Over more than a century of development, cinema has taken giant leaps that at times surpass human imagination. Throughout this process, numerous cinematic styles, genres and astonishing techniques were invented and introduced to the world.

A scene from the sci-fi thriller Donnie Darko which will be presented tomorrow night at the TPD. The movie is among a series of mind-bending movies being introduced by the centre. — Photo gq.com

Some cinematic works are purely for entertainment, some are pioneering – artistically and technically innovative, while some cause headaches, literally and figuratively.

These films often include complex details, with layers upon layers of meanings that take more than one viewing to understand, and incorporate ideas that are ahead of their time. Time travel, magic, dreams, surrealism, existentialism… all themes, subjects and genres that attract experimental filmmakers.

Cinema Space of The Centre for Assistance and Development of Movie Talents (TPD) will screen some ‘mind-bending’ films every Friday. Tomorrow, June 29, the sci-fi thriller Donnie Darko by director Richard Kelly will be shown, followed by the mystery thriller Memento by director Christopher Nolan on July 6. Both screenings will be at 7.30pm.

Other movies include the 1968 sci-fi epic 2001: A Space Odyssey by director Stanley Kubrick, and the mystery drama Mulholland Drive by director David Lynch, which will be screened on July 13 and 20, respectively.

All movies will be presented in original English with Vietnamese subtitles. Donation (at the door): from VNĐ20,000.

TPD is at 51 Trần Hưng Đạo Street (4th floor). Tel: (024) 39366559. — VNS