ICA is closed from the 30 May – 3 June inclusive.
Once Upon a Time in Abadan (Roozi Roozegari Abadan), dir. Hamid Reza Azarang, Iran 2021, 84 mins., Farsi with English subtitles
Book tickets
The US-led invasion of Iraq, which began in March 2003, aimed to dismantle alleged weapons of mass destruction, but resulted in a prolonged occupation and insurgency. During this time, a family in Abadan, southern Iran, which had already suffered the effects of the Iran-Iraq war of 1980–1988, grapples with addiction and strained ties while celebrations of the Iranian New Year, the Norouz, take place. A sudden crisis – a US bomb dropped by mistake in their neighbourhood – forces them to re-evaluate their relationships and confront mortality in an uncertain world. A cinematic Huis clos.
Book tickets
02:15 pm
Sat, 17 May 2025
Cinema 1
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
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.
Join today as a Member+ for £25/month.
no. 236848.