ICA is closed from the 30 May – 3 June inclusive.
The Tree of Authenticity, dir. Sammy Baloji, Democratic Republic of Congo/Belgium 2025, 85 mins., French and Dutch with English subtitles
Book tickets
Artist Sammy Baloji examines the colonial history of the Democratic Republic of Congo under Belgian rule, and its lasting ecological impact and entanglements into the present. Drawing on 1930s research from the Yangambi Biological Station, The Tree of Authenticity reveals the Congo Basin’s crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and shaping a global environmental balance.
Through a combination of personal testimonies and scientific analysis, the film explores the enduring legacy of colonialism, underscoring its human and environmental consequences whilst urging a reassessment of our relationship with the planet.
The UK Premiere on Thursday 10 July is followed by a Q&A with Sammy Baloji.
Through a combination of personal testimonies and scientific analysis, the film explores the enduring legacy of colonialism, underscoring its human and environmental consequences whilst urging a reassessment of our relationship with the planet.
The UK Premiere on Thursday 10 July is followed by a Q&A with Sammy Baloji.
Book tickets
06:45 pm
Thu, 10 Jul 2025
Cinema 1
06:45 pm
Fri, 11 Jul 2025
Cinema 2
04:45 pm
Sat, 12 Jul 2025
Cinema 2
04:30 pm
Sun, 13 Jul 2025
Cinema 2
06:45 pm
Tue, 15 Jul 2025
Cinema 2
08:45 pm
Wed, 16 Jul 2025
Cinema 2
06:45 pm
Thu, 17 Jul 2025
Cinema 2
Ticket information
- All tickets that do not require ID (full price, disabled, income support) can be printed at home or stored in email
- For aged-based concession tickets (under 25, student) please bring relevant ID to collect at the front desk before the event.
Access information
Cinema 1
- Both our Cinemas have step free access from The Mall and are accessible by ramp
- We have 1 wheelchair allocated space with a seat for a companion
- All seats are hard back, have a crushed velvet feel and they do not recline
- These are our seat size dimensions: W 42 x D 45 x H 52
- Arm rest either side of the seat dimensions: L 27 x W 7 x H 20
for the following requirements:
- We have unassigned seating. If you require a specific seat, please reserve this in advance
- Free for visitors where ticket prices are a barrier, please email
Cinema 2
- Both our Cinemas have step free access from The Mall and are accessible by ramp
- All seats are hard back, have a crushed velvet feel and they do not recline
- These are our seat size dimensions: W 42 x D 45 x H 52
- Arm rest either side of the seat dimensions: L 27 x W 7 x H 20
for the following requirements:
- We have a removable seat to create a wheelchair allocated space, please contact to organise this prior to the date and time of the screening
- We have unassigned seating. If you require a specific seat, please reserve this in advance
- Free for visitors where ticket prices are a barrier, please email
All films are ad-free and 18+ unless otherwise stated, and start with a 10 min. curated selection of trailers.
Members+ and all Patrons gain free entry to all cinema screenings, exhibitions, talks, and more.
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no. 236848.