Community Cinema (Local Resistance): 'Leithers' plus post-film talk

Local Resistance

This film screening is part of the Local Resistance film programme. The Local Resistance programme is a celebration of local stories of self-organising and solidarity that will tour community spaces in Leith (Duncan Place Community Hub), Wester Hailes (Whale Arts), Pilton/Muirhouse (North Edinburgh Arts), and Craigmillar (Craigmillar Now) from September – December 2025. The Local Resistance touring programme is supported by Film Hub Scotland.

About the film:

"Leithers" is a documentary film about Leith, Scotland, originally broadcast on Channel 4 in 1987, and directed by Alistair Scott. It features locals and their lives, including the creation of the Leith History Mural, and examines the changing socio-economic landscape of Leith over time. Topics include housing conditions, Leith Docks, industry, community, gentrification, protest, the 1920 amalgamation of Leith and Edinburgh, and the Leith identity and heritage.

Post-film Q&A

We're delighted to welcome Director Alistair Scott to this screening who talking about the film-making process and answering questions after we've watched the film together. Alistair was part of the Community Arts Team at Duncan Place (when it was an annexe of Leith Academy) from September 1976-August 1987.

Donation Tickets

Please support our Duncan Place community events programme by donating based on what you can afford. Suggested donation £2 to £4. Includes free hot drinks and cake.

Donation ticketing on Eventbrite means that you can only order for one person at a time. Please order a separate ticket for each person coming along.

We have a limited number of free tickets available for this screening for those that really need it. Contact us on events@duncanplace.org if this applies to you. No questions asked.

Timings

6:30pm - Doors open. Come along and get yourself a free cuppa, cake, early pick of a seat, and get yourself comfy before the film starts.

7pm - Film starts.

8pm - Post-film discussion with director Alistair Scott.

9pm - Event ends.

Leithers (1987)

• BBFC rating: unrated. This screening is for adults (min age 16).
• Film running time: 55 mins.
• Directed by: Alistair Scott.
• Genre: Documentary, Archive.
• Language: English.
• Subtitles: HOH subtitles will be shown on screen.

Thank you to Alistair Scott for allowing us to screen Leithers.

Access Info

• English descriptive subtitles will be onscreen during the screening.
• There is ramped access into the building. The event will be held on the ground floor of Duncan Place Community Hub and is wheelchair accessible.
• There are two individual toilets on the ground floor with one being wheelchair accessible.
• Seats are a mix of hard plastic and cushioned. Seats with arm rests are also available if needed. We also have a limited supply of padded chair cushions available. Just let us know when you arrive.
• There is foyer space and outdoor space for those that might need to break away to a quieter area during the film.

If there is anything we can do to help you attend, please get in touch with Drew by emailing events@duncanplace.org or phoning 0131 364 4351.

Getting Here

We can be found on Google Maps here > https://goo.gl/maps/qNZeEKWL1uhdQRBd7

Duncan Place is a few minutes’ walk from Leith Walk, Duke Street, Great Junction Street and Easter Road. This area is very well served with buses, including 1, 7, 14, 16, 21, 25, 34, 35 & 49.

www.lothianbuses.com has a journey planner.

Bike racks are available in our outdoor space. Please bring a secure lock. We do not have any to loan out & bikes and scooters are not allowed in the building. Bikes and scooters are left at your own risk and Duncan Place will not accept any responsibility for any damage or theft. CCTV does cover the bike racks.

Duncan Place has 1 disabled parking space inside the building gates.

On-street parking outside the building is free after 5:30pm.