14 from the Second World War), maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The north-west part is set aside as a wildlife area. Meet at the cemetery gates 10am-12 noon, Newington Cemetery, 222b Dalkeith Road. For more information please visit the Friends’ website here. Also available 2-4pm Sunday 28th February. Images of cemetery: Friends of Newington Cemetery.

capital sci fi con banner

Capital Sci-Fi Con: Edinburgh’s first charity pop culture comic & movie convention for fans by fans! Guests from your favourite movies, artists and writers from your favourite comics, costume groups portraying your favourite characters from the best costuming groups from all over the UK and cars from films!  Plus Tardis, Daleks, Jabba the Hutt, Speeder Bike, Owls of Harry Potter, Iron Man Display Pod, Thor’s Hammer, Art Tables, How to Draw with Tanya Roberts, Retro Gaming, Gerry Anderson Display, Star Wars Edinburgh Invasion Art Exhibit, traders selling collectibles/art/clothing and much much more, photo opportunities in the photography suite hosted by the very talented Alasdair Watson, chances to listen to stage talks from guests (including Rony Bridges, a First Order Admiral in the latest Star Wars movie The Force Awakens) over the weekend, and three cosplay/costume competitions. capital sci fi con 2Tonight there is an optional paying event meal with the stars – a 3 course meal and a comedy show from Des O’Gorman, with an acoustic musical comedy set from Rik Caranza. All profits from the event will be going to CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland). 10.30am-5pm, Meadowbank Sports Centre, London Road EH7 6AE. Day tickets cost £10/£5 (children under 5 free), weekend passes £18/£8; advance booking has now closed, tickets available on the door (sta). Also 10.30am-5pm on Sunday 28th February.

Youth Performance Poetry Workshop: Anita Govan, performance poet and Stirling Makar, will be delivering two performance poetry workshops for those aged 10-14. There will also be opportunities to be involved in a national poetry slam later in the year! 2-4pm, South Queensferry Library, Shore Road. To book a place Facebook message the library here, phone 0131 529 5576, email southqueensferry.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or just pop in to the library and speak to staff in person. The second workshop will take place on Saturday 5th March.

out of the blue flea market

Out of the Blue Flea Market: over 45 stalls full to bursting with clothes, jewellery, small furniture, music, books, bric-a-brac and much more. Once you’re done with your bargain hunting, stop in for coffee, cake or lunch at the Drill Hall Arts Café, which offers a delicious range of home-style cooking. 10am – 3pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.

zoo arts extra beach day Feb 2016 poster

Zoo Arts Extra Beach Day: food, fire, sea, sky, sand and art! 12 noon-4.30pm (approx return), meet at North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court. Booking is required and may be made in person at NEA, by calling 0131 315 2151 or e-mailing garden@northedinburgharts.co.uk. Children under 9 must be accompanied, and permission slips must also be completed – available from NEA, local schools and Muirhouse Library, Pennywell Court. All welcome, free, donations very welcome.

Edinburgh Bazaar – February: a monthly Malaysian food, car boot and charity sale. Get some ££s for your stuff, support a cause and dine on Malaysian delicacies at the Edinburgh Bazaar; edinburgh bazaar malaysian fooddelicious home cooked meals, stalls selling products, and bargains at the carboot sales stalls. If you would like to book a table (£15 – share with a friend and split the cost!) contact the organisers for more details. 12 noon-2.30pm, Southside Community Centre, Nicolson Street.

The Untitled - portrait gallery

‘A Better Life Than I Have Now’: Panel Discussion. Can art galleries provide a space for young people to represent the challenging aspects of their lives in relation to issues of self-confidence, self-image and the culture of success? Join sociologist Sarah Wilson (University of Stirling) and Kay Tisdall (Centre for Children and Families, University of Edinburgh), alongside the Outreach Team for this panel discussion, focusing on the artworks from this exhibition created by young Scots. 2-3pm Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed. Image: The Untitled: Alloa Participants Face the Future, 2015.

The State breakdancing

Introduction to Breakdancing! Ever felt like twirling, whirling and spinning? Don’t break up, break out! Breakdance!! Join Lotte Ninja and Emma Ready from The State for a fun and energetic breakdance workshop. No experience necessary; come along and learn some moves. Wear comfortable clothes and bring plenty of water. 1.30-3pm, City Art Centre, Market Street. Free but booking is essential and may be made via eventbrite here. This event is part of the Audacious Women Festival and is for women only.

national gallery

National Gallery Highlight Tours: an introduction to and tour of the National Gallery’s permanent collection, focusing on key paintings. 2-2.45pm or 3-3.45pm, Scottish National Gallery (meet in the main entrance), The Mound. Free and unticketed. Also at same times on Sunday 28th February.

rachel maclean at british art show at mod one

British Art Shows: free discussion-led tours of the British Art Show. Focus and content will change weekly. 2-2.30pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE (meet at the main entrance), Belford Road. No booking required. Image: Rachel Maclean Feed Me 2015 − courtesy of the artist and Film and Video Umbrella, © Rachel Maclean, 2015.

IKIRU: The Highs & Lows of Life in Japanese Cinema. Today’s films are (1) At 1pm, Uzumasa Limelight (12A) (In Japanese with English subtitles): an award-wining film telling the admirable story of Seiichi, a ‘kirareyaku’ actor whose main job in samurai movies is simply to be killed-off by the lead star. When the studio where Seiichi works decides to discontinue its samurai epics, Seiichi finds himself at a loss – but hope arrives in the form of a young woman named Satsuki, who soon becomes his disciple; (2) At 6pm, Cheers From Heaven/Tengoku kara no eru (PG): when ‘bento’ (lunch box) shop owner Hikaru (Hiroshi Abe) learns that a group of local high school students have no place to practice music, he decides to build a studio beneath his store allowing them to play there for free. The students begin to grow fond of Hikaru but still know little of the terminal illness which Hikaru has been battling and keeping secret from his family and friends. Set in the coastal town of Motobu-cho, Okinawa, this film depicts the incredible true story of Hikaru Nakasone, a man who devoted the last days of his life to helping youngsters who had nowhere to go. Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. The final films in this series are I’ll Give It My All…Tomorrow/Ore wa mada honki dashite nai dake (PG) and Tale of a Butcher Shop/Aru Seinikuten no Hanashi (12A) on Sunday 28th February.

Scots Music Group Ceilidh with The Portobello Ceilidh Band. One of Scotland’s longest established and best-loved ceilidh bands, The Portobello Ceilidh Band provides traditional ceilidh music with a dedicated dance-caller. Licensed bar; please note – only alcohol purchased from the bar may be consumed on the premises but water is available free of charge. 7.30-11.30pm (dancing from 8pm), St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace, Dalry. Tickets cost £9/£7 in advance from SMG on 0131 0131 555 7668 or online here; £10 on the door (no concessions), subject to availability – advance booking recommended.

audacious women festival

Audacious Women Evening: an opportunity for all who have taken part in related events in the festival to celebrate together, whether you’ve done something really daring or encouraged someone else to. There will be surprise performers and your comments and tales of daring will be collected and shared. Everyone is welcome. Hosted by Rosie Kane. 7.30pm, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £7/£5 and may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 556 9579 or online here. Part of the Audacious Women Festival.

simple gifts at PCCA

Simple Gifts: Music from the 12th to the 20th Century. Annie Patch, Graham McDonald and friends present music from across the centuries in this delightful programme. Annie is a well known local singer whose repertoire includes jazz, classical and popular music; Graham is a highly respected pianist who will be known to many local people for his work in schools and with adult choirs. 7.30-9.30pm, Penicuik Community Arts Association, West Street Arts Centre, 4 West Street. Tickets cost £10/£8 (PCCA members) and may be purchased from the cafe at the Centre or on the door (sta).

the man who fell to earth poster

‘Bye Bye, We Love You’: The Filmhouse pays tribute to The Thin White Duke; to Ziggy Stardust; to the mesmerising, transformative and unforgettable David Bowie. While his musicianship and iconic personas have left an incomparable legacy, his appearances on the big screen were sporadic, diverse and often quite astonishing. The Filmhouse staff have selected three of their favourite Bowie films; tonight: The Man Who Fell To Earth (18). An alien (Bowie) crash lands on Earth, seeking help for his drought-stricken planet. By securing patents to advanced technology, he becomes a fabulously wealthy industrialist. However, money and its attendant decadence ultimately exert a stronger gravitational pull. The otherworldly Bowie was perfectly cast as the space traveller, and the film further cemented director Nicolas Roeg’s status as one of the outstanding filmmakers of the 1970’s. 8.15pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online. The next film will be Labyrinth (U), showing on Monday 29th February. ‘Sit right down and await the gift of sound and vision…’

SUNDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2016

NGS storytellingStorytelling: Costumes and Disguise. Hear folktales all about costumes and disguises with storyteller and musician Marion Kenny. For ages 7+. 2pm or 3pm (45 minute sessions), Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.

my neighbour tortoroFilmhouse Junior: films for a younger audience. This week: My Neighbour Tortoro (U), a superbly animated children’s tale directed by Hayao Miyazaki, one of Japan’s most beloved animators. The story follows Satsuke and Mei, two young girls who find that their new country home is in a mysterious forest inhabited by a menagerie of mystical creatures named totoros. The eldest of these creatures becomes their friend, and, as their mother lies sick in the hospital, he takes the sisters on a magical adventure while also helping them to understand the realities of life. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small.

leith conversation cafes

Leith Conversation Cafés: friendly, respectful and engaging conversation sessions where people of different cultures can learn from each other, gain knowledge of their local area, practice their English and feel included. They are a chance for people to share stories, experiences and passions with others they might not normally meet, over a friendly cup of something warm. Conversation topics for each session are decided about a week in advance by volunteer hosts with input from guests and the conversations are structured so that everyone has a chance to speak and be heard, however shy or confident they feel and no matter how many words of English they know. 4pm today and every Sunday, Sketchy Beats Café, 208 Great Junction Street. You can find more details here. Please see Monday’s Listings for the other two Conversation Cafés this week.

IKIRU: The Highs & Lows of Life in Japanese Cinema. The final films in this series are (1) At 3.40pm, I’ll Give It My All…Tomorrow/Ore wa mada honki dashite nai dake (PG) (In Japanese with English subtitles): fed-up forty-something Shizuo (Shinichi Tsutsumi) quits his secure job to become a full-time slacker, embarking on a reluctant pursuit to follow his true dreams. Despite now spending most of his time hanging around the house in his underwear playing video games and working part-time at a fast-food restaurant, Shizuo eventually comes to realise his true passion in life: manga! Without much preparation or any skill, Shizuo starts working on his masterpiece. Adapted from Shunju Aono’s popular manga series, this comedy by Yuichi Fukuda follows the mid-life crisis of a loveable lazybones trying to find his calling; (2) At 6pm, Tale of a Butcher Shop/Aru Seinikuten no Hanashi (12A): an award-winning documentary about the Kitades and their family-run butcher shop in Kaizuka City (outside Osaka), where they have been raising and slaughtering cattle and selling their meat in their small shop for over 100 years. Aya Hanabusa’s touching documentary follows the family upon their decision to shut down their long-running slaughterhouse and looks at how the three butcher siblings have devoted their lives to the trade. Containing unflinching scenes of animal slaughter, the film reveals the intricate, old-fashioned and reverential procedures the family follow in processing the meat. The seventh generation of their family’s business, the Kitades are descendants of the Buraku people, a social minority in Japan who are still subject to discrimination today; Hanabusa’s film touches upon the family’s continuing struggle to make their living despite the persistence of ancient prejudices. Warning: some scenes that show the slaughtering process may be disturbing for viewers. Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets may be purchased from the Box Office in person, by calling 0131 228 2688 or online.

me and t monthly 2

Me & T Monthly: a supportive space for people who have friends, family or partners who are trans*, non-binary or exploring their gender. An opportunity to discuss experiences, questions or concerns. 2-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Please feel free to contact the group at me.and.t.edinburgh@gmail.com at any time for further information, or visit www.meandtscotland@wordpress.com.

four white shirts - summerhall

The Baltic Film Society of Scotland: Four White Shirts (PG). The Society’s first event in Edinburgh is a showing of this Latvian cinematic classic in which protagonist Cēzars Kalniņs, lead singer in rock band The Optimists, faces difficulties after complaints to the authorities about his inappropriate lyrics. Directed by Rolands Kalniņš in 1967, the film offers a profound insight into the difficulties of life in an authoritarian regime, of restricted artistic freedom and a national culture under assault; it also examines the themes of intergenerational conflict. Four White Shirts was banned by the Soviet Latvian authorities until 1986, but by then the songs had already gained cult status, and a legendary music venue in Riga is named after the film. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session. 6pm Red Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £8/£6 and are available from the Box Office on 0131 560 1580 or online here.

St Giles’ At Six: Glenalmond College Music Scholars in Concert. Directed by Tim Ridley (Director of Music). 6pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free; retiring collection.

TER St Giles

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