Hull Independent Cinema: The Librarians

Hull Independent Cinema presents…

THE LIBRARIANS
Dir Kim A. Snyder | USA | 2025 | 88 mins | Rating TBC | English
Librarians emerge as first responders in the fight for American democracy and free speech in this powerful documentary. As they well know, controlling the flow of ideas means control over communities. In Texas, the Krause List targets 850 books focused on race and LGBTQ+ stories, triggering sweeping book bans across the US at an unprecedented rate. As tensions escalate, librarians connect the dots from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the underpinnings of White Christian Nationalism fuelling the censorship efforts. Despite facing harassment, threats, and laws aimed at criminalising their work, librarians across the US support one another in the pushback against authoritarianism.
AWARDS AND FESTIVALS
Sarasota Film Festival: Winner, Best Documentary Feature
Dallas International Film Festival: Winner, Documentary Feature
Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival: Winner, Outstanding Documentary
SXSW Film Festival: Nominee, Audience Award
REVIEWS
“… offers a rattling look at coordinated efforts to ban books. More importantly, it introduces viewers to the everyday and increasingly vital heroes pushing back.” Lisa Kennedy, Variety
“What Snyder does so effectively is affirming the dignity of this vocation by showing how the work of librarians goes beyond just saving books.” Zachary Lee, RogerEbert.com
“… the aching musical bed by contemporary composer Nico Muhly adds just the right tone of plangent despair tinged with hope.” Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter
“There’s never been a movie more vital this year than The Librarians. If you prize literature, intelligence, independent thought, safe spaces for children, it’s a necessary watch.” Kristen Lopez, The Film Maven
ACCESSIBILITY
Subtitles
Descriptive Subtitles are not available for this title.
AGE RATING
THE LIBRARIANS has not yet been rated by the BBFC. We will update with more information closer to the screening date.
Programme Details
The café will be open before the show, so why not come along early to grab a drink and a snack? The programme run time includes an allowance for introductions and up to three trailers. While we will endeavour to accommodate latecomers, this may not always be possible. Please note that we reserve the right to refuse entry, without a refund, to anyone arriving after the advertised start time.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or suggestions, please drop us a line at hello@hullindependentcinema.com or on social media