Black Narcissus

Sunday 13th February 4:00 PM - Theatre By The Lake
Black Narcissus
Director:Powell/Pressburger
Cert:U Year: 1947 Length:100mins
Country:UK
Anglican nuns led by stern Sister Clodagh (Deborah Kerr) try to establish a community in the Himalayas, battling the locals and their own demons. This was a pioneering exploration of 'the social claustrophobia of people in extreme circumstances' (BBC). It's still famous for its stunning design and Technicolor photography (by Jack Cardiff). Watch out especially for Kathleen Byron as a nun losing her grip on reality, brilliantly acted, lit and filmed. 'Run, don't walk to see this 1947 classic from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. It's an all-time top 10 favourite of mine and seeing it digitally restored on the big screen brings a sugar-rush of pleasure.' (Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian)

Score

68.63%

Links

Trailer

Osprey Short Film Awards

Now accepting entries for 2026

A selection of previous festival programme covers
View the programme archive



Keswick Film Festival is supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.



Film Hub North
BFI Film Audience Network

All programme and film details are correct at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.