Wellington Programme
23 October - 13 November 2024
Embassy Theatre
Light House Cuba
Light House Pauatahanui
Light House Petone
Penthouse Cinema & Cafe
Embassy Theatre Deluxe
Embassy Theatre
Light House Cuba
Light House Pauatahanui
Light House Petone
Penthouse Cinema & Cafe
Embassy Theatre Deluxe
Embassy Theatre
Download venue programmeConclave
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Telluride Film Festival -
From Oscar-winning director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), Conclave is a riveting religious thriller that follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope.
Based on the international best-seller by Robert Harris, Conclave centres on Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope.
Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.
Conclave is packed with twists, turns and revelations, brought to life by an astonishing supporting cast including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini - all at the top of their game.
Having received universal acclaim from its recent premiere at Telluride Film Festival, Conclave simply cannot be missed at this year’s Festival. Book your tickets now to see this incredible acting achievement from one of Britain’s finest thespians - a performance that’s already generating awards season buzz.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini
Directed by: Edward Berger
We Live in Time
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Oscar nominees Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh deliver beautifully nuanced performances in this creatively structured romance drama from BAFTA-winning director John Crowley (Brooklyn, The Goldfinch).
Tobias (Garfield) and Almut’s (Pugh) relationship has never had a dull moment. Since meeting after Almut accidentally ran over Tobias with her car, their time together has been chock-full of striking scenarios.
Audiences will experience Tobias and Almut’s past, present and future collide in a story told across three distinct phases in the couple’s lives.
As they embark on a path challenged by the limits of time, Tobias and Almut must learn to cherish each moment of the unconventional route their love story has taken.
Pugh is breathtaking as a young woman trying to balance personal relationships with professional ambitions, while Garfield gives a career-best performance as a recent divorcée slowly revealing a deep well of intense emotion.
The powerhouse duo guarantee that the intricately told We Live in Time is a Festival must-see.
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh
Directed by: John Crowley
The Return
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Reunited for the first time since The English Patient, Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche star in this gritty retelling of Odysseus' return home from war.
After 20 years away, Odysseus (Fiennes) washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognisable. The King has finally returned home but much has changed in his kingdom since he left to fight in the Trojan war.
His beloved wife Penelope (Binoche) is now a prisoner in her own home, hounded by her many ambitious suitors to choose a new husband, a new king. Their son Telemachus, who has grown up fatherless, is facing death at the hands of the suitors who see him as an obstacle in their relentless pursuit of Penelope and the kingdom.
Odysseus has changed too. Scarred by his experience of war, he is no longer the mighty warrior his people remember. But he is forced to face his past in order to rediscover the strength needed to save his family and win back the love he has lost.
You won't want to miss two of the greatest actors of their generation take on Homer's classic tale in The Return.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Charlie Plummer
Directed by: Uberto Pasolini
Bird
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes -
Renowned English filmmaker Andrea Arnold (Wuthering Heights, American Honey) marries fantasy and reality in this moving coming-of-age tale.
Twelve-year-old Bailey (played by talented newcomer Nykiya Adams) lives with her single dad Bug (Barry Keoghan, The Banshees of Inisherin, Saltburn) and brother Hunter in a squat in North Kent.
Soon to be marrying his new girlfriend, Bug doesn’t have much time for his kids, and Bailey’s mother lives with a violent, cruel man.
Bailey seeks attention and adventure elsewhere, often retreating to the open fields on the outskirts of her hometown. It is here she is able to connect with herself and nature.
While on one of these walks, Bailey has a deeply meaningful encounter with the mysterious figure Bird (Franz Rogowski, A Hidden Life).
Bailey and Bird form a strong bond through their shared position as outsiders, helping the fledgling teen to confront her difficult home life.
Tackling themes such as identity, sexism, loneliness, and class struggle, Bird is a compelling, ultimately joyous ode to the wondrous transition from childhood to adolescence.
Starring: Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski, Nykiya Adams
Directed by: Andrea Arnold
Screenings
8th November | 6.00pm Book
Firebrand
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes -
In blood-soaked Tudor England, Katherine Parr (Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander), the sixth and last wife of King Henry VIII (Jude Law), is named Regent while tyrant Henry is fighting overseas.
Katherine has done everything she can to push for a new future based on her radical Protestant beliefs. On Henry's return, she finds herself fighting for her own survival as conspiracy spreads through the palace.
Everyone holds their breath; for the queen to slip up, and for Henry to take her head like his wives before.
With the hope for a future free of tyranny at risk, will Katherine submit to the inevitable for the sake of King and country?
Featuring riveting performances from Vikander and Law, Firebrand “rescues an inspiring woman from history’s footnotes” (Hollywood Reporter).
Starring: Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Eddie Marsan
Directed by: Karim Aïnouz
Widow Clicquot
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Based on the New York Times best-selling biography, Widow Clicquot is a visually impressive tale of resilience that leaves a pleasing aftertaste on the palette.
The film tells the true story of the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (Haley Bennett, Cyrano) who, at the age of 20, became Madame Clicquot after marrying the scion of a winemaking family.
Though their marriage was arranged, a timeless love blossomed between the Grande Dame and her unconventional, erratic husband, François (Tom Sturridge, The Boat That Rocked).
After her husband’s untimely death, Barbe-Nicole flouts convention by assuming the reins of the fledgling wine business they had nurtured together.
Steering the company through dizzying political and financial reversals, she defies her critics and revolutionizes the champagne industry to become one of the world’s first great entrepreneurs.
Widow Clicquot is a toast to the perseverance of unshakeable women.
Starring: Haley Bennett, Tom Sturridge, Sam Riley
Directed by: Thomas Napper
The Salt Path
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Based on the Sunday Times best-seller by Raynor Winn, The Salt Path is the profound true story of husband and wife, Raynor (Gillian Anderson) and Moth (Jason Isaacs) Winn’s 630 mile trek along the beautiful but rugged English coast, from Dorset to Somerset.
After losing their home and livelihood, Raynor and Moth make the desperate decision to keep walking in the hope that, in nature, they will find solace and a sense of acceptance.
With depleted resources and only a tent and the bare essentials between them, every step along the path is a testament to their growing strength and determination.
This is a strikingly cinematic tale of a couple braving the elements, brought to life by two incredible actors. This is Anderson and Isaacs as you’ve never seen them before, conveying physical exhaustion on their faces as much as their bodies.
The Salt Path is a journey that is exhilarating, challenging, and liberating in equal measure. A portrayal of home and how it can be lost and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.
Starring: Gillian Anderson, Jason Isaacs, James Lance
Directed by: Marianne Elliott
Lies We Tell
The daunting, rambling estate of Knowl is no home for a young woman on her own, and certainly not for Maud (Agnes O’Casey, The Miracle Club) - just 18 years old. Freshly burdened with the sudden death of her father, and granted inheritance to his entire estate when she comes of age at 21, Maud is alone, unschooled in the ways of society, and vulnerable. The wolves begin to circle…
In a bewildering turn of events, Uncle Silas (David Wilmot, The Guard) is revealed as Maud’s guardian in her father’s will. A pariah of ‘society’, he is infamous for being a callous and uncaring man.
Silas is furious at being denied his ‘rightful’ inheritance, and in a world designed to constrain women, deploys society’s most underhand weapons to bend Maud to his will.
As family secrets are uncovered, Maud discovers and reclaims her fledgling independence.
Lies We Tell is a chilling and atmospheric gothic tour de force, featuring a star making turn from Agnes O’Casey.
Starring: Agnes O’Casey, David Wilmot
Directed by: Lisa Mulcahy
Screenings
29th October | 6.00pm Book
American Star
Ian McShane brings his brooding star power and presence to this gritty, intelligent and entertaining action thriller.
Wilson (McShane), an assassin on final assignment arrives in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands to kill a man he has never met.
Shortly after arriving, plans change as the target is delayed. Preferring to stay in Fuertaventura rather than return to London, Wilson finds himself drawn to the island, the people, and a ghostly shipwreck.
During the improvised holiday for the Englishman, Wilson forges unlikely connections with Max - a ten-year-old staying at the same hotel with his parents - and Gloria - a young woman who works at a bar in town.
When the target finally arrives on the island, Wilson’s world has shifted. He came to kill a man who he had never laid eyes on. That was simple. Now, nothing will be.
Starring: Ian McShane, Thomas Kretschmann, Nora Arnezeder
Directed by: Gonzalo López-Gallego
Screenings
24th October | 6.00pm Book
Tarrac
Aoife Ni Bhraoin (Kelly Gough, Broadchurch) returns home to help her father Brendan ‘The Bear’ O’Briain (Lorcan Cranitch, Róise & Frank) in his recovery from a heart attack.
During this time, Aoife faces the grief of her mother’s death that she hasn’t dealt with until now. Aoife reacquaints with a group of rowers and this all-female team, who against the odds, take on a high stakes Naomhóg rowing competition.
Tarrac is a drama set at the edge of the world, the coastlines and sea of the Dingle peninsula. A place of wild geography, where the weather and the people have a mind of their own.
Tarrac has warmth and a sense of place. An intimate character study of a woman who through a sporting passion finally manages acceptance and love.
Laced with humour, heart break and exciting action set against the stunning landscapes and seas of the Kerry Gaeltacht, Tarrac is about daring to care again and learning the power of forgiveness.
Starring: Kelly Gough, Lorcan Cranitch, Kate Nic Chonaonaigh
Directed by: Declan Recks
Screenings
30th October | 6.00pm Book
The Radleys
Based on the best-selling novel by Matt Haig, and co-written by comedian Jo Brand, The Radleys is a scarily relatable black comedy with a bite.
The Radleys are an ordinary family, or at least that’s what the neighbours think. No one would suspect that behind all of this, the Radleys hold a dark secret… they are vampires.
Only parents Helen (Kelly Macdonald) and Peter (Damian Lewis) know about the family’s true nature. They are ‘abstainers’, vampires who choose not to drink blood despite their natural cravings.
Their teenagers, vegan Clara and lovesick Rowan, have no idea, until one evening Clara is attacked by a boy in her class and her bloodthirsty instincts take over, forcing her parents to finally reveal the truth.
With these revelations, Rowan begins to question his own identity. The temptation to try his first taste of blood only grows stronger with the arrival of Uncle Will (also played by Lewis), Peter’s twin brother.
A practicing vampire, Will pulls back the curtain on his vampiric life of hedonism and freedom. Will is all swagger and sex appeal, and his presence throws the whole family off their axis, unleashing suppressed desires for parents and teens alike.
Can the family continue to hold back their hidden bloodlust, or will they give in to their true nature?
Starring: Damian Lewis, Kelly Macdonald
Directed by: Euros Lyn
Screenings
7th November | 6.00pm Book
Chuck Chuck Baby
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Chuck Chuck Baby is a film of love, loss and music set amongst the falling feathers of a chicken factory.
Set in present day industrial North Wales, Helen (Louise Brealey, Sherlock) spends her nights packing chickens and her days caring for a dying mother-figure Gwen (Sorcha Cusack, Father Brown).
Helen’s world takes an unexpected turn with the return of Joanne (Annabel Scholey, Split). They were the objects of the other’s unspoken teenage passions twenty years ago. One night, encouraged by Helen, Joanne starts a playful wooing game that re-awakens their youthful feelings.
As they fall in love and lust, Helen’s zest for life returns but Joanne feels the walls closing in as she faces something much darker from her past, and Helen’s painful memories cause her to flee.
Separated and alone, will both women reflect on their unfulfilled chance to break their barriers and allow love to win?
Book your tickets now for this bittersweet, cathartic rush of a romantic comedy-drama.
Starring: Louise Brealey, Annabel Scholey, Sorcha Cusack
Directed by: Janis Pugh
Screenings
6th November | 6.00pm Book
blur: To the End
This revealing documentary follows the unique relationship of four friends - and bandmates of three decades - as they came together in early 2023 to record new songs ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium. Featuring performances of their most iconic songs, footage of the band in the studio and life on the road, blur: To the End is an intimate moment in time with this most enduring of English bands, who have been at the heart of British culture for over three decades.
Starring: Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, Dave Rowntree
Directed by: Toby L.
Screenings
2nd November | 6.15pm Book
blur: Live at Wembley Stadium
Once you’ve seen the documentary, you can't miss the concert! blur: Live at Wembley Stadium is a cinematic two-hour concert film, immortalising their historic 2023 show. This unforgettable performance saw blur perform their iconic and much-loved songs for 150,000 fans in a transcendent, once-in-a-generation performance that delivered a sweep of ecstatic 5 star reviews. This is your chance to see the epic reunion of the best of Britpop on the big screen.
Starring: Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, Dave Rowntree
Directed by: Toby L.
Screenings
2nd November | 8.30pm Book
Light House Cuba
Download venue programmeConclave
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Telluride Film Festival -
From Oscar-winning director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), Conclave is a riveting religious thriller that follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope.
Based on the international best-seller by Robert Harris, Conclave centres on Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope.
Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.
Conclave is packed with twists, turns and revelations, brought to life by an astonishing supporting cast including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini - all at the top of their game.
Having received universal acclaim from its recent premiere at Telluride Film Festival, Conclave simply cannot be missed at this year’s Festival. Book your tickets now to see this incredible acting achievement from one of Britain’s finest thespians - a performance that’s already generating awards season buzz.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini
Directed by: Edward Berger
We Live in Time
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Oscar nominees Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh deliver beautifully nuanced performances in this creatively structured romance drama from BAFTA-winning director John Crowley (Brooklyn, The Goldfinch).
Tobias (Garfield) and Almut’s (Pugh) relationship has never had a dull moment. Since meeting after Almut accidentally ran over Tobias with her car, their time together has been chock-full of striking scenarios.
Audiences will experience Tobias and Almut’s past, present and future collide in a story told across three distinct phases in the couple’s lives.
As they embark on a path challenged by the limits of time, Tobias and Almut must learn to cherish each moment of the unconventional route their love story has taken.
Pugh is breathtaking as a young woman trying to balance personal relationships with professional ambitions, while Garfield gives a career-best performance as a recent divorcée slowly revealing a deep well of intense emotion.
The powerhouse duo guarantee that the intricately told We Live in Time is a Festival must-see.
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh
Directed by: John Crowley
The Return
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Reunited for the first time since The English Patient, Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche star in this gritty retelling of Odysseus' return home from war.
After 20 years away, Odysseus (Fiennes) washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognisable. The King has finally returned home but much has changed in his kingdom since he left to fight in the Trojan war.
His beloved wife Penelope (Binoche) is now a prisoner in her own home, hounded by her many ambitious suitors to choose a new husband, a new king. Their son Telemachus, who has grown up fatherless, is facing death at the hands of the suitors who see him as an obstacle in their relentless pursuit of Penelope and the kingdom.
Odysseus has changed too. Scarred by his experience of war, he is no longer the mighty warrior his people remember. But he is forced to face his past in order to rediscover the strength needed to save his family and win back the love he has lost.
You won't want to miss two of the greatest actors of their generation take on Homer's classic tale in The Return.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Charlie Plummer
Directed by: Uberto Pasolini
Bird
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes -
Renowned English filmmaker Andrea Arnold (Wuthering Heights, American Honey) marries fantasy and reality in this moving coming-of-age tale.
Twelve-year-old Bailey (played by talented newcomer Nykiya Adams) lives with her single dad Bug (Barry Keoghan, The Banshees of Inisherin, Saltburn) and brother Hunter in a squat in North Kent.
Soon to be marrying his new girlfriend, Bug doesn’t have much time for his kids, and Bailey’s mother lives with a violent, cruel man.
Bailey seeks attention and adventure elsewhere, often retreating to the open fields on the outskirts of her hometown. It is here she is able to connect with herself and nature.
While on one of these walks, Bailey has a deeply meaningful encounter with the mysterious figure Bird (Franz Rogowski, A Hidden Life).
Bailey and Bird form a strong bond through their shared position as outsiders, helping the fledgling teen to confront her difficult home life.
Tackling themes such as identity, sexism, loneliness, and class struggle, Bird is a compelling, ultimately joyous ode to the wondrous transition from childhood to adolescence.
Starring: Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski, Nykiya Adams
Directed by: Andrea Arnold
Firebrand
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes -
In blood-soaked Tudor England, Katherine Parr (Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander), the sixth and last wife of King Henry VIII (Jude Law), is named Regent while tyrant Henry is fighting overseas.
Katherine has done everything she can to push for a new future based on her radical Protestant beliefs. On Henry's return, she finds herself fighting for her own survival as conspiracy spreads through the palace.
Everyone holds their breath; for the queen to slip up, and for Henry to take her head like his wives before.
With the hope for a future free of tyranny at risk, will Katherine submit to the inevitable for the sake of King and country?
Featuring riveting performances from Vikander and Law, Firebrand “rescues an inspiring woman from history’s footnotes” (Hollywood Reporter).
Starring: Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Eddie Marsan
Directed by: Karim Aïnouz
Widow Clicquot
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Based on the New York Times best-selling biography, Widow Clicquot is a visually impressive tale of resilience that leaves a pleasing aftertaste on the palette.
The film tells the true story of the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (Haley Bennett, Cyrano) who, at the age of 20, became Madame Clicquot after marrying the scion of a winemaking family.
Though their marriage was arranged, a timeless love blossomed between the Grande Dame and her unconventional, erratic husband, François (Tom Sturridge, The Boat That Rocked).
After her husband’s untimely death, Barbe-Nicole flouts convention by assuming the reins of the fledgling wine business they had nurtured together.
Steering the company through dizzying political and financial reversals, she defies her critics and revolutionizes the champagne industry to become one of the world’s first great entrepreneurs.
Widow Clicquot is a toast to the perseverance of unshakeable women.
Starring: Haley Bennett, Tom Sturridge, Sam Riley
Directed by: Thomas Napper
The Salt Path
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Based on the Sunday Times best-seller by Raynor Winn, The Salt Path is the profound true story of husband and wife, Raynor (Gillian Anderson) and Moth (Jason Isaacs) Winn’s 630 mile trek along the beautiful but rugged English coast, from Dorset to Somerset.
After losing their home and livelihood, Raynor and Moth make the desperate decision to keep walking in the hope that, in nature, they will find solace and a sense of acceptance.
With depleted resources and only a tent and the bare essentials between them, every step along the path is a testament to their growing strength and determination.
This is a strikingly cinematic tale of a couple braving the elements, brought to life by two incredible actors. This is Anderson and Isaacs as you’ve never seen them before, conveying physical exhaustion on their faces as much as their bodies.
The Salt Path is a journey that is exhilarating, challenging, and liberating in equal measure. A portrayal of home and how it can be lost and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.
Starring: Gillian Anderson, Jason Isaacs, James Lance
Directed by: Marianne Elliott
Four Letters of Love
Nicholas (Fionn O’Shea, Normal People) and Isabel (Ann Skelly, Vikings) are made for each other, but fate does not always choose the easiest path to true love. As destiny pulls them together, so do family, passion, and faith drive them apart.
Nicholas’ father, William (Pierce Brosnan), comes home one day to shatter his family’s quiet, modest life. He tells them that in a moment of divine intervention, God has instructed him to dedicate his life to painting. He quits his job and sets off for the coast, leaving his shellshocked wife and son to fend for themselves. Meanwhile Isabel and her family live a charmed existence on a nearby small neighbouring island, their house full of music and poetry.
When tragedy strikes and her brother suffers a terrible accident, the music stops, and Isabel’s parents (Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne) decide in their grief to send Isabel to a convent school on the mainland.
The young lovers embark on their own individual journeys of heartache and misplaced love, before fate contrives to pull the threads of their lives together. When they meet, it will be like a miracle.
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne
Directed by: Polly Steele
Lies We Tell
The daunting, rambling estate of Knowl is no home for a young woman on her own, and certainly not for Maud (Agnes O’Casey, The Miracle Club) - just 18 years old. Freshly burdened with the sudden death of her father, and granted inheritance to his entire estate when she comes of age at 21, Maud is alone, unschooled in the ways of society, and vulnerable. The wolves begin to circle…
In a bewildering turn of events, Uncle Silas (David Wilmot, The Guard) is revealed as Maud’s guardian in her father’s will. A pariah of ‘society’, he is infamous for being a callous and uncaring man.
Silas is furious at being denied his ‘rightful’ inheritance, and in a world designed to constrain women, deploys society’s most underhand weapons to bend Maud to his will.
As family secrets are uncovered, Maud discovers and reclaims her fledgling independence.
Lies We Tell is a chilling and atmospheric gothic tour de force, featuring a star making turn from Agnes O’Casey.
Starring: Agnes O’Casey, David Wilmot
Directed by: Lisa Mulcahy
American Star
Ian McShane brings his brooding star power and presence to this gritty, intelligent and entertaining action thriller.
Wilson (McShane), an assassin on final assignment arrives in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands to kill a man he has never met.
Shortly after arriving, plans change as the target is delayed. Preferring to stay in Fuertaventura rather than return to London, Wilson finds himself drawn to the island, the people, and a ghostly shipwreck.
During the improvised holiday for the Englishman, Wilson forges unlikely connections with Max - a ten-year-old staying at the same hotel with his parents - and Gloria - a young woman who works at a bar in town.
When the target finally arrives on the island, Wilson’s world has shifted. He came to kill a man who he had never laid eyes on. That was simple. Now, nothing will be.
Starring: Ian McShane, Thomas Kretschmann, Nora Arnezeder
Directed by: Gonzalo López-Gallego
Tarrac
Aoife Ni Bhraoin (Kelly Gough, Broadchurch) returns home to help her father Brendan ‘The Bear’ O’Briain (Lorcan Cranitch, Róise & Frank) in his recovery from a heart attack.
During this time, Aoife faces the grief of her mother’s death that she hasn’t dealt with until now. Aoife reacquaints with a group of rowers and this all-female team, who against the odds, take on a high stakes Naomhóg rowing competition.
Tarrac is a drama set at the edge of the world, the coastlines and sea of the Dingle peninsula. A place of wild geography, where the weather and the people have a mind of their own.
Tarrac has warmth and a sense of place. An intimate character study of a woman who through a sporting passion finally manages acceptance and love.
Laced with humour, heart break and exciting action set against the stunning landscapes and seas of the Kerry Gaeltacht, Tarrac is about daring to care again and learning the power of forgiveness.
Starring: Kelly Gough, Lorcan Cranitch, Kate Nic Chonaonaigh
Directed by: Declan Recks
Poison
Based on the acclaimed play by Lot Vekemans, Poison follows estranged couple Lucas (Tim Roth, Pulp Fiction) and Edith (Trine Dyrholm, Mary & George), who haven't seen each other in ten years.
Prompted by a mysterious summons from Edith, the couple reunite at a tragic location from their past.
As their brief but intense meeting unfolds, Lucas and Edith revisit their shared past, bringing simmering pain and resentments to the surface. But these reflections also remind the pair of the cherished intimacies and love they once shared.
Featuring skilled performances from award-winners Roth and Dyrholm, Poison is a compelling drama that will stay with you long after you have left the cinema.
Starring: Tim Roth, Trine Dyrholm
Directed by: Désirée Nosbusch
The Radleys
Based on the best-selling novel by Matt Haig, and co-written by comedian Jo Brand, The Radleys is a scarily relatable black comedy with a bite.
The Radleys are an ordinary family, or at least that’s what the neighbours think. No one would suspect that behind all of this, the Radleys hold a dark secret… they are vampires.
Only parents Helen (Kelly Macdonald) and Peter (Damian Lewis) know about the family’s true nature. They are ‘abstainers’, vampires who choose not to drink blood despite their natural cravings.
Their teenagers, vegan Clara and lovesick Rowan, have no idea, until one evening Clara is attacked by a boy in her class and her bloodthirsty instincts take over, forcing her parents to finally reveal the truth.
With these revelations, Rowan begins to question his own identity. The temptation to try his first taste of blood only grows stronger with the arrival of Uncle Will (also played by Lewis), Peter’s twin brother.
A practicing vampire, Will pulls back the curtain on his vampiric life of hedonism and freedom. Will is all swagger and sex appeal, and his presence throws the whole family off their axis, unleashing suppressed desires for parents and teens alike.
Can the family continue to hold back their hidden bloodlust, or will they give in to their true nature?
Starring: Damian Lewis, Kelly Macdonald
Directed by: Euros Lyn
The Problem with People
The Problem with People, set in beautifully lush Irish countryside, is a heartwarming comedy about family, world peace... and sheep.
Honouring his father’s last wish to reunite with the American side of his family, Irishman Ciáran (Colm Meaney, Layer Cake) calls his cousin, Barry (Paul Reiser, Mad About You), out of the blue with the offer for him to visit his homeland.
Barry, keen to escape from the daily grind of his New York real estate firm, agrees to make the long trip over.
However, after an initially warm welcome, tensions soon boil over when it’s discovered that Barry has unexpectedly been left half the money in Ciáran’s father’s will.
With the two men now torn apart by greed and jealousy, resulting in a feud that spirals into a series of pretty squabbles and disastrous hijinks, will they ever be able to give peace a chance again?
An incredibly witty script (co-written by Reiser) and the spectacular chemistry between the two leads makes The Problem with People a delightful trip to the Emerald Isle.
Starring: Colm Meaney, Paul Reiser, Jane Levy
Directed by: Chris Cottam
Chuck Chuck Baby
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Chuck Chuck Baby is a film of love, loss and music set amongst the falling feathers of a chicken factory.
Set in present day industrial North Wales, Helen (Louise Brealey, Sherlock) spends her nights packing chickens and her days caring for a dying mother-figure Gwen (Sorcha Cusack, Father Brown).
Helen’s world takes an unexpected turn with the return of Joanne (Annabel Scholey, Split). They were the objects of the other’s unspoken teenage passions twenty years ago. One night, encouraged by Helen, Joanne starts a playful wooing game that re-awakens their youthful feelings.
As they fall in love and lust, Helen’s zest for life returns but Joanne feels the walls closing in as she faces something much darker from her past, and Helen’s painful memories cause her to flee.
Separated and alone, will both women reflect on their unfulfilled chance to break their barriers and allow love to win?
Book your tickets now for this bittersweet, cathartic rush of a romantic comedy-drama.
Starring: Louise Brealey, Annabel Scholey, Sorcha Cusack
Directed by: Janis Pugh
Timestalker
The hilariously inventive Timestalker is a romantic comedy about the eternal humiliation that is the search for love, spanning the most romantic epochs of history right into the future.
Timestalker follows hapless heroine Agnes (Alice Lowe, Sightseers) through time as she repeatedly falls for the wrong guy, dies a grim death, gets reincarnated a century later, before meeting him again and starting the cycle anew.
It is one story told over many periods, all with the messy thrills and spills that come with daring to follow your heart. Or maybe your loins...
Agnes’ only hope in avoiding this violent fate is by finally reaching spiritual enlightenment; but how can she ever wise up when she’s destined to be a fool for love? Some lessons are just too hard to learn in one lifetime.
Timestalker features an excellent supporting cast, including Nick Frost, Jacob Anderson (Game of Thrones), Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education), Aneurin Barnard (Dunkirk) and Kate Dickie (The Witch).
Starring: Alice Lowe, Nick Frost, Jacob Anderson, Tanya Reynolds
Directed by: Alice Lowe
blur: To the End
This revealing documentary follows the unique relationship of four friends - and bandmates of three decades - as they came together in early 2023 to record new songs ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium. Featuring performances of their most iconic songs, footage of the band in the studio and life on the road, blur: To the End is an intimate moment in time with this most enduring of English bands, who have been at the heart of British culture for over three decades.
Starring: Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, Dave Rowntree
Directed by: Toby L.
blur: Live at Wembley Stadium
Once you’ve seen the documentary, you can't miss the concert! blur: Live at Wembley Stadium is a cinematic two-hour concert film, immortalising their historic 2023 show. This unforgettable performance saw blur perform their iconic and much-loved songs for 150,000 fans in a transcendent, once-in-a-generation performance that delivered a sweep of ecstatic 5 star reviews. This is your chance to see the epic reunion of the best of Britpop on the big screen.
Starring: Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, Dave Rowntree
Directed by: Toby L.
Screenings
28th October | 8.00pm Book
High & Low - John Galliano
Directed by Academy-Award winner Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland), High & Low - John Galliano delves into the captivating and complex life of the flamboyant and iconoclastic head designer at Dior, John Galliano, who soared to unimaginable heights before experiencing a public downfall that shattered his career.
The documentary explores the dichotomy of Galliano’s persona. It showcases his artistic genius as one of the most important fashion designers in history, alongside his struggles with addiction.
The film features intimate interviews with Galliano himself, offering a rare glimpse into his perspective and search for redemption. It also features candid interviews from renowned figures in the fashion world such as Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour and Sidney Toledano, providing a multifaceted understanding of Galliano’s impact on the fashion industry.
Starring: John Galliano, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour
Directed by: Kevin Macdonald
Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger
Martin Scorsese first encountered the films of Powell and Pressburger when he was a child, sitting in front of the family TV. When their famous logo came up on screen, Scorsese says, "You knew you were in for fantasy, wonder, magic - real film magic."
Now, in this documentary, he tells the story of his lifelong love-affair with their movies, including The Life and Death Of Colonel Blimp, Black Narcissus, The Red Shoes and The Tales of Hoffmann. "Certain films you simply run all the time and you live with them." Scorsese says. "As you grow older they grow deeper. I’m not sure how it happens, but it does. For me, that body of work is a wondrous presence, a constant source of energy, and a reminder of what life and art are all about."
Drawing on a rich array of archive material, Scorsese explores in full the collaboration between the Englishman Powell and the Hungarian Pressburger - two romantics and idealists, who thrived in the face of adversity during World War II but were eventually brought low by the film industry of the 1950's.
Scorsese celebrates their ability to create "subversive commercial movies" and describes how deeply their films have influenced his own work.
Starring: Martin Scorsese
Directed by: David Hinton
Wilding
Based on Isabella Tree’s best-selling memoir by the same name, the visually stunning documentary Wilding tells the story of a young couple that bets on nature for the future of their failing, 400-year-old estate.
Isabella and husband Charlie Burrell battle entrenched tradition, and dare to place the fate of their farm in the hands of nature.
Ripping down the fences, they set the land back to the wild and entrust its recovery to a motley mix of animals both tame and wild.
It is the beginning of a grand experiment that will become one of the most significant rewilding projects in Europe.
With footage captured over a number of years, this lovingly crafted breath of fresh air will let audiences witness nature flourish like they've never seen before.
Directed by: David Allen
Howards End
Nominated for nine Oscars and winning three at the 1993 Academy Awards, this dazzling adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel has cemented itself as a classic of the genre. Set in Edwardian England, class distinctions and troubled relations affect the relationships between two families and the ownership of a cherished British estate known as Howards End. Returning to cinemas for this year’s Festival, now is your chance to see this acclaimed masterwork on the big screen, newly restored in 4K.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson
Directed by: James Ivory
Screenings
6th November | 1.00pm Book
The Remains of the Day
In 1993, Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson reunited with the acclaimed Merchant Ivory filmmaking team for this extraordinary and moving story of blind devotion and repressed love. Based on the best-selling novel by Novel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro, the film follows head butler Stevens (Hopkins), whose world of manners and decorum is tested by the arrival of housekeeper Miss Kenton (Thompson). A smart, elegant continuation of the Merchant ivory cinematic celebration - restored in 4K.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Christopher Reeve, Hugh Grant
Directed by: James Ivory
Merchant Ivory
Merchant Ivory is the first definitive feature documentary to lend new and compelling perspectives on the partnership, both professional and personal, of director James Ivory (Oscar-winning writer of Call Me By Your Name), and producer Ismail Merchant.
Footage from more than fifty interviews, clips, and archival material gives voice to the family of actors and technicians who helped define Merchant Ivory’s Academy Award-winning work of consummate quality and intelligence.
With six Oscar winners among the notable artists participating, these close and often long-term collaborators intimately detail the transformational cinematic creativity and personal and professional drama of the wandering company that left an indelible impact on film culture.
As well as watching this fascinating insight into the collaboration behind such classics, don't miss the chance to revisit their acclaimed works Howards End and The Remains of the Day.
Starring: James Ivory, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter
Directed by: Stephen Soucy
The Stones and Brian Jones
Nick Broomfield’s engrossing new documentary The Stones and Brian Jones uncovers the true story and legacy of Brian Jones, the founder and creative genius of The Rolling Stones.
As a schoolboy aged 14, Nick Broomfield met Brian Jones, by chance, on a train. Brian was at the height of his success, with the world at his feet, yet just six years later he would be dead.
This documentary looks at the relationships and rivalries within The Rolling Stones in those formative years. It explores the iconoclastic freedom and exuberance of the 60s, a time of intergenerational conflict and sexual turmoil which reflects on where we are today.
Featuring revealing interviews with all the main players and unseen archival footage released for the first time, The Stones and Brian Jones explores the creative musical genius of Jones, key to the success of the band, and uncovers how the founder of what became the greatest rock & roll band in the world was left behind in the shadows of history.
Starring: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones
Directed by: Nick Broomfield
Light House Pauatahanui
Download venue programmeConclave
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Telluride Film Festival -
From Oscar-winning director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), Conclave is a riveting religious thriller that follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope.
Based on the international best-seller by Robert Harris, Conclave centres on Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope.
Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.
Conclave is packed with twists, turns and revelations, brought to life by an astonishing supporting cast including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini - all at the top of their game.
Having received universal acclaim from its recent premiere at Telluride Film Festival, Conclave simply cannot be missed at this year’s Festival. Book your tickets now to see this incredible acting achievement from one of Britain’s finest thespians - a performance that’s already generating awards season buzz.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini
Directed by: Edward Berger
We Live in Time
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Oscar nominees Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh deliver beautifully nuanced performances in this creatively structured romance drama from BAFTA-winning director John Crowley (Brooklyn, The Goldfinch).
Tobias (Garfield) and Almut’s (Pugh) relationship has never had a dull moment. Since meeting after Almut accidentally ran over Tobias with her car, their time together has been chock-full of striking scenarios.
Audiences will experience Tobias and Almut’s past, present and future collide in a story told across three distinct phases in the couple’s lives.
As they embark on a path challenged by the limits of time, Tobias and Almut must learn to cherish each moment of the unconventional route their love story has taken.
Pugh is breathtaking as a young woman trying to balance personal relationships with professional ambitions, while Garfield gives a career-best performance as a recent divorcée slowly revealing a deep well of intense emotion.
The powerhouse duo guarantee that the intricately told We Live in Time is a Festival must-see.
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh
Directed by: John Crowley
The Return
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Reunited for the first time since The English Patient, Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche star in this gritty retelling of Odysseus' return home from war.
After 20 years away, Odysseus (Fiennes) washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognisable. The King has finally returned home but much has changed in his kingdom since he left to fight in the Trojan war.
His beloved wife Penelope (Binoche) is now a prisoner in her own home, hounded by her many ambitious suitors to choose a new husband, a new king. Their son Telemachus, who has grown up fatherless, is facing death at the hands of the suitors who see him as an obstacle in their relentless pursuit of Penelope and the kingdom.
Odysseus has changed too. Scarred by his experience of war, he is no longer the mighty warrior his people remember. But he is forced to face his past in order to rediscover the strength needed to save his family and win back the love he has lost.
You won't want to miss two of the greatest actors of their generation take on Homer's classic tale in The Return.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Charlie Plummer
Directed by: Uberto Pasolini
Bird
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes -
Renowned English filmmaker Andrea Arnold (Wuthering Heights, American Honey) marries fantasy and reality in this moving coming-of-age tale.
Twelve-year-old Bailey (played by talented newcomer Nykiya Adams) lives with her single dad Bug (Barry Keoghan, The Banshees of Inisherin, Saltburn) and brother Hunter in a squat in North Kent.
Soon to be marrying his new girlfriend, Bug doesn’t have much time for his kids, and Bailey’s mother lives with a violent, cruel man.
Bailey seeks attention and adventure elsewhere, often retreating to the open fields on the outskirts of her hometown. It is here she is able to connect with herself and nature.
While on one of these walks, Bailey has a deeply meaningful encounter with the mysterious figure Bird (Franz Rogowski, A Hidden Life).
Bailey and Bird form a strong bond through their shared position as outsiders, helping the fledgling teen to confront her difficult home life.
Tackling themes such as identity, sexism, loneliness, and class struggle, Bird is a compelling, ultimately joyous ode to the wondrous transition from childhood to adolescence.
Starring: Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski, Nykiya Adams
Directed by: Andrea Arnold
Screenings
24th October | 5.45pm Book
Firebrand
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes -
In blood-soaked Tudor England, Katherine Parr (Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander), the sixth and last wife of King Henry VIII (Jude Law), is named Regent while tyrant Henry is fighting overseas.
Katherine has done everything she can to push for a new future based on her radical Protestant beliefs. On Henry's return, she finds herself fighting for her own survival as conspiracy spreads through the palace.
Everyone holds their breath; for the queen to slip up, and for Henry to take her head like his wives before.
With the hope for a future free of tyranny at risk, will Katherine submit to the inevitable for the sake of King and country?
Featuring riveting performances from Vikander and Law, Firebrand “rescues an inspiring woman from history’s footnotes” (Hollywood Reporter).
Starring: Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Eddie Marsan
Directed by: Karim Aïnouz
Widow Clicquot
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Based on the New York Times best-selling biography, Widow Clicquot is a visually impressive tale of resilience that leaves a pleasing aftertaste on the palette.
The film tells the true story of the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (Haley Bennett, Cyrano) who, at the age of 20, became Madame Clicquot after marrying the scion of a winemaking family.
Though their marriage was arranged, a timeless love blossomed between the Grande Dame and her unconventional, erratic husband, François (Tom Sturridge, The Boat That Rocked).
After her husband’s untimely death, Barbe-Nicole flouts convention by assuming the reins of the fledgling wine business they had nurtured together.
Steering the company through dizzying political and financial reversals, she defies her critics and revolutionizes the champagne industry to become one of the world’s first great entrepreneurs.
Widow Clicquot is a toast to the perseverance of unshakeable women.
Starring: Haley Bennett, Tom Sturridge, Sam Riley
Directed by: Thomas Napper
The Salt Path
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Based on the Sunday Times best-seller by Raynor Winn, The Salt Path is the profound true story of husband and wife, Raynor (Gillian Anderson) and Moth (Jason Isaacs) Winn’s 630 mile trek along the beautiful but rugged English coast, from Dorset to Somerset.
After losing their home and livelihood, Raynor and Moth make the desperate decision to keep walking in the hope that, in nature, they will find solace and a sense of acceptance.
With depleted resources and only a tent and the bare essentials between them, every step along the path is a testament to their growing strength and determination.
This is a strikingly cinematic tale of a couple braving the elements, brought to life by two incredible actors. This is Anderson and Isaacs as you’ve never seen them before, conveying physical exhaustion on their faces as much as their bodies.
The Salt Path is a journey that is exhilarating, challenging, and liberating in equal measure. A portrayal of home and how it can be lost and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.
Starring: Gillian Anderson, Jason Isaacs, James Lance
Directed by: Marianne Elliott
Four Letters of Love
Nicholas (Fionn O’Shea, Normal People) and Isabel (Ann Skelly, Vikings) are made for each other, but fate does not always choose the easiest path to true love. As destiny pulls them together, so do family, passion, and faith drive them apart.
Nicholas’ father, William (Pierce Brosnan), comes home one day to shatter his family’s quiet, modest life. He tells them that in a moment of divine intervention, God has instructed him to dedicate his life to painting. He quits his job and sets off for the coast, leaving his shellshocked wife and son to fend for themselves. Meanwhile Isabel and her family live a charmed existence on a nearby small neighbouring island, their house full of music and poetry.
When tragedy strikes and her brother suffers a terrible accident, the music stops, and Isabel’s parents (Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne) decide in their grief to send Isabel to a convent school on the mainland.
The young lovers embark on their own individual journeys of heartache and misplaced love, before fate contrives to pull the threads of their lives together. When they meet, it will be like a miracle.
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne
Directed by: Polly Steele
Lies We Tell
The daunting, rambling estate of Knowl is no home for a young woman on her own, and certainly not for Maud (Agnes O’Casey, The Miracle Club) - just 18 years old. Freshly burdened with the sudden death of her father, and granted inheritance to his entire estate when she comes of age at 21, Maud is alone, unschooled in the ways of society, and vulnerable. The wolves begin to circle…
In a bewildering turn of events, Uncle Silas (David Wilmot, The Guard) is revealed as Maud’s guardian in her father’s will. A pariah of ‘society’, he is infamous for being a callous and uncaring man.
Silas is furious at being denied his ‘rightful’ inheritance, and in a world designed to constrain women, deploys society’s most underhand weapons to bend Maud to his will.
As family secrets are uncovered, Maud discovers and reclaims her fledgling independence.
Lies We Tell is a chilling and atmospheric gothic tour de force, featuring a star making turn from Agnes O’Casey.
Starring: Agnes O’Casey, David Wilmot
Directed by: Lisa Mulcahy
Screenings
8th November | 1.00pm Book
American Star
Ian McShane brings his brooding star power and presence to this gritty, intelligent and entertaining action thriller.
Wilson (McShane), an assassin on final assignment arrives in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands to kill a man he has never met.
Shortly after arriving, plans change as the target is delayed. Preferring to stay in Fuertaventura rather than return to London, Wilson finds himself drawn to the island, the people, and a ghostly shipwreck.
During the improvised holiday for the Englishman, Wilson forges unlikely connections with Max - a ten-year-old staying at the same hotel with his parents - and Gloria - a young woman who works at a bar in town.
When the target finally arrives on the island, Wilson’s world has shifted. He came to kill a man who he had never laid eyes on. That was simple. Now, nothing will be.
Starring: Ian McShane, Thomas Kretschmann, Nora Arnezeder
Directed by: Gonzalo López-Gallego
Tarrac
Aoife Ni Bhraoin (Kelly Gough, Broadchurch) returns home to help her father Brendan ‘The Bear’ O’Briain (Lorcan Cranitch, Róise & Frank) in his recovery from a heart attack.
During this time, Aoife faces the grief of her mother’s death that she hasn’t dealt with until now. Aoife reacquaints with a group of rowers and this all-female team, who against the odds, take on a high stakes Naomhóg rowing competition.
Tarrac is a drama set at the edge of the world, the coastlines and sea of the Dingle peninsula. A place of wild geography, where the weather and the people have a mind of their own.
Tarrac has warmth and a sense of place. An intimate character study of a woman who through a sporting passion finally manages acceptance and love.
Laced with humour, heart break and exciting action set against the stunning landscapes and seas of the Kerry Gaeltacht, Tarrac is about daring to care again and learning the power of forgiveness.
Starring: Kelly Gough, Lorcan Cranitch, Kate Nic Chonaonaigh
Directed by: Declan Recks
Poison
Based on the acclaimed play by Lot Vekemans, Poison follows estranged couple Lucas (Tim Roth, Pulp Fiction) and Edith (Trine Dyrholm, Mary & George), who haven't seen each other in ten years.
Prompted by a mysterious summons from Edith, the couple reunite at a tragic location from their past.
As their brief but intense meeting unfolds, Lucas and Edith revisit their shared past, bringing simmering pain and resentments to the surface. But these reflections also remind the pair of the cherished intimacies and love they once shared.
Featuring skilled performances from award-winners Roth and Dyrholm, Poison is a compelling drama that will stay with you long after you have left the cinema.
Starring: Tim Roth, Trine Dyrholm
Directed by: Désirée Nosbusch
Screenings
5th November | 1.30pm Book
The Radleys
Based on the best-selling novel by Matt Haig, and co-written by comedian Jo Brand, The Radleys is a scarily relatable black comedy with a bite.
The Radleys are an ordinary family, or at least that’s what the neighbours think. No one would suspect that behind all of this, the Radleys hold a dark secret… they are vampires.
Only parents Helen (Kelly Macdonald) and Peter (Damian Lewis) know about the family’s true nature. They are ‘abstainers’, vampires who choose not to drink blood despite their natural cravings.
Their teenagers, vegan Clara and lovesick Rowan, have no idea, until one evening Clara is attacked by a boy in her class and her bloodthirsty instincts take over, forcing her parents to finally reveal the truth.
With these revelations, Rowan begins to question his own identity. The temptation to try his first taste of blood only grows stronger with the arrival of Uncle Will (also played by Lewis), Peter’s twin brother.
A practicing vampire, Will pulls back the curtain on his vampiric life of hedonism and freedom. Will is all swagger and sex appeal, and his presence throws the whole family off their axis, unleashing suppressed desires for parents and teens alike.
Can the family continue to hold back their hidden bloodlust, or will they give in to their true nature?
Starring: Damian Lewis, Kelly Macdonald
Directed by: Euros Lyn
The Problem with People
The Problem with People, set in beautifully lush Irish countryside, is a heartwarming comedy about family, world peace... and sheep.
Honouring his father’s last wish to reunite with the American side of his family, Irishman Ciáran (Colm Meaney, Layer Cake) calls his cousin, Barry (Paul Reiser, Mad About You), out of the blue with the offer for him to visit his homeland.
Barry, keen to escape from the daily grind of his New York real estate firm, agrees to make the long trip over.
However, after an initially warm welcome, tensions soon boil over when it’s discovered that Barry has unexpectedly been left half the money in Ciáran’s father’s will.
With the two men now torn apart by greed and jealousy, resulting in a feud that spirals into a series of pretty squabbles and disastrous hijinks, will they ever be able to give peace a chance again?
An incredibly witty script (co-written by Reiser) and the spectacular chemistry between the two leads makes The Problem with People a delightful trip to the Emerald Isle.
Starring: Colm Meaney, Paul Reiser, Jane Levy
Directed by: Chris Cottam
Chuck Chuck Baby
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Chuck Chuck Baby is a film of love, loss and music set amongst the falling feathers of a chicken factory.
Set in present day industrial North Wales, Helen (Louise Brealey, Sherlock) spends her nights packing chickens and her days caring for a dying mother-figure Gwen (Sorcha Cusack, Father Brown).
Helen’s world takes an unexpected turn with the return of Joanne (Annabel Scholey, Split). They were the objects of the other’s unspoken teenage passions twenty years ago. One night, encouraged by Helen, Joanne starts a playful wooing game that re-awakens their youthful feelings.
As they fall in love and lust, Helen’s zest for life returns but Joanne feels the walls closing in as she faces something much darker from her past, and Helen’s painful memories cause her to flee.
Separated and alone, will both women reflect on their unfulfilled chance to break their barriers and allow love to win?
Book your tickets now for this bittersweet, cathartic rush of a romantic comedy-drama.
Starring: Louise Brealey, Annabel Scholey, Sorcha Cusack
Directed by: Janis Pugh
Timestalker
The hilariously inventive Timestalker is a romantic comedy about the eternal humiliation that is the search for love, spanning the most romantic epochs of history right into the future.
Timestalker follows hapless heroine Agnes (Alice Lowe, Sightseers) through time as she repeatedly falls for the wrong guy, dies a grim death, gets reincarnated a century later, before meeting him again and starting the cycle anew.
It is one story told over many periods, all with the messy thrills and spills that come with daring to follow your heart. Or maybe your loins...
Agnes’ only hope in avoiding this violent fate is by finally reaching spiritual enlightenment; but how can she ever wise up when she’s destined to be a fool for love? Some lessons are just too hard to learn in one lifetime.
Timestalker features an excellent supporting cast, including Nick Frost, Jacob Anderson (Game of Thrones), Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education), Aneurin Barnard (Dunkirk) and Kate Dickie (The Witch).
Starring: Alice Lowe, Nick Frost, Jacob Anderson, Tanya Reynolds
Directed by: Alice Lowe
High & Low - John Galliano
Directed by Academy-Award winner Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland), High & Low - John Galliano delves into the captivating and complex life of the flamboyant and iconoclastic head designer at Dior, John Galliano, who soared to unimaginable heights before experiencing a public downfall that shattered his career.
The documentary explores the dichotomy of Galliano’s persona. It showcases his artistic genius as one of the most important fashion designers in history, alongside his struggles with addiction.
The film features intimate interviews with Galliano himself, offering a rare glimpse into his perspective and search for redemption. It also features candid interviews from renowned figures in the fashion world such as Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour and Sidney Toledano, providing a multifaceted understanding of Galliano’s impact on the fashion industry.
Starring: John Galliano, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour
Directed by: Kevin Macdonald
Screenings
5th November | 11.00am Book
Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger
Martin Scorsese first encountered the films of Powell and Pressburger when he was a child, sitting in front of the family TV. When their famous logo came up on screen, Scorsese says, "You knew you were in for fantasy, wonder, magic - real film magic."
Now, in this documentary, he tells the story of his lifelong love-affair with their movies, including The Life and Death Of Colonel Blimp, Black Narcissus, The Red Shoes and The Tales of Hoffmann. "Certain films you simply run all the time and you live with them." Scorsese says. "As you grow older they grow deeper. I’m not sure how it happens, but it does. For me, that body of work is a wondrous presence, a constant source of energy, and a reminder of what life and art are all about."
Drawing on a rich array of archive material, Scorsese explores in full the collaboration between the Englishman Powell and the Hungarian Pressburger - two romantics and idealists, who thrived in the face of adversity during World War II but were eventually brought low by the film industry of the 1950's.
Scorsese celebrates their ability to create "subversive commercial movies" and describes how deeply their films have influenced his own work.
Starring: Martin Scorsese
Directed by: David Hinton
Screenings
30th October | 5.45pm Book
Wilding
Based on Isabella Tree’s best-selling memoir by the same name, the visually stunning documentary Wilding tells the story of a young couple that bets on nature for the future of their failing, 400-year-old estate.
Isabella and husband Charlie Burrell battle entrenched tradition, and dare to place the fate of their farm in the hands of nature.
Ripping down the fences, they set the land back to the wild and entrust its recovery to a motley mix of animals both tame and wild.
It is the beginning of a grand experiment that will become one of the most significant rewilding projects in Europe.
With footage captured over a number of years, this lovingly crafted breath of fresh air will let audiences witness nature flourish like they've never seen before.
Directed by: David Allen
Howards End
Nominated for nine Oscars and winning three at the 1993 Academy Awards, this dazzling adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel has cemented itself as a classic of the genre. Set in Edwardian England, class distinctions and troubled relations affect the relationships between two families and the ownership of a cherished British estate known as Howards End. Returning to cinemas for this year’s Festival, now is your chance to see this acclaimed masterwork on the big screen, newly restored in 4K.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson
Directed by: James Ivory
The Remains of the Day
In 1993, Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson reunited with the acclaimed Merchant Ivory filmmaking team for this extraordinary and moving story of blind devotion and repressed love. Based on the best-selling novel by Novel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro, the film follows head butler Stevens (Hopkins), whose world of manners and decorum is tested by the arrival of housekeeper Miss Kenton (Thompson). A smart, elegant continuation of the Merchant ivory cinematic celebration - restored in 4K.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Christopher Reeve, Hugh Grant
Directed by: James Ivory
Merchant Ivory
Merchant Ivory is the first definitive feature documentary to lend new and compelling perspectives on the partnership, both professional and personal, of director James Ivory (Oscar-winning writer of Call Me By Your Name), and producer Ismail Merchant.
Footage from more than fifty interviews, clips, and archival material gives voice to the family of actors and technicians who helped define Merchant Ivory’s Academy Award-winning work of consummate quality and intelligence.
With six Oscar winners among the notable artists participating, these close and often long-term collaborators intimately detail the transformational cinematic creativity and personal and professional drama of the wandering company that left an indelible impact on film culture.
As well as watching this fascinating insight into the collaboration behind such classics, don't miss the chance to revisit their acclaimed works Howards End and The Remains of the Day.
Starring: James Ivory, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter
Directed by: Stephen Soucy
The Stones and Brian Jones
Nick Broomfield’s engrossing new documentary The Stones and Brian Jones uncovers the true story and legacy of Brian Jones, the founder and creative genius of The Rolling Stones.
As a schoolboy aged 14, Nick Broomfield met Brian Jones, by chance, on a train. Brian was at the height of his success, with the world at his feet, yet just six years later he would be dead.
This documentary looks at the relationships and rivalries within The Rolling Stones in those formative years. It explores the iconoclastic freedom and exuberance of the 60s, a time of intergenerational conflict and sexual turmoil which reflects on where we are today.
Featuring revealing interviews with all the main players and unseen archival footage released for the first time, The Stones and Brian Jones explores the creative musical genius of Jones, key to the success of the band, and uncovers how the founder of what became the greatest rock & roll band in the world was left behind in the shadows of history.
Starring: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones
Directed by: Nick Broomfield
Screenings
9th November | 11.00am Book
Light House Petone
Download venue programmeConclave
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Telluride Film Festival -
From Oscar-winning director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), Conclave is a riveting religious thriller that follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope.
Based on the international best-seller by Robert Harris, Conclave centres on Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope.
Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.
Conclave is packed with twists, turns and revelations, brought to life by an astonishing supporting cast including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini - all at the top of their game.
Having received universal acclaim from its recent premiere at Telluride Film Festival, Conclave simply cannot be missed at this year’s Festival. Book your tickets now to see this incredible acting achievement from one of Britain’s finest thespians - a performance that’s already generating awards season buzz.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini
Directed by: Edward Berger
We Live in Time
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Oscar nominees Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh deliver beautifully nuanced performances in this creatively structured romance drama from BAFTA-winning director John Crowley (Brooklyn, The Goldfinch).
Tobias (Garfield) and Almut’s (Pugh) relationship has never had a dull moment. Since meeting after Almut accidentally ran over Tobias with her car, their time together has been chock-full of striking scenarios.
Audiences will experience Tobias and Almut’s past, present and future collide in a story told across three distinct phases in the couple’s lives.
As they embark on a path challenged by the limits of time, Tobias and Almut must learn to cherish each moment of the unconventional route their love story has taken.
Pugh is breathtaking as a young woman trying to balance personal relationships with professional ambitions, while Garfield gives a career-best performance as a recent divorcée slowly revealing a deep well of intense emotion.
The powerhouse duo guarantee that the intricately told We Live in Time is a Festival must-see.
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh
Directed by: John Crowley
The Return
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Reunited for the first time since The English Patient, Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche star in this gritty retelling of Odysseus' return home from war.
After 20 years away, Odysseus (Fiennes) washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognisable. The King has finally returned home but much has changed in his kingdom since he left to fight in the Trojan war.
His beloved wife Penelope (Binoche) is now a prisoner in her own home, hounded by her many ambitious suitors to choose a new husband, a new king. Their son Telemachus, who has grown up fatherless, is facing death at the hands of the suitors who see him as an obstacle in their relentless pursuit of Penelope and the kingdom.
Odysseus has changed too. Scarred by his experience of war, he is no longer the mighty warrior his people remember. But he is forced to face his past in order to rediscover the strength needed to save his family and win back the love he has lost.
You won't want to miss two of the greatest actors of their generation take on Homer's classic tale in The Return.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Charlie Plummer
Directed by: Uberto Pasolini
Bird
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes -
Renowned English filmmaker Andrea Arnold (Wuthering Heights, American Honey) marries fantasy and reality in this moving coming-of-age tale.
Twelve-year-old Bailey (played by talented newcomer Nykiya Adams) lives with her single dad Bug (Barry Keoghan, The Banshees of Inisherin, Saltburn) and brother Hunter in a squat in North Kent.
Soon to be marrying his new girlfriend, Bug doesn’t have much time for his kids, and Bailey’s mother lives with a violent, cruel man.
Bailey seeks attention and adventure elsewhere, often retreating to the open fields on the outskirts of her hometown. It is here she is able to connect with herself and nature.
While on one of these walks, Bailey has a deeply meaningful encounter with the mysterious figure Bird (Franz Rogowski, A Hidden Life).
Bailey and Bird form a strong bond through their shared position as outsiders, helping the fledgling teen to confront her difficult home life.
Tackling themes such as identity, sexism, loneliness, and class struggle, Bird is a compelling, ultimately joyous ode to the wondrous transition from childhood to adolescence.
Starring: Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski, Nykiya Adams
Directed by: Andrea Arnold
Firebrand
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes -
In blood-soaked Tudor England, Katherine Parr (Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander), the sixth and last wife of King Henry VIII (Jude Law), is named Regent while tyrant Henry is fighting overseas.
Katherine has done everything she can to push for a new future based on her radical Protestant beliefs. On Henry's return, she finds herself fighting for her own survival as conspiracy spreads through the palace.
Everyone holds their breath; for the queen to slip up, and for Henry to take her head like his wives before.
With the hope for a future free of tyranny at risk, will Katherine submit to the inevitable for the sake of King and country?
Featuring riveting performances from Vikander and Law, Firebrand “rescues an inspiring woman from history’s footnotes” (Hollywood Reporter).
Starring: Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Eddie Marsan
Directed by: Karim Aïnouz
Widow Clicquot
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Based on the New York Times best-selling biography, Widow Clicquot is a visually impressive tale of resilience that leaves a pleasing aftertaste on the palette.
The film tells the true story of the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (Haley Bennett, Cyrano) who, at the age of 20, became Madame Clicquot after marrying the scion of a winemaking family.
Though their marriage was arranged, a timeless love blossomed between the Grande Dame and her unconventional, erratic husband, François (Tom Sturridge, The Boat That Rocked).
After her husband’s untimely death, Barbe-Nicole flouts convention by assuming the reins of the fledgling wine business they had nurtured together.
Steering the company through dizzying political and financial reversals, she defies her critics and revolutionizes the champagne industry to become one of the world’s first great entrepreneurs.
Widow Clicquot is a toast to the perseverance of unshakeable women.
Starring: Haley Bennett, Tom Sturridge, Sam Riley
Directed by: Thomas Napper
The Salt Path
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Based on the Sunday Times best-seller by Raynor Winn, The Salt Path is the profound true story of husband and wife, Raynor (Gillian Anderson) and Moth (Jason Isaacs) Winn’s 630 mile trek along the beautiful but rugged English coast, from Dorset to Somerset.
After losing their home and livelihood, Raynor and Moth make the desperate decision to keep walking in the hope that, in nature, they will find solace and a sense of acceptance.
With depleted resources and only a tent and the bare essentials between them, every step along the path is a testament to their growing strength and determination.
This is a strikingly cinematic tale of a couple braving the elements, brought to life by two incredible actors. This is Anderson and Isaacs as you’ve never seen them before, conveying physical exhaustion on their faces as much as their bodies.
The Salt Path is a journey that is exhilarating, challenging, and liberating in equal measure. A portrayal of home and how it can be lost and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.
Starring: Gillian Anderson, Jason Isaacs, James Lance
Directed by: Marianne Elliott
Four Letters of Love
Nicholas (Fionn O’Shea, Normal People) and Isabel (Ann Skelly, Vikings) are made for each other, but fate does not always choose the easiest path to true love. As destiny pulls them together, so do family, passion, and faith drive them apart.
Nicholas’ father, William (Pierce Brosnan), comes home one day to shatter his family’s quiet, modest life. He tells them that in a moment of divine intervention, God has instructed him to dedicate his life to painting. He quits his job and sets off for the coast, leaving his shellshocked wife and son to fend for themselves. Meanwhile Isabel and her family live a charmed existence on a nearby small neighbouring island, their house full of music and poetry.
When tragedy strikes and her brother suffers a terrible accident, the music stops, and Isabel’s parents (Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne) decide in their grief to send Isabel to a convent school on the mainland.
The young lovers embark on their own individual journeys of heartache and misplaced love, before fate contrives to pull the threads of their lives together. When they meet, it will be like a miracle.
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne
Directed by: Polly Steele
Lies We Tell
The daunting, rambling estate of Knowl is no home for a young woman on her own, and certainly not for Maud (Agnes O’Casey, The Miracle Club) - just 18 years old. Freshly burdened with the sudden death of her father, and granted inheritance to his entire estate when she comes of age at 21, Maud is alone, unschooled in the ways of society, and vulnerable. The wolves begin to circle…
In a bewildering turn of events, Uncle Silas (David Wilmot, The Guard) is revealed as Maud’s guardian in her father’s will. A pariah of ‘society’, he is infamous for being a callous and uncaring man.
Silas is furious at being denied his ‘rightful’ inheritance, and in a world designed to constrain women, deploys society’s most underhand weapons to bend Maud to his will.
As family secrets are uncovered, Maud discovers and reclaims her fledgling independence.
Lies We Tell is a chilling and atmospheric gothic tour de force, featuring a star making turn from Agnes O’Casey.
Starring: Agnes O’Casey, David Wilmot
Directed by: Lisa Mulcahy
American Star
Ian McShane brings his brooding star power and presence to this gritty, intelligent and entertaining action thriller.
Wilson (McShane), an assassin on final assignment arrives in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands to kill a man he has never met.
Shortly after arriving, plans change as the target is delayed. Preferring to stay in Fuertaventura rather than return to London, Wilson finds himself drawn to the island, the people, and a ghostly shipwreck.
During the improvised holiday for the Englishman, Wilson forges unlikely connections with Max - a ten-year-old staying at the same hotel with his parents - and Gloria - a young woman who works at a bar in town.
When the target finally arrives on the island, Wilson’s world has shifted. He came to kill a man who he had never laid eyes on. That was simple. Now, nothing will be.
Starring: Ian McShane, Thomas Kretschmann, Nora Arnezeder
Directed by: Gonzalo López-Gallego
Tarrac
Aoife Ni Bhraoin (Kelly Gough, Broadchurch) returns home to help her father Brendan ‘The Bear’ O’Briain (Lorcan Cranitch, Róise & Frank) in his recovery from a heart attack.
During this time, Aoife faces the grief of her mother’s death that she hasn’t dealt with until now. Aoife reacquaints with a group of rowers and this all-female team, who against the odds, take on a high stakes Naomhóg rowing competition.
Tarrac is a drama set at the edge of the world, the coastlines and sea of the Dingle peninsula. A place of wild geography, where the weather and the people have a mind of their own.
Tarrac has warmth and a sense of place. An intimate character study of a woman who through a sporting passion finally manages acceptance and love.
Laced with humour, heart break and exciting action set against the stunning landscapes and seas of the Kerry Gaeltacht, Tarrac is about daring to care again and learning the power of forgiveness.
Starring: Kelly Gough, Lorcan Cranitch, Kate Nic Chonaonaigh
Directed by: Declan Recks
Poison
Based on the acclaimed play by Lot Vekemans, Poison follows estranged couple Lucas (Tim Roth, Pulp Fiction) and Edith (Trine Dyrholm, Mary & George), who haven't seen each other in ten years.
Prompted by a mysterious summons from Edith, the couple reunite at a tragic location from their past.
As their brief but intense meeting unfolds, Lucas and Edith revisit their shared past, bringing simmering pain and resentments to the surface. But these reflections also remind the pair of the cherished intimacies and love they once shared.
Featuring skilled performances from award-winners Roth and Dyrholm, Poison is a compelling drama that will stay with you long after you have left the cinema.
Starring: Tim Roth, Trine Dyrholm
Directed by: Désirée Nosbusch
The Radleys
Based on the best-selling novel by Matt Haig, and co-written by comedian Jo Brand, The Radleys is a scarily relatable black comedy with a bite.
The Radleys are an ordinary family, or at least that’s what the neighbours think. No one would suspect that behind all of this, the Radleys hold a dark secret… they are vampires.
Only parents Helen (Kelly Macdonald) and Peter (Damian Lewis) know about the family’s true nature. They are ‘abstainers’, vampires who choose not to drink blood despite their natural cravings.
Their teenagers, vegan Clara and lovesick Rowan, have no idea, until one evening Clara is attacked by a boy in her class and her bloodthirsty instincts take over, forcing her parents to finally reveal the truth.
With these revelations, Rowan begins to question his own identity. The temptation to try his first taste of blood only grows stronger with the arrival of Uncle Will (also played by Lewis), Peter’s twin brother.
A practicing vampire, Will pulls back the curtain on his vampiric life of hedonism and freedom. Will is all swagger and sex appeal, and his presence throws the whole family off their axis, unleashing suppressed desires for parents and teens alike.
Can the family continue to hold back their hidden bloodlust, or will they give in to their true nature?
Starring: Damian Lewis, Kelly Macdonald
Directed by: Euros Lyn
The Problem with People
The Problem with People, set in beautifully lush Irish countryside, is a heartwarming comedy about family, world peace... and sheep.
Honouring his father’s last wish to reunite with the American side of his family, Irishman Ciáran (Colm Meaney, Layer Cake) calls his cousin, Barry (Paul Reiser, Mad About You), out of the blue with the offer for him to visit his homeland.
Barry, keen to escape from the daily grind of his New York real estate firm, agrees to make the long trip over.
However, after an initially warm welcome, tensions soon boil over when it’s discovered that Barry has unexpectedly been left half the money in Ciáran’s father’s will.
With the two men now torn apart by greed and jealousy, resulting in a feud that spirals into a series of pretty squabbles and disastrous hijinks, will they ever be able to give peace a chance again?
An incredibly witty script (co-written by Reiser) and the spectacular chemistry between the two leads makes The Problem with People a delightful trip to the Emerald Isle.
Starring: Colm Meaney, Paul Reiser, Jane Levy
Directed by: Chris Cottam
Chuck Chuck Baby
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Chuck Chuck Baby is a film of love, loss and music set amongst the falling feathers of a chicken factory.
Set in present day industrial North Wales, Helen (Louise Brealey, Sherlock) spends her nights packing chickens and her days caring for a dying mother-figure Gwen (Sorcha Cusack, Father Brown).
Helen’s world takes an unexpected turn with the return of Joanne (Annabel Scholey, Split). They were the objects of the other’s unspoken teenage passions twenty years ago. One night, encouraged by Helen, Joanne starts a playful wooing game that re-awakens their youthful feelings.
As they fall in love and lust, Helen’s zest for life returns but Joanne feels the walls closing in as she faces something much darker from her past, and Helen’s painful memories cause her to flee.
Separated and alone, will both women reflect on their unfulfilled chance to break their barriers and allow love to win?
Book your tickets now for this bittersweet, cathartic rush of a romantic comedy-drama.
Starring: Louise Brealey, Annabel Scholey, Sorcha Cusack
Directed by: Janis Pugh
Timestalker
The hilariously inventive Timestalker is a romantic comedy about the eternal humiliation that is the search for love, spanning the most romantic epochs of history right into the future.
Timestalker follows hapless heroine Agnes (Alice Lowe, Sightseers) through time as she repeatedly falls for the wrong guy, dies a grim death, gets reincarnated a century later, before meeting him again and starting the cycle anew.
It is one story told over many periods, all with the messy thrills and spills that come with daring to follow your heart. Or maybe your loins...
Agnes’ only hope in avoiding this violent fate is by finally reaching spiritual enlightenment; but how can she ever wise up when she’s destined to be a fool for love? Some lessons are just too hard to learn in one lifetime.
Timestalker features an excellent supporting cast, including Nick Frost, Jacob Anderson (Game of Thrones), Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education), Aneurin Barnard (Dunkirk) and Kate Dickie (The Witch).
Starring: Alice Lowe, Nick Frost, Jacob Anderson, Tanya Reynolds
Directed by: Alice Lowe
blur: To the End
This revealing documentary follows the unique relationship of four friends - and bandmates of three decades - as they came together in early 2023 to record new songs ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium. Featuring performances of their most iconic songs, footage of the band in the studio and life on the road, blur: To the End is an intimate moment in time with this most enduring of English bands, who have been at the heart of British culture for over three decades.
Starring: Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, Dave Rowntree
Directed by: Toby L.
High & Low - John Galliano
Directed by Academy-Award winner Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland), High & Low - John Galliano delves into the captivating and complex life of the flamboyant and iconoclastic head designer at Dior, John Galliano, who soared to unimaginable heights before experiencing a public downfall that shattered his career.
The documentary explores the dichotomy of Galliano’s persona. It showcases his artistic genius as one of the most important fashion designers in history, alongside his struggles with addiction.
The film features intimate interviews with Galliano himself, offering a rare glimpse into his perspective and search for redemption. It also features candid interviews from renowned figures in the fashion world such as Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour and Sidney Toledano, providing a multifaceted understanding of Galliano’s impact on the fashion industry.
Starring: John Galliano, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour
Directed by: Kevin Macdonald
Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger
Martin Scorsese first encountered the films of Powell and Pressburger when he was a child, sitting in front of the family TV. When their famous logo came up on screen, Scorsese says, "You knew you were in for fantasy, wonder, magic - real film magic."
Now, in this documentary, he tells the story of his lifelong love-affair with their movies, including The Life and Death Of Colonel Blimp, Black Narcissus, The Red Shoes and The Tales of Hoffmann. "Certain films you simply run all the time and you live with them." Scorsese says. "As you grow older they grow deeper. I’m not sure how it happens, but it does. For me, that body of work is a wondrous presence, a constant source of energy, and a reminder of what life and art are all about."
Drawing on a rich array of archive material, Scorsese explores in full the collaboration between the Englishman Powell and the Hungarian Pressburger - two romantics and idealists, who thrived in the face of adversity during World War II but were eventually brought low by the film industry of the 1950's.
Scorsese celebrates their ability to create "subversive commercial movies" and describes how deeply their films have influenced his own work.
Starring: Martin Scorsese
Directed by: David Hinton
Wilding
Based on Isabella Tree’s best-selling memoir by the same name, the visually stunning documentary Wilding tells the story of a young couple that bets on nature for the future of their failing, 400-year-old estate.
Isabella and husband Charlie Burrell battle entrenched tradition, and dare to place the fate of their farm in the hands of nature.
Ripping down the fences, they set the land back to the wild and entrust its recovery to a motley mix of animals both tame and wild.
It is the beginning of a grand experiment that will become one of the most significant rewilding projects in Europe.
With footage captured over a number of years, this lovingly crafted breath of fresh air will let audiences witness nature flourish like they've never seen before.
Directed by: David Allen
Howards End
Nominated for nine Oscars and winning three at the 1993 Academy Awards, this dazzling adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel has cemented itself as a classic of the genre. Set in Edwardian England, class distinctions and troubled relations affect the relationships between two families and the ownership of a cherished British estate known as Howards End. Returning to cinemas for this year’s Festival, now is your chance to see this acclaimed masterwork on the big screen, newly restored in 4K.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson
Directed by: James Ivory
The Remains of the Day
In 1993, Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson reunited with the acclaimed Merchant Ivory filmmaking team for this extraordinary and moving story of blind devotion and repressed love. Based on the best-selling novel by Novel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro, the film follows head butler Stevens (Hopkins), whose world of manners and decorum is tested by the arrival of housekeeper Miss Kenton (Thompson). A smart, elegant continuation of the Merchant ivory cinematic celebration - restored in 4K.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Christopher Reeve, Hugh Grant
Directed by: James Ivory
Merchant Ivory
Merchant Ivory is the first definitive feature documentary to lend new and compelling perspectives on the partnership, both professional and personal, of director James Ivory (Oscar-winning writer of Call Me By Your Name), and producer Ismail Merchant.
Footage from more than fifty interviews, clips, and archival material gives voice to the family of actors and technicians who helped define Merchant Ivory’s Academy Award-winning work of consummate quality and intelligence.
With six Oscar winners among the notable artists participating, these close and often long-term collaborators intimately detail the transformational cinematic creativity and personal and professional drama of the wandering company that left an indelible impact on film culture.
As well as watching this fascinating insight into the collaboration behind such classics, don't miss the chance to revisit their acclaimed works Howards End and The Remains of the Day.
Starring: James Ivory, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter
Directed by: Stephen Soucy
The Stones and Brian Jones
Nick Broomfield’s engrossing new documentary The Stones and Brian Jones uncovers the true story and legacy of Brian Jones, the founder and creative genius of The Rolling Stones.
As a schoolboy aged 14, Nick Broomfield met Brian Jones, by chance, on a train. Brian was at the height of his success, with the world at his feet, yet just six years later he would be dead.
This documentary looks at the relationships and rivalries within The Rolling Stones in those formative years. It explores the iconoclastic freedom and exuberance of the 60s, a time of intergenerational conflict and sexual turmoil which reflects on where we are today.
Featuring revealing interviews with all the main players and unseen archival footage released for the first time, The Stones and Brian Jones explores the creative musical genius of Jones, key to the success of the band, and uncovers how the founder of what became the greatest rock & roll band in the world was left behind in the shadows of history.
Starring: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones
Directed by: Nick Broomfield
Penthouse Cinema & Cafe
Download venue programmeConclave
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Telluride Film Festival -
From Oscar-winning director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), Conclave is a riveting religious thriller that follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope.
Based on the international best-seller by Robert Harris, Conclave centres on Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope.
Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.
Conclave is packed with twists, turns and revelations, brought to life by an astonishing supporting cast including Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini - all at the top of their game.
Having received universal acclaim from its recent premiere at Telluride Film Festival, Conclave simply cannot be missed at this year’s Festival. Book your tickets now to see this incredible acting achievement from one of Britain’s finest thespians - a performance that’s already generating awards season buzz.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini
Directed by: Edward Berger
We Live in Time
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Oscar nominees Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh deliver beautifully nuanced performances in this creatively structured romance drama from BAFTA-winning director John Crowley (Brooklyn, The Goldfinch).
Tobias (Garfield) and Almut’s (Pugh) relationship has never had a dull moment. Since meeting after Almut accidentally ran over Tobias with her car, their time together has been chock-full of striking scenarios.
Audiences will experience Tobias and Almut’s past, present and future collide in a story told across three distinct phases in the couple’s lives.
As they embark on a path challenged by the limits of time, Tobias and Almut must learn to cherish each moment of the unconventional route their love story has taken.
Pugh is breathtaking as a young woman trying to balance personal relationships with professional ambitions, while Garfield gives a career-best performance as a recent divorcée slowly revealing a deep well of intense emotion.
The powerhouse duo guarantee that the intricately told We Live in Time is a Festival must-see.
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh
Directed by: John Crowley
The Return
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Reunited for the first time since The English Patient, Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche star in this gritty retelling of Odysseus' return home from war.
After 20 years away, Odysseus (Fiennes) washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognisable. The King has finally returned home but much has changed in his kingdom since he left to fight in the Trojan war.
His beloved wife Penelope (Binoche) is now a prisoner in her own home, hounded by her many ambitious suitors to choose a new husband, a new king. Their son Telemachus, who has grown up fatherless, is facing death at the hands of the suitors who see him as an obstacle in their relentless pursuit of Penelope and the kingdom.
Odysseus has changed too. Scarred by his experience of war, he is no longer the mighty warrior his people remember. But he is forced to face his past in order to rediscover the strength needed to save his family and win back the love he has lost.
You won't want to miss two of the greatest actors of their generation take on Homer's classic tale in The Return.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Charlie Plummer
Directed by: Uberto Pasolini
Bird
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes -
Renowned English filmmaker Andrea Arnold (Wuthering Heights, American Honey) marries fantasy and reality in this moving coming-of-age tale.
Twelve-year-old Bailey (played by talented newcomer Nykiya Adams) lives with her single dad Bug (Barry Keoghan, The Banshees of Inisherin, Saltburn) and brother Hunter in a squat in North Kent.
Soon to be marrying his new girlfriend, Bug doesn’t have much time for his kids, and Bailey’s mother lives with a violent, cruel man.
Bailey seeks attention and adventure elsewhere, often retreating to the open fields on the outskirts of her hometown. It is here she is able to connect with herself and nature.
While on one of these walks, Bailey has a deeply meaningful encounter with the mysterious figure Bird (Franz Rogowski, A Hidden Life).
Bailey and Bird form a strong bond through their shared position as outsiders, helping the fledgling teen to confront her difficult home life.
Tackling themes such as identity, sexism, loneliness, and class struggle, Bird is a compelling, ultimately joyous ode to the wondrous transition from childhood to adolescence.
Starring: Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski, Nykiya Adams
Directed by: Andrea Arnold
Firebrand
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes -
In blood-soaked Tudor England, Katherine Parr (Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander), the sixth and last wife of King Henry VIII (Jude Law), is named Regent while tyrant Henry is fighting overseas.
Katherine has done everything she can to push for a new future based on her radical Protestant beliefs. On Henry's return, she finds herself fighting for her own survival as conspiracy spreads through the palace.
Everyone holds their breath; for the queen to slip up, and for Henry to take her head like his wives before.
With the hope for a future free of tyranny at risk, will Katherine submit to the inevitable for the sake of King and country?
Featuring riveting performances from Vikander and Law, Firebrand “rescues an inspiring woman from history’s footnotes” (Hollywood Reporter).
Starring: Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Eddie Marsan
Directed by: Karim Aïnouz
Widow Clicquot
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Based on the New York Times best-selling biography, Widow Clicquot is a visually impressive tale of resilience that leaves a pleasing aftertaste on the palette.
The film tells the true story of the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (Haley Bennett, Cyrano) who, at the age of 20, became Madame Clicquot after marrying the scion of a winemaking family.
Though their marriage was arranged, a timeless love blossomed between the Grande Dame and her unconventional, erratic husband, François (Tom Sturridge, The Boat That Rocked).
After her husband’s untimely death, Barbe-Nicole flouts convention by assuming the reins of the fledgling wine business they had nurtured together.
Steering the company through dizzying political and financial reversals, she defies her critics and revolutionizes the champagne industry to become one of the world’s first great entrepreneurs.
Widow Clicquot is a toast to the perseverance of unshakeable women.
Starring: Haley Bennett, Tom Sturridge, Sam Riley
Directed by: Thomas Napper
The Salt Path
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Based on the Sunday Times best-seller by Raynor Winn, The Salt Path is the profound true story of husband and wife, Raynor (Gillian Anderson) and Moth (Jason Isaacs) Winn’s 630 mile trek along the beautiful but rugged English coast, from Dorset to Somerset.
After losing their home and livelihood, Raynor and Moth make the desperate decision to keep walking in the hope that, in nature, they will find solace and a sense of acceptance.
With depleted resources and only a tent and the bare essentials between them, every step along the path is a testament to their growing strength and determination.
This is a strikingly cinematic tale of a couple braving the elements, brought to life by two incredible actors. This is Anderson and Isaacs as you’ve never seen them before, conveying physical exhaustion on their faces as much as their bodies.
The Salt Path is a journey that is exhilarating, challenging, and liberating in equal measure. A portrayal of home and how it can be lost and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.
Starring: Gillian Anderson, Jason Isaacs, James Lance
Directed by: Marianne Elliott
Four Letters of Love
Nicholas (Fionn O’Shea, Normal People) and Isabel (Ann Skelly, Vikings) are made for each other, but fate does not always choose the easiest path to true love. As destiny pulls them together, so do family, passion, and faith drive them apart.
Nicholas’ father, William (Pierce Brosnan), comes home one day to shatter his family’s quiet, modest life. He tells them that in a moment of divine intervention, God has instructed him to dedicate his life to painting. He quits his job and sets off for the coast, leaving his shellshocked wife and son to fend for themselves. Meanwhile Isabel and her family live a charmed existence on a nearby small neighbouring island, their house full of music and poetry.
When tragedy strikes and her brother suffers a terrible accident, the music stops, and Isabel’s parents (Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne) decide in their grief to send Isabel to a convent school on the mainland.
The young lovers embark on their own individual journeys of heartache and misplaced love, before fate contrives to pull the threads of their lives together. When they meet, it will be like a miracle.
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne
Directed by: Polly Steele
Lies We Tell
The daunting, rambling estate of Knowl is no home for a young woman on her own, and certainly not for Maud (Agnes O’Casey, The Miracle Club) - just 18 years old. Freshly burdened with the sudden death of her father, and granted inheritance to his entire estate when she comes of age at 21, Maud is alone, unschooled in the ways of society, and vulnerable. The wolves begin to circle…
In a bewildering turn of events, Uncle Silas (David Wilmot, The Guard) is revealed as Maud’s guardian in her father’s will. A pariah of ‘society’, he is infamous for being a callous and uncaring man.
Silas is furious at being denied his ‘rightful’ inheritance, and in a world designed to constrain women, deploys society’s most underhand weapons to bend Maud to his will.
As family secrets are uncovered, Maud discovers and reclaims her fledgling independence.
Lies We Tell is a chilling and atmospheric gothic tour de force, featuring a star making turn from Agnes O’Casey.
Starring: Agnes O’Casey, David Wilmot
Directed by: Lisa Mulcahy
American Star
Ian McShane brings his brooding star power and presence to this gritty, intelligent and entertaining action thriller.
Wilson (McShane), an assassin on final assignment arrives in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands to kill a man he has never met.
Shortly after arriving, plans change as the target is delayed. Preferring to stay in Fuertaventura rather than return to London, Wilson finds himself drawn to the island, the people, and a ghostly shipwreck.
During the improvised holiday for the Englishman, Wilson forges unlikely connections with Max - a ten-year-old staying at the same hotel with his parents - and Gloria - a young woman who works at a bar in town.
When the target finally arrives on the island, Wilson’s world has shifted. He came to kill a man who he had never laid eyes on. That was simple. Now, nothing will be.
Starring: Ian McShane, Thomas Kretschmann, Nora Arnezeder
Directed by: Gonzalo López-Gallego
Tarrac
Aoife Ni Bhraoin (Kelly Gough, Broadchurch) returns home to help her father Brendan ‘The Bear’ O’Briain (Lorcan Cranitch, Róise & Frank) in his recovery from a heart attack.
During this time, Aoife faces the grief of her mother’s death that she hasn’t dealt with until now. Aoife reacquaints with a group of rowers and this all-female team, who against the odds, take on a high stakes Naomhóg rowing competition.
Tarrac is a drama set at the edge of the world, the coastlines and sea of the Dingle peninsula. A place of wild geography, where the weather and the people have a mind of their own.
Tarrac has warmth and a sense of place. An intimate character study of a woman who through a sporting passion finally manages acceptance and love.
Laced with humour, heart break and exciting action set against the stunning landscapes and seas of the Kerry Gaeltacht, Tarrac is about daring to care again and learning the power of forgiveness.
Starring: Kelly Gough, Lorcan Cranitch, Kate Nic Chonaonaigh
Directed by: Declan Recks
Poison
Based on the acclaimed play by Lot Vekemans, Poison follows estranged couple Lucas (Tim Roth, Pulp Fiction) and Edith (Trine Dyrholm, Mary & George), who haven't seen each other in ten years.
Prompted by a mysterious summons from Edith, the couple reunite at a tragic location from their past.
As their brief but intense meeting unfolds, Lucas and Edith revisit their shared past, bringing simmering pain and resentments to the surface. But these reflections also remind the pair of the cherished intimacies and love they once shared.
Featuring skilled performances from award-winners Roth and Dyrholm, Poison is a compelling drama that will stay with you long after you have left the cinema.
Starring: Tim Roth, Trine Dyrholm
Directed by: Désirée Nosbusch
The Radleys
Based on the best-selling novel by Matt Haig, and co-written by comedian Jo Brand, The Radleys is a scarily relatable black comedy with a bite.
The Radleys are an ordinary family, or at least that’s what the neighbours think. No one would suspect that behind all of this, the Radleys hold a dark secret… they are vampires.
Only parents Helen (Kelly Macdonald) and Peter (Damian Lewis) know about the family’s true nature. They are ‘abstainers’, vampires who choose not to drink blood despite their natural cravings.
Their teenagers, vegan Clara and lovesick Rowan, have no idea, until one evening Clara is attacked by a boy in her class and her bloodthirsty instincts take over, forcing her parents to finally reveal the truth.
With these revelations, Rowan begins to question his own identity. The temptation to try his first taste of blood only grows stronger with the arrival of Uncle Will (also played by Lewis), Peter’s twin brother.
A practicing vampire, Will pulls back the curtain on his vampiric life of hedonism and freedom. Will is all swagger and sex appeal, and his presence throws the whole family off their axis, unleashing suppressed desires for parents and teens alike.
Can the family continue to hold back their hidden bloodlust, or will they give in to their true nature?
Starring: Damian Lewis, Kelly Macdonald
Directed by: Euros Lyn
The Problem with People
The Problem with People, set in beautifully lush Irish countryside, is a heartwarming comedy about family, world peace... and sheep.
Honouring his father’s last wish to reunite with the American side of his family, Irishman Ciáran (Colm Meaney, Layer Cake) calls his cousin, Barry (Paul Reiser, Mad About You), out of the blue with the offer for him to visit his homeland.
Barry, keen to escape from the daily grind of his New York real estate firm, agrees to make the long trip over.
However, after an initially warm welcome, tensions soon boil over when it’s discovered that Barry has unexpectedly been left half the money in Ciáran’s father’s will.
With the two men now torn apart by greed and jealousy, resulting in a feud that spirals into a series of pretty squabbles and disastrous hijinks, will they ever be able to give peace a chance again?
An incredibly witty script (co-written by Reiser) and the spectacular chemistry between the two leads makes The Problem with People a delightful trip to the Emerald Isle.
Starring: Colm Meaney, Paul Reiser, Jane Levy
Directed by: Chris Cottam
Chuck Chuck Baby
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Chuck Chuck Baby is a film of love, loss and music set amongst the falling feathers of a chicken factory.
Set in present day industrial North Wales, Helen (Louise Brealey, Sherlock) spends her nights packing chickens and her days caring for a dying mother-figure Gwen (Sorcha Cusack, Father Brown).
Helen’s world takes an unexpected turn with the return of Joanne (Annabel Scholey, Split). They were the objects of the other’s unspoken teenage passions twenty years ago. One night, encouraged by Helen, Joanne starts a playful wooing game that re-awakens their youthful feelings.
As they fall in love and lust, Helen’s zest for life returns but Joanne feels the walls closing in as she faces something much darker from her past, and Helen’s painful memories cause her to flee.
Separated and alone, will both women reflect on their unfulfilled chance to break their barriers and allow love to win?
Book your tickets now for this bittersweet, cathartic rush of a romantic comedy-drama.
Starring: Louise Brealey, Annabel Scholey, Sorcha Cusack
Directed by: Janis Pugh
Timestalker
The hilariously inventive Timestalker is a romantic comedy about the eternal humiliation that is the search for love, spanning the most romantic epochs of history right into the future.
Timestalker follows hapless heroine Agnes (Alice Lowe, Sightseers) through time as she repeatedly falls for the wrong guy, dies a grim death, gets reincarnated a century later, before meeting him again and starting the cycle anew.
It is one story told over many periods, all with the messy thrills and spills that come with daring to follow your heart. Or maybe your loins...
Agnes’ only hope in avoiding this violent fate is by finally reaching spiritual enlightenment; but how can she ever wise up when she’s destined to be a fool for love? Some lessons are just too hard to learn in one lifetime.
Timestalker features an excellent supporting cast, including Nick Frost, Jacob Anderson (Game of Thrones), Tanya Reynolds (Sex Education), Aneurin Barnard (Dunkirk) and Kate Dickie (The Witch).
Starring: Alice Lowe, Nick Frost, Jacob Anderson, Tanya Reynolds
Directed by: Alice Lowe
blur: To the End
This revealing documentary follows the unique relationship of four friends - and bandmates of three decades - as they came together in early 2023 to record new songs ahead of their sold-out, first ever shows at London’s Wembley Stadium. Featuring performances of their most iconic songs, footage of the band in the studio and life on the road, blur: To the End is an intimate moment in time with this most enduring of English bands, who have been at the heart of British culture for over three decades.
Starring: Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, Dave Rowntree
Directed by: Toby L.
Screenings
8th November | 5.45pm Book
blur: Live at Wembley Stadium
Once you’ve seen the documentary, you can't miss the concert! blur: Live at Wembley Stadium is a cinematic two-hour concert film, immortalising their historic 2023 show. This unforgettable performance saw blur perform their iconic and much-loved songs for 150,000 fans in a transcendent, once-in-a-generation performance that delivered a sweep of ecstatic 5 star reviews. This is your chance to see the epic reunion of the best of Britpop on the big screen.
Starring: Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, Dave Rowntree
Directed by: Toby L.
High & Low - John Galliano
Directed by Academy-Award winner Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland), High & Low - John Galliano delves into the captivating and complex life of the flamboyant and iconoclastic head designer at Dior, John Galliano, who soared to unimaginable heights before experiencing a public downfall that shattered his career.
The documentary explores the dichotomy of Galliano’s persona. It showcases his artistic genius as one of the most important fashion designers in history, alongside his struggles with addiction.
The film features intimate interviews with Galliano himself, offering a rare glimpse into his perspective and search for redemption. It also features candid interviews from renowned figures in the fashion world such as Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour and Sidney Toledano, providing a multifaceted understanding of Galliano’s impact on the fashion industry.
Starring: John Galliano, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour
Directed by: Kevin Macdonald
Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger
Martin Scorsese first encountered the films of Powell and Pressburger when he was a child, sitting in front of the family TV. When their famous logo came up on screen, Scorsese says, "You knew you were in for fantasy, wonder, magic - real film magic."
Now, in this documentary, he tells the story of his lifelong love-affair with their movies, including The Life and Death Of Colonel Blimp, Black Narcissus, The Red Shoes and The Tales of Hoffmann. "Certain films you simply run all the time and you live with them." Scorsese says. "As you grow older they grow deeper. I’m not sure how it happens, but it does. For me, that body of work is a wondrous presence, a constant source of energy, and a reminder of what life and art are all about."
Drawing on a rich array of archive material, Scorsese explores in full the collaboration between the Englishman Powell and the Hungarian Pressburger - two romantics and idealists, who thrived in the face of adversity during World War II but were eventually brought low by the film industry of the 1950's.
Scorsese celebrates their ability to create "subversive commercial movies" and describes how deeply their films have influenced his own work.
Starring: Martin Scorsese
Directed by: David Hinton
Wilding
Based on Isabella Tree’s best-selling memoir by the same name, the visually stunning documentary Wilding tells the story of a young couple that bets on nature for the future of their failing, 400-year-old estate.
Isabella and husband Charlie Burrell battle entrenched tradition, and dare to place the fate of their farm in the hands of nature.
Ripping down the fences, they set the land back to the wild and entrust its recovery to a motley mix of animals both tame and wild.
It is the beginning of a grand experiment that will become one of the most significant rewilding projects in Europe.
With footage captured over a number of years, this lovingly crafted breath of fresh air will let audiences witness nature flourish like they've never seen before.
Directed by: David Allen
Howards End
Nominated for nine Oscars and winning three at the 1993 Academy Awards, this dazzling adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel has cemented itself as a classic of the genre. Set in Edwardian England, class distinctions and troubled relations affect the relationships between two families and the ownership of a cherished British estate known as Howards End. Returning to cinemas for this year’s Festival, now is your chance to see this acclaimed masterwork on the big screen, newly restored in 4K.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson
Directed by: James Ivory
The Remains of the Day
In 1993, Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson reunited with the acclaimed Merchant Ivory filmmaking team for this extraordinary and moving story of blind devotion and repressed love. Based on the best-selling novel by Novel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro, the film follows head butler Stevens (Hopkins), whose world of manners and decorum is tested by the arrival of housekeeper Miss Kenton (Thompson). A smart, elegant continuation of the Merchant ivory cinematic celebration - restored in 4K.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Christopher Reeve, Hugh Grant
Directed by: James Ivory
Screenings
26th October | 12.45pm Book
Merchant Ivory
Merchant Ivory is the first definitive feature documentary to lend new and compelling perspectives on the partnership, both professional and personal, of director James Ivory (Oscar-winning writer of Call Me By Your Name), and producer Ismail Merchant.
Footage from more than fifty interviews, clips, and archival material gives voice to the family of actors and technicians who helped define Merchant Ivory’s Academy Award-winning work of consummate quality and intelligence.
With six Oscar winners among the notable artists participating, these close and often long-term collaborators intimately detail the transformational cinematic creativity and personal and professional drama of the wandering company that left an indelible impact on film culture.
As well as watching this fascinating insight into the collaboration behind such classics, don't miss the chance to revisit their acclaimed works Howards End and The Remains of the Day.
Starring: James Ivory, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter
Directed by: Stephen Soucy
The Stones and Brian Jones
Nick Broomfield’s engrossing new documentary The Stones and Brian Jones uncovers the true story and legacy of Brian Jones, the founder and creative genius of The Rolling Stones.
As a schoolboy aged 14, Nick Broomfield met Brian Jones, by chance, on a train. Brian was at the height of his success, with the world at his feet, yet just six years later he would be dead.
This documentary looks at the relationships and rivalries within The Rolling Stones in those formative years. It explores the iconoclastic freedom and exuberance of the 60s, a time of intergenerational conflict and sexual turmoil which reflects on where we are today.
Featuring revealing interviews with all the main players and unseen archival footage released for the first time, The Stones and Brian Jones explores the creative musical genius of Jones, key to the success of the band, and uncovers how the founder of what became the greatest rock & roll band in the world was left behind in the shadows of history.
Starring: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones
Directed by: Nick Broomfield
Embassy Theatre Deluxe
We Live in Time
- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival -
Oscar nominees Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh deliver beautifully nuanced performances in this creatively structured romance drama from BAFTA-winning director John Crowley (Brooklyn, The Goldfinch).
Tobias (Garfield) and Almut’s (Pugh) relationship has never had a dull moment. Since meeting after Almut accidentally ran over Tobias with her car, their time together has been chock-full of striking scenarios.
Audiences will experience Tobias and Almut’s past, present and future collide in a story told across three distinct phases in the couple’s lives.
As they embark on a path challenged by the limits of time, Tobias and Almut must learn to cherish each moment of the unconventional route their love story has taken.
Pugh is breathtaking as a young woman trying to balance personal relationships with professional ambitions, while Garfield gives a career-best performance as a recent divorcée slowly revealing a deep well of intense emotion.
The powerhouse duo guarantee that the intricately told We Live in Time is a Festival must-see.
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh
Directed by: John Crowley
Screenings
12th November | 6.00pm Book
Four Letters of Love
Nicholas (Fionn O’Shea, Normal People) and Isabel (Ann Skelly, Vikings) are made for each other, but fate does not always choose the easiest path to true love. As destiny pulls them together, so do family, passion, and faith drive them apart.
Nicholas’ father, William (Pierce Brosnan), comes home one day to shatter his family’s quiet, modest life. He tells them that in a moment of divine intervention, God has instructed him to dedicate his life to painting. He quits his job and sets off for the coast, leaving his shellshocked wife and son to fend for themselves. Meanwhile Isabel and her family live a charmed existence on a nearby small neighbouring island, their house full of music and poetry.
When tragedy strikes and her brother suffers a terrible accident, the music stops, and Isabel’s parents (Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne) decide in their grief to send Isabel to a convent school on the mainland.
The young lovers embark on their own individual journeys of heartache and misplaced love, before fate contrives to pull the threads of their lives together. When they meet, it will be like a miracle.
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne
Directed by: Polly Steele
Screenings
11th November | 5.45pm Book
Lies We Tell
The daunting, rambling estate of Knowl is no home for a young woman on her own, and certainly not for Maud (Agnes O’Casey, The Miracle Club) - just 18 years old. Freshly burdened with the sudden death of her father, and granted inheritance to his entire estate when she comes of age at 21, Maud is alone, unschooled in the ways of society, and vulnerable. The wolves begin to circle…
In a bewildering turn of events, Uncle Silas (David Wilmot, The Guard) is revealed as Maud’s guardian in her father’s will. A pariah of ‘society’, he is infamous for being a callous and uncaring man.
Silas is furious at being denied his ‘rightful’ inheritance, and in a world designed to constrain women, deploys society’s most underhand weapons to bend Maud to his will.
As family secrets are uncovered, Maud discovers and reclaims her fledgling independence.
Lies We Tell is a chilling and atmospheric gothic tour de force, featuring a star making turn from Agnes O’Casey.
Starring: Agnes O’Casey, David Wilmot
Directed by: Lisa Mulcahy
Screenings
13th November | 6.00pm Book
The Problem with People
The Problem with People, set in beautifully lush Irish countryside, is a heartwarming comedy about family, world peace... and sheep.
Honouring his father’s last wish to reunite with the American side of his family, Irishman Ciáran (Colm Meaney, Layer Cake) calls his cousin, Barry (Paul Reiser, Mad About You), out of the blue with the offer for him to visit his homeland.
Barry, keen to escape from the daily grind of his New York real estate firm, agrees to make the long trip over.
However, after an initially warm welcome, tensions soon boil over when it’s discovered that Barry has unexpectedly been left half the money in Ciáran’s father’s will.
With the two men now torn apart by greed and jealousy, resulting in a feud that spirals into a series of pretty squabbles and disastrous hijinks, will they ever be able to give peace a chance again?
An incredibly witty script (co-written by Reiser) and the spectacular chemistry between the two leads makes The Problem with People a delightful trip to the Emerald Isle.
Starring: Colm Meaney, Paul Reiser, Jane Levy
Directed by: Chris Cottam
Screenings
4th November | 6.00pm