On Wednesday 23rd September, Abergavenny Film Society, the longest running in Wales, will launch its new season of fourteen films.
The Society was established in 1978 by a group of friends with a common interest in World Cinema and independent films. Our 2015-2016 programme has been chosen carefully to provide opportunities to see outstanding foreign and English language films in a friendly, social environment.
First on our programme is Dark Horse. Set in Cefn Fforest, this is the fascinating, emotional and inspirational story of how residents of the former mining community rallied together to pursue their dream of breeding a racehorse.
Eddie Marsan as John May in Still Life
The new season includes two other acclaimed recent releases from the UK. Still Life is a surprisingly uplifting story about the unusual and meticulous work of John May. Employed by a council in South London, John’s job is to track down the next of kin of local residents who have died alone. ’71, one of the most compelling British thrillers for years, is set in the alien landscape of East Belfast during one of the worst years of the Northern Ireland Troubles. Jack O’Connell delivers an exceptionally powerful performance as the young squaddie who becomes detached from his unit during a riot.
Our forthcoming season features some unusual additions and, in November, we will present Le Jour se Lève. Released in 1939, this film has been beautifully restored and is an outstanding example of the classic film noir style. We also have an Oscar-nominated documentary, The Salt of The Earth. This is a fitting tribute to the life and work of the photographer Sebastião Salgado.
Wild Tales, from Argentina, is a deliciously dark, shocking, unpredictable and hilarious compendium of six short stories and Trash, from Brazil, is a story of teenagers from the slums of Rio de Janeiro who collect rubbish from the local tips and find themselves involved with the local police.
Other Oscar-nominated and prize-winning films include Ida, from Poland, Force Majeure, from Sweden and Omar from Palestine. We will also be showing Phoenix (Germany), Difret (Ethiopia), Timbuktu (France/Mauritania), and Slow West (New Zealand).
All foreign language films have English subtitles.
Fortnightly screenings take place on Wednesdays, at 7.30, at the Melville Theatre, Penypound. Doors open at 6.45 and non-members are very welcome. Members are guaranteed a seat if they arrive by 7.20 and spare seats are available for non-members aged 16 or over on a first come first served basis. Membership of the Society is open to everyone aged 16 and over. Contact Carol Phillips 01600 780263. Programmes may be found from the beginning of September at Abergavenny Library and the Borough Theatre or visit our website www.abergavennyfilmsociety.com
Abergavenny Film Society is a member of the British Federation of Film Societies. (Registered Charity 276633), is operated by volunteers and is a non profit-making organisation.
