Parade (4K Restoration)

Although Jacques Tati (1907–1982) made only six feature films, he is considered one of the most important and innovative post-war filmmakers. As director, writer, producer, and leading actor, he created a timeless body of work filled with affectionate details, perfect timing, and subtle, silent humour. From Thursday 30 July, you can enjoy six weeks dedicated to the timeless work of this unique filmmaker. All six of his feature films will be shown on the big screen in beautifully restored versions.

Parade is not a traditional feature film, but a filmed circus performance in which Jacques Tati himself appears as Monsieur Loyal at the Stockholm Cirkus. Within a playful and often absurd participatory spectacle, he guides the audience through a series of performances by musicians, jugglers, magicians, and acrobats, constantly dissolving the boundary between performer and spectator. Rather than following a traditional narrative, the film is entirely devoted to performance, rhythm, and interaction. Tati acts as the master of ceremonies, introducing the acts while also bringing his own mime-like style back to life. The result is a vibrant ode to variety entertainment and the direct connection between performer and audience.

The film has also been restored in 4K, allowing the colours and the physical presence of the circus performers to shine with renewed clarity. Parade serves as a kind of final gesture in Tati’s career: a warm and playful passing on of his artistic language to a new generation of performers, and a celebration of live spectacle itself.