15th September 2023
The Phantom of the Open
2022; UK; 106 mins; Cert 12A; Dir: Craig Roberts
The true story of Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance), a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, who manages to gain entry to the 1976 British Open Golf Championship qualification round, despite being a complete novice. This is an uplifting and moving comedy drama about shooting for the stars, no matter what hand you’re dealt. A perfect opener to our new season
More information at IMDb
6th October 2023
Quo Vadis, Aida?
2021; Bosnia & Herzeg (subtitles); 101 mins; Cert 15; Dir: Jasmila Zbanic
Set in July 1995 in Srebrenica, Bosnia, this powerful wartime film follows Aida, a translator for the UN, as she risks everything to protect her family from the Serbian army who are taking over the town. The subject is horrifying but the screen is hard to look away from, as the situation becomes a powder-keg of tension. Where are you going, Aida?
More information at IMDb
27th October 2023
Joyride
2022; Ireland; 94 mins; Cert 15; Dir: Emer Reynolds
Joy (Olivia Colman) is a headstrong solicitor whose plan to offload her new born baby to her sister is derailed when Mully, a vulnerable 13-year old teenager (Charlie Reed), steals their taxi, unaware that they are in the back seat. There follows a wild journey across Ireland, stealing cars, hitch-hiking, catching ferries and breaking police barricades. This is a heart-warming, bittersweet tale of two unlikely travel companions who find solace in each other while on the run from their pasts.
More information at IMDb
17th November 2023
Winners
2022; UK; 85 mins; Cert PG; Dir: Hassan Nazer
In a small provincial Iranian town, the children work hard to support their families. One day, 9-year old Yahya and his friend Leila find a precious ‘golden’ statue. Sharing a passion for cinema, Yahya’s boss decides to help them track down its owner, whilst keeping it from the grasping hands of others! This feel-good film manages to exude a sense of mischievous optimism despite their very challenging lives.
More information at IMDb
8th December 2023
See How They Run
2022; UK/USA; 98 mins; Cert 12A; Dir: Tom George
In the West End of 1950s London, plans for a movie version of a smash-hit play come to an abrupt halt after a pivotal member of the crew is murdered. A classic British murder mystery in the spirit of Agatha Christie but stylistically reminiscent of the work of Wes Anderson. Light-hearted and with some great gags, this film looks fantastic and is great fun to watch.
More information at IMDb
5th January 2024
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
2020; Bhutan; 110 mins; Cert PG; Dir: Pawo Choyning Dorji
Ugyen, a young teacher in modern Bhutan, is sent to the most remote school in the world to complete his training. Without electricity, textbooks or even a blackboard, he struggles to adapt but gradually understands the hardship of the lives of the beautiful children he teaches and begins to be transformed by the amazing spiritual strength of the villagers. Will he give in and go back to ‘civilisation’?
More information at IMDb
26th January 2024
The Swimmers
2022; US/UK; 134 mins; Cert 15; Dir: Sally El Hosaini
Two young sisters flee their home in war-torn Damascus and embark on a long, harrowing journey as refugees. When the engine of their overcrowded dinghy cuts out halfway across the Aegean Sea, they put their hearts and their champion swimming skills to heroic use, saving the lives of all on board. Just a year later, Yusra competes at the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the Refugee Olympic Team. This is an inspiring film, brutally honest and with real world relevance. Not to be missed!
More information at IMDb
16th February 2024
Air: Courting A Legend
2023; US; 111 mins; Cert 15; Dir: Ben Affleck
In 1984, Oregon-based Nike is on the verge of closing their basketball shoe division due to low sales. But talent scout Sonny Vacaro (Matt Damon) convinces Nike’s executives to approach Michael Jordan, despite the fact that his preferred brands are Adidas and Converse. Well-directed, with excellent acting all round this is a riveting film, which provides a unique insight into how the Nike Air Jordan, one of the best selling sports shoes ever, came into being and revolutionised the world of sports and contemporary culture.
More information at IMDb
15th March 2024
Supernova
2021; UK; 95 mins; Cert 15; Dir: Harry Macqueen
Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley ucci), partners of 20 years, are travelling across England in their old camper van visiting friends, family and places from their past. Since Tusker was diagnosed with dementia 2 years ago, their time together is the most important thing they have. A beautiful, romantic film made even better by two extraordinary actors.
More information at IMDb
12th April 2024
The Man in the Hat
2020; UK; 95 mins; Cert 12A; Dir: John-Paul Davidson
The Man in the Hat (Ciaran Hinds) is dining alone at a portside cafe in South West France when he sees five men dump what appears to be a body into the water. They see him but he escapes in his tiny Fiat 500. The ensuing chase takes them on a journey through the French countryside, encountering unusual characters and situations along the way. This is an essentially silent film, heavily influenced by Jacques Tati, beautiful to watch, often funny, often sad, which provides a charming and touching finale to our 20th Season!
More information at IMDb
