Douglas Sirk’s 1959 masterpiece centers on the relationship between two single mothers, Lora (Lana Turner) and Annie (Juanita Moore), whose lives become deeply intertwined after a chance encounter. 

The film contrasts their experiences: Turner plays a white aspiring actress whose daughter (Sandra Dee) is navigating her first crush, while Moore portrays a Black woman whose light-skinned daughter (Susan Kohner) is attempting to pass as white. 

Through their intersecting lives, Sirk explores themes of race, class, and gender, using the framework of melodrama to present a poignant counterpoint to the ideals of 1950s suburban America. 

This event has been organised to celebrate the 2025 Kraszna-Krausz Moving Image Book Award recipient, Screen Deep: How film and TV can solve racism and save the world by Ellen E Jones.

Following the conversation, audience members will be invited to the cinema foyer a wine reception and book signing.

Book: Imitation of Life (12) with Introduction by Ellen E Jones + Reception | Barbican