This season’s films have been chosen from hundreds of new and recent releases on the basis of those types of films that WFS audiences have most applauded in the past. They represent films from across the world, nearly all with a heart-warming touch. The first six months of the programme has been chosen with the July to December programme to follow.
For easier comprehension, WFS, unlike many cinemas, shows sub-titles on all films – even those in English.
The films are shown at Abbey Fields Community Centre, Back Lane, Winchcombe GL54 5QH, on the last Friday of the month. Turn up at 7pm to enjoy tea, coffee or wine with friends for a 7.30pm start.
The Apprentice (2024 Canada, Denmark, Ireland). Dir. Ali Abbasi. 122 mins. January 30th.
The film depicts Donald Trump’s early life as a real estate developer, under the sway of his mentor Roy Cohn, who teaches Trump his 3 rules for becoming successful. The film was widely praised for its acting and directing, and you will understand why Trump made legal threats against it.
Divided We Fall (2002 Czech Republic). Dir. Jan Hrebejk. 123 mins. February 27th.
Set in 1939 Czechoslovakia, the film explores the complexities of a country occupied by Nazis. When a couple end up hiding an escapee from a concentration camp things get difficult. The film skillfully balances humour and gravity, and was nominated as Best Foreign Language Film at the 73rd Academy Awards.
Belle (2013, UK). Dir.Amma Asante. 104 mins. March 27th.
Loosely inspired by the 1779 painting of Belle, the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of the nephew of the 1st Earl of Mansfield, the film shows Dido Belle’s arrival from the West Indes to the care of Lord Mansfield, then Lord Chief Justice of England. Belle’s later romance is set against the backcloth of England debating the end of the slave trade with Lord Mansfield struggling with the prejudices of the day.
The Constant Gardener (2005 US,UK). Dir. Fernando Meirelles. 129 mins. April 24th.
The film follows the Justin Quayle character as a British Diplomat in Kenya, as he tries to solve the murder of his wife, an Amnesty International Activist. Based on a John le Carré novel, the film with its excellent leads, Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz, was a box office and critical success.
A Complete Unknown (2024,US). Dir. James Mangold. 141 mins. May 29th.
The film portrays the early career of Bob Dylan from his arrival into New York city in 1961. We follow his struggle with his quick success and his move away from the folk tradition through the early songs. Timothée Chalamet IS Bob Dylan and deserved an Oscar for his performance.
The Outrun (2024, UK). Dir. Nora Fingscheidt. 118 mins. June 26th.
Saoirse Ronan offers a dramatic picture of the aftermath of alcohol addiction with her move to Orkney and becoming immersed in the countryside. One reviewer noted that far from becoming a clichéd handling of addiction, Ronan brings a calmness and joy into the film.
Winchcombe Film Society 