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.
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 7.00pm 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
CANCELLED – SEE July 2026
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.
I Swear (2025, UK). Dir Kirk Jones.120 mins . April 24th.
The film follows the life of John Davidson, a Scotsman who developed Tourette’s syndrome in adolescence, showing the abuse and brutality he had to suffer through a complete lack of understanding of the condition. He was fortunate to encounter individuals who understood and helped him make a life. A truly moving film, a 15 rating but with considerable uncontrolled swearing throughout (this is part of the Tourette’s).
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.
Belle (2013, UK. Dir.A.Asante. 104 mins.) July 31st.
The film, with its stellar cast, combines the story of Belle, a mixed-race young woman sent to live with a relative in England, Lord Mansfield, with issues of race, love and slavery.
God’s Own Country (2017, UK. Dir F.Lee, 105 mins.) August 28th.
A young sheep farmer in Yorkshire has his life transformed by the new farm worker who helps his recognise his love for the countryside. Josh O’Connor leads.
Driving Madeleine (2022, French Belgium. Dir C.Carion. 91 mins). September 25th.
This is no ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ film but one which is more dramatic and revealing. A taxi drive through Paris with an elderly female client turns into understanding her life story.
Frida (2002, US. Dir. J.Taymor. 123 mins). October 30th.
A biopic of the tempestuous, talented, full but short life of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, staring Selma Hayak as Frida and Alfred Molina as her husband, Diego Rivera.
Ali’s Wedding (2016, Australia.Dir. J.Walker). November 20th.
A true cross-cultural love story (Muslim/Australian) written and acted by the individuals themselves, underlining where cultures may meet but also where they may clash.
The Age of Innocence (1993, US. Dir M.Scorsese, 139 mins). December 18th
This multi-awarded film is Martin Scorsese’s powerful adaptation of the book by Edith Wharton. With an excellent cast led by Daniel Day- Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Winona Ryder, the film explores issues of wealth, privilege, love and conventionality in America’s Golden Age’.
There will be a short interval during the film.
Winchcombe Film Society 