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Open Country

Amaal Said

Exhibition

Event overview

Multidisciplinary artist Amaal Said's moving image work Open Country follows a Somali mother and daughter as they set out on foot to trace the Pilgrim's Way, and their plan to record an audio diary for loved ones back home in Somalia.

Inspired by a longing to connect with family abroad, the film explores the tension between being present in the here and now while still yearning for another place.

Open Country is accompanied by three new photographic works of mother and daughter  taken in The National Trust’s Red House, one location from the film that speak to connection, distance, and longing.

Join Phoenix for the exhibition launch on Friday 27 March from 6pm – 8pm, including a short talk from the artist and an alcohol-free drinks reception.

Tickets to the launch are free – please book in advance HERE.

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Open Country was commissioned for The Open Road by Film and Video Umbrella, Forma and Three Rivers. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Event details

Details

27 March 2026 – 28 June 2026

Phoenix, 
4 Midland Street, 
Leicester LE1 1TG

Free entry.

Wheelchair spaces

Wheelchair spaces are available in all our cinema screens: three in Screen 1, two in Screen 2, five in Screen 3 and five in Screen 4. Please call Box Office prior to booking if you require a wheelchair space or other accessible seating. The foyer, Box Office, Café Bar, gallery and screen entrances are all on a flat level on the ground floor. Lift access is available to the first floor.
 

Toilet and washing facilities

Accessible toilets are situated throughout the building. Phoenix also has a “Changing Places” facility; this includes an accessible toilet, moveable privacy screen, height adjustable sink and bed, hoist and a baby changing unit. Please ask at Box Office for the radar key to access our “Changing Places” room.
 

Access Cinema programme

Our regular Access Cinema programme includes descriptive subtitled, audio described and autism friendly screenings. Find upcoming Access Cinema screenings by using the relevant filters in the What’s On menu.
 

Hearing loops and Audio Description headsets

We have T-loops at all payment counters in the building which work with most hearing aids, and an infra-red system in Screens 1 and 2. The infra-red system works via headsets and can offer either an amplified dialogue track for people with a hearing loss or, for films with one, an audio described track for people with a sight loss. In Screens 3 and 4 we use the Dolby Accessibility System to provide audio description and amplified sound levels at an individual level. Please ask at the Box Office if you’d like to use a headset.
 

Assistance dogs are welcomeA

Assistance dogs are welcome in our building and auditoria. Spaces are provided for the comfort of both owners and their assistance dogs. Please contact Box Office to reserve these spaces. Dog bowls with water and quiet rooms are also available if required.
 

Blue Badge Parking

Accessible parking bays are situated at the front of the building and can be used by blue badge holders for a maximum of 3 hours.


CEA Cardholders

Production of a Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA) card at Box Office entitles customers to a concessionary rate ticket and a free ticket for one essential carer. This is a national scheme – to apply for a card click here.


Parents and babies

Baby changing facilities are available throughout the venue, including a new dedicated cubicle in our extension. If you require more space to accommodate a pushchair, please ask at Box Office for the radar key to access our “Changing Places” room which also has a baby changing unit. We have high chairs in the Café Bar and will always be happy to facilitate food or bottle warming. We also have booster seats available at the screen doors.

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