As the name suggests, Xcéntric explores the more unusual, bizarre and evocative side of filmmaking. The "cinema of the CCCB" focuses on experimental film, auteur cinema and creative documentaries. The film screenings are the cornerstone of an overall project dedicated to the study and promotion of a largely unknown form of cinema.

For over a decade, Xcéntric has fostered a growing interest within the museum world for this kind of cinema. "The Xcéntric archive is a model for how cinema should be shown within the context of a museum," proclaimed Stuart Comer of the Tate Modern, showing the international scope of the CCCB's initiative.

The goal is to showcase avant-garde artists and films to an audience thirsty for a different kind of audiovisual experience, one marked by ideas and original, artistic intentions. Xcéntric is structured around a series of monthly, thematic programmes showing films from different eras, monographs by little known, but remarkable artists, premieres of new films that will never get shown in commercial cinemas, and obscure work by established filmmakers. Previous programmes showcased filmmakers like Ben Rivers, Albert Traviño, Nick Hamlyn, Anne McIntosh, the Lumiere Brothers, Stan Brakhage, Naoyuki Tsuji, Leighton Pierce, Alain Cavalier and many more. The programme changes on a monthly basis and details about future sessions and featured filmmakers can be found on the CCCB website.

Xcéntric provides the rare opportunity to discover a different kind of cinema that is not afraid of taking creative risks. In fact, creative risk is exactly what these filmmakers are after. It is a meeting place for audiences and filmmakers eager to see highly personal and visionary films, and a  gift for anyone with a profound interest in unusual and surprising visual language. As filmmaker Juan Bufill stated, "Xcéntric makes me want to make films again".

The screenings take place at the CCCB Auditorium. Check the CCCB website for programme details and exact dates and times.

From October 25, 2012 until May 15, 2013

Auditorium CCCB, Montalegre 5 (El Raval; Metro: L1, L2 Universitat, L1, L3 Catalunya)

Tickets: 4 EUR per session or 15 EUR for a five-session pass (discounts available)

Photo: Still from the session "Panoptical Views/Impossible Landscapes" held on February 5, 2012.