ESCAPES IS KICKING OFF 2026 ANNOUNCING FREE TICKETS TO GIANT AT OVER 100 CINEMAS IN THE UK
- Kicking off 2026, Escapes will showcase screenings of the highly anticipated ‘Giant’ starring Amir El-Masry and Pierce Brosnan on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th January.
- With over 190,000 free cinema tickets claimed since 2024, Escapes continues its mission of giving everyone the opportunity to discover the latest films at their local independent cinema every month FOR FREE - with an incredible schedule of films planned for 2026.
- Supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, Escapes promises an epic year of free cinema, from cult classics to new previews and award-winning films.
To kick off a new year of cinemagoing, Escapes audiences will be treated to an exclusive first look at Giant, a new bold and powerful film inspired by the true story of boxing legend Prince Nassem “Naz” Hamed. From executive producer Sylvester Stallone (Rocky, Creed), Giant is written and directed by filmmaker Rowan Athale (Gangs of London).
With previews on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th January, ahead of its official cinema release on Friday 9th January, these nationwide screenings offer audiences a unique opportunity to be among the first to experience this powerful, bold, and inspiring true story about the rise of one of Britain's most trailblazing athletes. Starring Amir El-Masry (The Night Manager, Limbo, The Crown, SAS: Rogue Heroes) as boxer Prince Naseem Hamed, and Pierce Brosnan (James Bond franchise, Mamma Mia!, The Love Punch, Mobland) as his trainer, Brendan Ingle.
Giant will transport audiences to a time where change had to be fought for. Based on the remarkable true story of legendary British-Yemeni boxing champion Prince Naseem "Naz" Hamed and his relationship with Irish boxing trainer Brendan Ingle, Giant charts Naz’s inspiring rags-to-riches underdog tale from his humble beginnings in Sheffield to becoming champion of the world. With his unorthodox style, cocky persona and sheer dominance of the sport, Naseem faced down the abhorrent racism and islamophobia that swept Britain in the 80’s and 90’s, to become a global sporting icon, both inside and outside of the ring.
The film also explores the unlikely and tender relationship between Naz and his trainer Ingle, who ran a humble boxing gym in a church hall in the North of England; and the instrumental role that Ingle played on Naz’s road to success.
With exhilarating and visceral scenes in the ring, coupled with deeply moving and intimate moments behind the curtain, Giant is an inspiring biopic of one of the greatest showmen the sporting world has ever seen, the untold true story of the boy behind The Prince.
Since launching in February 2024, Escapes, supported by the BFI awarding National
Lottery funding, has brought audiences back to independent cinemas across the UK, with
over 190,000 free tickets claimed to date. Its diverse programme spans cult classics and
award-winning features, alongside exclusive previews of upcoming releases, including Point
Break, The Penguin Lessons, and I Swear.
Arriving at over 100 cinemas nationwide, Escapes remains committed to making cinema
accessible for all - whether discovering a new film like Giant, experiencing the magic of a
local independent cinema, or sharing in the joy of storytelling together. Every screening will
include descriptive subtitles to ensure accessibility for a wider audience.
To further its inclusivity, for select cinemas, Giant will also offer Relaxed Screenings with adjustments such as slightly raised lighting, lowered volume, and no pre-show ads. These screenings create a welcoming space where audiences are free to move around, make noise, or take a break whenever they need to, so everyone can enjoy cinema in the way that feels most comfortable to them. While designed with neurodivergent audiences in mind, relaxed screenings are open to anyone who might prefer a more flexible cinema experience, whether they’ve attended one before or are discovering it for the first time.
ENDS
About Escapes:
Escapes is a nationwide initiative supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, aimed at making cinema more accessible for everyone. Through free screenings at over 150 independent cinemas across the UK, Escapes provides an opportunity for new and returning audiences to discover the magic of cinema. Whether it's a blockbuster, an indie gem, or a cult classic like Point Break, Escapes is committed to engaging local communities and breaking down barriers to cinema-going.
About the BFI:
The BFI is a cultural charity, a National Lottery distributor, and the UK’s lead organisation for
film and the moving image.
Our mission is:
- To support creativity and actively seek out the next generation of UK storytellers.
- To grow and care for the BFI National Archive, the world’s largest film and television archive.
- To offer the widest range of UK and international moving image culture through our programmes and festivals - delivered online and in venue.
- To use our knowledge to educate and deepen public appreciation and understanding.
- To work with Government and industry to ensure the continued growth of the UK’s screen industries.
Founded in 1933, the BFI is a registered charity governed by Royal Charter.
The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Jay Hunt OBE.
Press Contact:
For all enquiries, contact press@cinematik.app
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