Nothing beats ‘The Prince of Nothingwood’, showing for one night only at The Arbor City Hotel, Aldgate

Afghanistan's most prolific producer-director Salim Shaheen (left) with actor Qurban Ali

The Hamlets Pop-Up Cinema’s tour around the world continues to Afghanistan with the screening of The Prince of Nothingwood. Released last year, this incredible documentary focuses not on Hollywood or Bollywood, but the “Nothingwood” of Afghanistan, where the country’s most “most popular and prolific actor-director-producer” Salim Shaheen has made more than a hundred movies. Unlike his American or Indian peers, Shaheen has next to no budget, and is forced to dodge “rocket attacks, riots and religious fundamentalism” to complete his films.

Writing for the Guardian, film critic Mark Kermode said: “Afghanistan’s most prolific director literally puts his life on the line to make movies, as seen in this riveting and hilarious documentary”

As the Afghani director tries to make his movies, he is pursued by Sonia Kronlund, a reporter for a French broadcaster, curious to know how any form of creativity can exist in a war-torn country.  Meanwhile, in the absence of actresses for Shaheen’s films, camp-as-you-like Qurban Ali plays key female roles much to the dismay of his wife and children, while standard issue kit for Shaheen’s film crew include both cameras and Kalashnikovs.

It is Kronlund’s footage and interviews that have formed The Prince of Nothingwood, a magnificent and eye-opening documentary, which also serves as a real-life romp that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. The 90-minute movie is packed with action, comedy, and song and dance numbers that will have you laughing while watching in awe.



Dine out at Arbor City Hotel, Aldgate

The Hamlets Pop-Up Cinema will be bringing this audio-visual treat to you for one night only at the cosy and contemporary Arbor City Hotel, situated in Aldgate, in the heart of East London. Arbor City have kindly given us use of their intimate 25-seater private room for our Sunday afternoon screening on 4 March.

Our 4pm start time means guests can also dine at Arbor City’s fabulous Marco’s Italian Restaurant either before or after the screening, for lunch or dinner. Marco’s is by renowned international chef Marco Pierre White. Inspired by New York and using fresh local produce, Marco’s serves quality American-Italian food including a selection of fresh pastas, steaks, burgers, pizzas, and Italian classics, like Spaghetti Carbonara, or if you’re feeling brave, tackle the full rack of American BBQ Smoked Ribs.

Ribs at Marco's New York Italian, at Arbor City Hotel, Aldgate, East London


Film admission is just £3 and with limited places for this event, don’t delay booking your place for what will undoubtedly be one of the best films you will see this year!

About The Hamlets Pop-Up Cinema

Launched in September 2017, The Hamlets Pop-Up Cinema is a community cinema project managed by film charity Balik Arts and funded by Tower Hamlets Council as part of its Thriving High Streets programme.

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Screening

Event: The Hamlets presents The Prince of Nothingwood (Afghanistan)
Language: Dari and French with English subtitles
Film Classification: 15
Date: Sunday 4th March 2018
Start Time: 4pm
Duration: 85 mins
Venue: Arbor City Hotel, 12-20 Osborn Street, Aldgate, London E1 6TE
Tickets: £3 + booking fee, tickets available online on Eventbrite 

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