Merry Christmas
The committee of Cheltenham Film Society would like to wish all members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope you have enjoyed the season so far and look forward to seeing you in January for Happy As Lazzaro.
Happy As Lazzaro
Our next film, on Tuesday 7 January at 19:45, is Happy As Lazzaro, directed by Alice Rohrwacher. This 2018 from Italy is an extraordinary and evocative cinematic puzzle, blending social realism and something more magical. On a feudal estate in Italy, peasant workers struggle to survive. Then teenage Lazzaro (Adriano Tardiolo) has an accident, waking up to find everything has changed.
Reactions to Wajib
A warm response to Wajib, our final film of the year, and an appreciation score of 83.76 per cent. Some comments: “A wonderfully observed and paced view of Palestinians in Israel.” “Wonderful insight into Palestinian life.” “Liked the family tensions played against the backdrop of Palestinian problem.” “Could have been set anywhere. It’s about family relationships, not Palestine.” “A super film. I loved being in their Nazareth life.” “Great, funny, [cont'd.]
Reactions to Apollo 11
The response to Apollo 11 was out of this world, with an appreciation score of 94.44 per cent, albeit on a lowish attendance figure of 205. That puts it in the top 10 of films we have shown over the last 20 years. Some comments: “Good to see real footage; well crafted film.” “Truly excellent film; epic; brilliant mix of original footage and new film and photos, colour and black [cont'd.]
Reactions to Ninotchka
A rapturous reception for Ninotchka and an appreciation score of 84.55 per cent. Not bad for an 80-year-old film. If anyone is curious about the three-sentence pitch that launched the film, here they are: “Russian girl saturated with Bolshevist ideals goes to fearful, capitalistic, monopolist Paris. She meets romance and has uproarious good time. Capitalism not so bad, after all.” Some of your comments: “Thanks; a bit of comic relief. [cont'd.]
Reactions to Shoplifters
Shoplifters received a warm welcome and an appreciation score of 83.66 per cent. Some comments from members: Best yet: difficult to shake off the effect of this one.” Slow, studied, totally absorbing. Extraordinary performances. A proper piece of cinematic artistry.” “Beautiful: clever and sensitive exploration of the true nature of love and family.” “Excellent film. Certainly made me think about different perspectives of right and wrong.” “A very sensitive film, [cont'd.]
Charlton Kings programme announced
Charlton Kings Film Society has announced its programme for 2019-20. The society is showing 18 films at Sacred Hearts Parish Hall, Moorend Road, Charlton Kings, GL53 9AU. They include Bohemian Rhapsody, Stan & Ollie, The Angels’ Share, Fisherman’s Friends and Loving Vincent as well as several excellent films that we showed last year but which you may have missed. The films are shown on Friday evenings and tickets are £5 [cont'd.]
