Films The films in this programme are subject to booking and availability. 13th February 2008 The Last King of Scotland Kevin Macdonald - 2005 (UK) - 125 mins. An Academy Award-winning thriller set in 1970's Uganda featuring Forest Whitaker as Idi Amin and James Mcavoy as an adventure-seeking medic. The unfolding of their relationship, as the violent events in the country develop, provides a backdrop to a country in crisis. The film combines psychological insight with historical fact to give a gripping portrait of power and corruption. [top of page] 12th March 2008 L'Appartement Gilles Mimouni - 1996(Fr/Sp/It) - 112 mins. This subtitled French thriller focuses on man-about-town Max's past and present relationships. The complex plot involves hints of murder, and has clear similarities to films of a previous era as Max attempts to renew a previous liaison. The pace is well-managed, and the use of flashback tempts us to keep up with the enthralling story. This is a very different role for Vincent Cassel after "La Haine", and a confident first feature film for Mimouni. [top of page] 19th March 2008 How is Your Fish Today? Xiaolu Guo - 2006 (China/UK) - 83 mins. This film began life as a British-commissioned Chinese documentary about Mohe, a small village in the northernmost part of China, lying on the Russian border. However, when the crew reached Mohe, a supposedly mystical town where it's light twenty hours out of the day and the aurora borealis sweeps across the sky, they discovered that it is nothing but a poor fishing village where people live just above the poverty line. Rather than abandon the film due to lack of footage, director Xiaolu Guo synergized what she had filmed with a script written by a friend about a screenwriter searching for inspiration by travelling to Mohe. The result: an outstanding piece of cinema that confidently occupies the shadow land between fiction and reality. [top of page] 9th April 2008 Requiem for a Dream Darren Aronofsky - 2000(US) - 102 mins. A disturbing study of lost hope, Aronofsky's follow-up to "Pi" follows four lost souls from New York as they strive to follow their hearts' desires. Drug addiction, intimately detailed, is a constant presence, and its consequences are unflinchingly depicted. Split screens, huge close-ups and innovative sound effects add to the atmosphere of a very different horror film that is both powerful and compelling. [top of page] 14th May 2008 Little Miss Sunshine Jonathan Dayton / Valerie Faris - 2006 (US) - 101 mins. A dysfunctional family set off to California in an old camper van, to enter their daughter in the "Little Miss Sunshine" beauty pageant. One of the hits of the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, its delights are numerous, particularly Alan Arkin as a drug-taking, foul-mouthed grandfather. A dark, very funny comedy. [top of page] 11th June 2008 Rabbit-Proof Fence Phillip Noyce - 2002 (Aus) - 94 mins. In the 1930's, a harrowing eugenics programme in Australia set about separating "half-caste" children from their aboriginal parents. Noyce presents this fiercely affecting tale about the trials of three young aboriginal girls with a minimum of sentiment, coaxing marvellous performances from its young leads. [top of page] 9th July 2008 The History Boys Nicholas Hytner - 2006 (UK) -109 mins. Reuniting the cast and director of the successful stage production following a group of 18-year-olds, all aspiring to an Oxbridge History degree. As wry a look at the ambitions of growing up as one might expect from writer, Alan Bennett, the film is enlivened by marvellous performances, with Richard Griffith stealing the show as the much-idolised teacher Hector, whose passion for his work makes up for his often questionable methods. [top of page] 13th August 2008 After the Wedding Susanne Bier - 2006 (Den/Swe) -120 mins. This subtitled film in Danish features Jacob, an aid worker in India, who returns to Denmark to meet a potential benefactor. This man then persuades Jacob to attend his daughter's wedding where he finds himself faced with a heartbreaking revelation. The Oscar-nominated film is beautifully performed by all the cast who wring every nuance of emotion from their characters. [top of page] 10th September 2008 Delicatessen Mark Caro / Jean-Pierre Jeunet - 1991 (Fr) -99 mins. This fast and funny subtitled French fantasy was the co-director's first feature film, (Jeunet later directed "Amelie"). An inventive film which has become a cult classic. Leading an array of quirky characters, an ex- clown takes a room in a sinister house above a butcher's shop. As his romance with the butcher's daughter develops, he comes to suspect the butcher may trade in more than animal flesh... [top of page] 8th October 2008 London to Brighton Paul Andrew Williams - 2006 (UK) - 85 mins. 24 hours in the life of a prostitute and young runaway who flee to Brighton in a desperate attempt to save their lives from a brutal, ruthless gangster who is out for revenge. This is a violent, classy, gritty thriller, with a sure touch for character, and two phenomenal performances at its centre. [top of page] 12th November 2008 Finding Neverland Marc Forster - 2004 (UK/US) - 106 mins. Adapted from a stage play, and taking a few liberties with fact, this is a well-made account of the creation and development of "Peter Pan". Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet play J.M. Barrie and his companion Sylvia Llewelyn-Davies. Her four sons are very well-portrayed and the ensemble acting gives the film real depth. The director provides a true sense of wonder with his very imaginative visuals. [top of page] 10th December 2008 The Producers Mel Brooks - 1968 (US) - 88 mins. A classic comedy with Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel on top form as they plan to make the worst theatrical play of all time involving Adolf and Eva. Guitar-playing hippies, rich old ladies, the world's worst director, and a crazy ex-soldier all make appearances in this completely tasteless triumph. This was Mel Brooks' first feature film, and is one of his best. [top of page]

Home About Us Films 2008-9 Season The Last King of Scotland L'Appartement Requiem for a Dream Little Miss Sunshine Rabbit-Proof Fence The History Boys After the Wedding Delicatessen London to Brighton Finding Neverland The Producers Membership Archive A director's chair icon indicates that an extended introduction to the film is available (click to access in a new window).