Wes Craven’s The People Under the Stairs (1991) is a razor-sharp horror satire on gentrification.
More resonant now than upon its release in 1991, it follows a young boy who breaks into the home of two slum landlords, only to explore the horror hidden within their walls. This screening is paired with a cinematic walking tour in collaboration with CATU Belfast.
Community Action Tenants Union (CATU) is an Ireland-wide, members-owned-and-run tenants union, dedicated to tackling housing issues, protecting renters’ rights and grassroots community organising.
The tour highlights the destructive impact Airbnbs have on communities and the ongoing housing crisis. Just as importantly, it opens a conversation about what we can do to challenge these pressures. Together, the walking tour and the film create a two-part reflection on the increasing harm caused by landlordism. Audiences can join us for the combined walking tour and screening, or attend the screening on its own.
Event timings:
- The walking tour leaves from Writer’s Square at 4pm.
- Screening of The People Under the Stairs (1991) begins at 6pm.
This screening is Relaxed (RS) and has subtitles for d/Deaf or hard of hearing.
Venue information:
Black Box
18 – 22 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA
- Wheelchair accessible
- Level access
- Automatic or power-assisted doors at the entrance
- Entry & exit well lit
- Drop bar available
- Hearing loop
- Accessible bathroom
The nearest Changing Places toilet is in Castle Court Shopping Centre. It is open from 9am – 6pm.
Note: The entrance to the Black Box is located on a cobblestone road. Vehicle access is available by request to the venue, otherwise the street is pedestrianised.
Transport information:
The closest bus stop is Lower Donegall Street.
The closest train station is Grand Central Station (20 minute walk or a 12 minute bus).