We are delighted to announce our programme for this year's International Film Festival. All performances take place at the Steam Mill. The programme can be downloaded here.

Tues 4th March - For Your Consideration (Christopher Guest 2006, USA 98 minutes)

Actress Marilyn Hack has seen better days, but rumours begin that her role in a terrible indie Melodrama could reap an Oscar nomination. Oscar-fever begins and the race towards nominations starts. Supported by a fantastic ensemble cast, this is a genuinely funny satire from Christopher Guest, master of the mockumentary genre. Amongst the talented cast, Fred Willard is hilarious as a TV presenter so dumb he thinks subtitles are breaking news.

Thur 6th March - The Red Desert (Michelangelo Antonioni 1964, Italy/France 120 minutes)

A milestone in the history of cinema, Antonioni’s masterpiece of expressionistic colour is a work of glorious and troubling splendour. A quintessential Antonioni study of modern-day alienation, the film features Monica Vitti as a neurotic woman searching for meaning in an industrial wasteland. In the aftermath of a suicide attempt, she begins a brief affair with the factory owner who employs her engineer husband. A must see on the big screen.

Fri 7th March - The Page Turner (Denis Dercourt 2006, France 85 minutes)

Melanie, much-loved daughter of a provincial butcher, is preparing to sit for a scholarship to the Paris Conservatoire. Years after she fails the entrance exam because of the jury’s offhand attitude, she has a chance at revenge. The result is a devastating, subtly reticent thriller that matches Hitchcock twist by twist. This film is is a treat for lovers of intelligent cinema.

Sat 8th March - Double Bill

The Seventh Seal (Ingmar Bergman 1957, Sweden 96 minutes)

A knight returning from the Crusades finds a church still open in the midst of the Black Death, and goes to confession there. Speaking to a hooded figure half-seen through an iron grill, he pours out his heart. The figure turns, and is revealed as Death, who has been following the knight on his homeward journey. Bergman’s breakthrough masterpiece.

This film will be followed by an interval of approximately 30 minutes, during which time refreshments will be available.

Wild Strawberries (Ingmar Bergman 1957, Sweden 91 minutes)

Professor Isak Borg reflects upon his life and the choices he has made throughout his life. As he travels to Lund to receive an honorary award after 50 years of medical practice, he finds himself repeatedly affected by intrusive dreams and hallucinations that expose his darkest fears. Scripted while Bergman was being treated in hospital for two months whilst suffering gastric ulcers, this film emerges as one of the Swedish director’s most satisfying and humane films.

Tue 11th March - Those Who Love Me Can Take The Train
(Patrice Chereau 1998, Belgium/France 120 minutes)

A strange assortment of odd friends together with dysfunctional family members travel to Limoges for the funeral of misanthropic promiscuous Parisian artist Jean-Baptiste Emmerich. Throughout the long journey riverting reverlations are revealed. An eclectic soundtrack, superb cinematography and vivid performances from an exceptional cast combine fantastically in this endearing film.

This year our programme includes homage to master directors Michelangelo Antionioni and Ingmar Bergman, who both died in 2007. Each performance of the festival programme will be preceded by a short film on Artists in Cinema, in conjunction with the Arts Council and Independent Cinema Office.

Ticket prices are the usual £3.50 per night, and £6.00 on Saturday for the double bill.

Film Society members can attend 4th and 11th March at no extra cost as these already form part of the season programme.