The Arbor - Sunday 30th January 5pm

Did you know that on Sunday we have what Sight & Sound judged (through their panel of eminent international critics) as number 5 on the list of the best ten of 2010? Yes, The Arbor, the story of playwright Andrea Dunbar. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear you say ‘no’: some films (The King’s Speech?) get the hype they deserve, others don’t, and this one didn’t. At the London Film Festival, director, Clio Barnard, another artist turned filmmaker, took home the Sutherland award, given to the director of the most original feature, as well as the best British newcomer prize. She also won the BIFA for best British newcomer.

Before that, we’re going to be treated to a very professional-looking short called Corpses and Other Teenage Problems made by Halifax-based Robert Frost, who is coming along on person to introduce it. All things considered, it should be a very entertaining evening.

Leap Year - Sunday 23rd January 5pm

Coming up on Sunday, we have Leap Year, another Mexican film (made by an Australian) but it's a case of chalk and cheese, after Alamar: you just need to look at the description in the KFC spring brochure to see that the subject matter is challenging, and may not be to the taste of all. But we do think that it's the kind of film that gives the breadth and vitality to its programme that any active film club should be countenancing, especially when that film wins the Caméra d'or at Cannes 2010 (Steve McQueen won it for Hunger in 2008) and it gains the approval of 100% of the critics on Rotten Tomatoes. 'Proves, if you were beginning to doubt, that people still make good grown-up films' said Nigel Andrews of the Financial Times. So, 'strong adult content', as they say - please don't come if you're likely to be offended...

There's quite a lot more to find out about it, if you need further info, in the programme notes (PDF)

Alamar - Sunday 16th January 5pm

This Sunday before Alamar (To the Sea) we'll be showing Oceans Journey, an underwater travelogue by local filmmaker John Walker both films contain some beautiful nature photography. Alamar was largely overlooked on release but well praised by the critics:

'Moving...assured, refreshingly simple...a bubble of blissed-out tropicalia.' Time Out.

'An immensely charming movie.' Daily Express.

'Lyrical...beautiful.' Seattle Times.

Spring Season Opening - The Kids Are All Right

As is traditional now, we’re going to kick off the next part of our year with drinks (wine or juice) on Sunday 9th at 4.15pm. Do come along to wish your friends and fellow-members a Happy New Year before The Kids Are All Right at 5pm.