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The Sheffield culture guide written by in-the-know locals

Parallel Mothers

From director Pedro Almodóvar (Pain and Glory, The Skin I Live In), Parallel Mothers follows two women, and soon to be mothers – Janis (Penélope Cruz) and Ana (Milena Smit) – who meet in a hospital ward where they are waiting to give birth.

This chance encounter will create a close link between the two: both are single, and became pregnant by accident.

Janis, middle-aged, has no regrets and is exultant. Ana is an adolescent, scared, repentant and traumatised. Janis tries to encourage her while they move like sleepwalkers along the hospital corridors, with the few words they exchange in these hours creating a bond, which by chance develops, complicates and changes their lives in a decisive way.

Book now:

Showroom
Film Unit (26 March only)

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Showroom

Converted from a 1930s art deco car showroom, the Showroom is one of the biggest independent cinemas in Europe – and we'd reckon one of the best. Between the screens and the bar, it's easy to while away whole days here.