Cheltenham Film Society’s screenings promise film enthusiasts a not-to-be-missed line-up of top cinema, with the bar open to give members the chance to chat, and discuss screenings past, present and future.
The Cheltenham Film Society was first launched in 1945 and now boasts around 500 members, with films being shown on a cinema-sized screen at Bacon Theatre, with comfortable seating to ensure a pleasant viewing experience.
With an eclectic programme running until April 2019, the society is dedicated to showing the very best of silver screen, ranging from independent flicks to foreign films.
Frantz
Tuesday 11 September 2018
Set in Germany 1919, Frantz sees a young woman visited by a mysterious Frenchman who claims he knew her late husband. An elegant monochrome film, the two try to discover the past whilst forming an intense relationship.
I Am Not a Witch
Tuesday 18 September 2018
To be a goat or to be a witch? When eight-year-old Shula is accused of being a witch she is taken into state custody and put into a witch camp in the middle of the desert. Like the other people, she is told to never cut the ribbon or she will be cursed and turned into a goat.
Maudie
Tuesday 25 September 2018
An untrained painter who overcame arthritis, Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins stars in Maudie; the story follows shy and timid Maud, a woman who becomes a beloved member of a Nova Scotia community through her talent of painting.
Insyriated
Tuesday 9 October 2018
In the middle of a civil war, a mother tries to keep herself and her family safe from a sniper that is in the courtyard. A film which explores courage, it humanises a conflict which many westerners choose to simply ignore.
My Life as a Courgette
Tuesday 30 October 2018 (double bill)
This Oscar-nominated animated film is about life in a children’s home. After his alcoholic mother dies, Courgette is placed there; as well as making enemies, he also makes friends and finally learns to see the meaning of life again.
The Party
Tuesday 30 October 2018 (double bill)
With an incredible cast led by Kristin Scott-Thomas and Timothy Spall, The Party offers a satirical portrait of socialism in the Blair era; planning to throw a party to celebrate her new promotion as minister, it doesn’t take long for Janet to realise that things won’t be running smoothly.
Life Feels Good
Tuesday 6 November 2018
A film which hasn’t been shown in UK cinemas, Life Feels Good is the story of Mateusz. Struggling physically with cerebral palsy, the films sees the young man trying to make himself understood, whist the rest of Poland is going through a turbulent time.
Land of Mine
Tuesday 20 November 2018
Based on historical fact, Land of Mine follows a group of German prisoners who are told to start digging up the mines up with their bare hands before they can go home. This film brings to life not only the friendships of the prisoners, but the heartbreak that comes with it.
Lost in Paris
Tuesday 11 December 2018
A physical comedy that’ll have audiences laughing from start to finish, Lost in Paris sees Fiona receives a letter from her grandmother Martha who lives in Paris. The letter states that Martha must go into a care home, but Martha goes on the run…
A Fantastic Woman
Tuesday 8 January 2019
A young transgender woman called Marina finds herself stuck after the death of her husband, Orlando. Due to the police and Orlando’s ex-wife’s suspicions, Marina finds herself having to constantly clear her name as no one has respect for her privacy.
Tuesday 22 January 2019
Lean on Pete
15-year-old Charley creates a special bond with aging racehorse called Lean on Pete. When Charley finds out Pete is up for slaughter, Charley takes him for a trip around America for a fresh start.
The Piano
Tuesday 29 January 2019
A dark and sensual fable, The Piano sees a mute Scotswoman called Ada shipped to New Zealand by her father. Ada takes only her daughter and beloved piano with her; but when her piano is sold, so is she.
Water
Tuesday 5 February 2019
Set in India 1938, Water follows Chuyia, a child married and widowed by the age of eight. Taken to the holy city of Banaras, she is shunned by the rest of the community.
Vagabond
Tuesday 19 February 2019
Starring Sandrine Bonnaire, Vagabond tells of Mona, who is discovered frozen in a ditch in the South of France. The documentary-style piece follows her story through flashbacks.
Loveless
Tuesday 26 February 2019
Set in modern Russia, Loveless offers a compelling mystery. When 12-year-old Alyosha runs away from his unloving parents, only a group of volunteer rescuers appear to care about his fate.
The Third Murder
Tuesday 12 March 2019
Japanese film The Third Murder sees a man bludgeon his boss to death, only to have his trial overshadowed by the death penalty, thus revealing deception and ambiguity.
The Other Side of Hope
Tuesday 19 March 2019
Exploring the topical issue of immigration, The Other Side of Hope is the story of a Syrian refugee who’s denied the right to remain in Finland.
Mystery Movie
Tuesday 26 March 2019
Cheltenham Film Society will reveal which film will be shown at a later date.
Under The Tree
Tuesday 9 April 2019
Under The Tree is an Icelandic drama about marital and neighbourly disputes; the dark comedy follows Atil who’s thrown out by his wife and moves in with his parents, only to cause problems with their neighbours.
