An incredible selection of visually breathtaking and fun-packed short films, handpicked from around the world to bring you the best new animation for children and families.New Film

1.            Elles

1.            Damsels in Distress

1.            The Monk

1.            Dark Shadows

1.            Even the Rain

1.            Breathing

1.            Moonrise Kingdom

1.            All in Good Time

1.             Faust

1.             The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp

1.             Monsieur Lazhar

1.             2 Days in New York

1.             The Raid

1.             Cafe de Flore

1.             Free Men

1.             The Source

1.             Olympic short films

Elles / 18
subtitled

Showing:

Dir: Margorzata Szumowska

Actors: Juliette Binoche, Anaïs Demoustier

2011 France / Poland, 1hr 38mins

Juliette Binoche stars as Anne, an Elle journalist immersed in her investigation of Parisian students turning to prostitution to fund their studies. Her time spent with two fiercely independent young women convinces her to look beyond her initial distaste of their chosen profession and to reflect on her own middle class lifestyle and family. The definitions between liberation and exploitation become blurred as director Szumowska challenges our own presumptions of sex and self-expression. Fascinating viewing anchored by an incredible performance from Binoche.


Damsels in Distress / 12A

Showing:

Dir: Whit Stillman

Actors: Greta Gerwig, Adam Brody

USA 2011, 1hr 39mins

It’s been 14 years since The Last Days of Disco director dazzled and delighted audiences with his acerbic and singular takes on life, and frankly we’ve missed him. Damsels in Distress follows the do-gooding exploits of Violet (played with deadpan assurance by Indie darling Greta Gerwig) and her cohorts as they try to clean up, both physically and emotionally, the lives of those around them. Whit Stillman is at the height of his powers in this wonderfully eccentric campus comedy.


The Monk Le Moine / 15
subtitled
Showing: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Director: Dominik Moll

Actors: Vincent Cassell, Deborah Francois

Spain/France 2011, 1hr 41mins

Palme d'Or nominated director Dominik Moll's take on Matthew Lewis' classic Gothic novel is a dark and brooding affair, with an incredible lead performance from Vincent Cassell. When mysterious young Valerio, his face hidden behind a sinister wax mask, arrives at the Monastery of the pious and charismatic Friar Ambrosio, the famed monk finds himself tempted by Satan and the lures of the flesh. The Monk is a phenomenally well crafted film; a deeply creepy and unsettling study of Catholic guilt.


Dark Shadows /
Showing: ????????????
Dir: Tim Burton
Actors: Johnny Depp
Russia 2011, 2hrs 14mins

Following their hugely successful past collaborations, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp re-team for another fantastically kooky film. Loosely based on the cult 60’s TV show, Depp plays 18^th Century wealthy playboy Barnabas Collins - who is cursed and turned into a Vampire after he refuses the advances of a witch. Awaking in 1972 Barnabas must rally his dysfunctional descendants to restore his family’s reputation! Hilarious moments ensue as Barnabas adjusts to modern life; this is cinema is pure blissful entertainment.


Even the Rain También la lluvia / 15
subtitled

Showing: ????????????
Dir: Icíar Bollaín
Actors: Gael Garcia Bernal
Spain / Mexico 2010, 1hr 42mins

Gael García Bernal stars as Sebastian, an ambitious director in Bolivia to shoot a historical epic. Surrounded by a wealth of cheap labour and extras, Sebastian and his producer are happy to exploit the locals; however as a conglomerate company looks to privatise all water resources, the film crew find themselves embroiled in a revolution. Already picking up awards at international film festivals including the Berlinale last year, this is a stunning ode to the courage of ordinary people in the face of annihilation.


Breathing Atmen / 15
subtitled
Showing: ????????????
Dir: Karl Markovics
Actors: Thomas Schubert
Austria 2011, 1hrs 33mins

Best known for his role in 2007’s The Counterfeiters, Karl Markovics’ directorial debut is a stunning tour-de-force that lingers long in the memory. Thomas Schubert delivers one of the all-time greatest debut performances as Roman - a young offender adjusting to civilian life whilst coming to terms with his crime. A part-time job at a funeral home offers some form of redemption, but can he learn to forgive himself? Despite its subject matter this is an uplifting film about second chances, superbly acted and directed.


Moonrise Kingdom  / 12A

Showing:

Dir: Wes Anderson

Actors: Bruce Willis, Edward Norton,

USA 2012, 1hr 34mins

Opening this year’s Cannes festival, Wes Anderson gives us a love story with a difference. Set in the 1960s, Sam and Suzy decide to escape the confines of their New England home to somewhere more exciting, prompting a town wide search for the pair. Can the couple be tracked down before a brewing storm hits their island home? With an outstanding ensemble cast and Anderson’s trademark visual charm, Moonrise Kingdom is an endearing and hilarious slice of effortless Indie cool.

All in Good Time / 12A
Showing: ????????????
Dir: Nigel Cole
Actors: Meera Syal
UK 2012, 1hr 33mins

From the writer of East is East and the director of Calendar Girls & Made in Dagenham, comes this hilarious and heart-warming comedy about the perils of young love versus tradition. When a British-Indian couple are married, their extended family wait with bated breath for confirmation of a consummation, but with Honeymoon flights cancelled and the groom’s embarrassing father around, will this ever happen? Wonderful performances all round, especially Meera Syal and Harish Patel who reprise their roles from the hugely successful stage production.


Faust / 15
subtitled
Showing: ????????????
Dir: Alexander Sokurov
Actors: Johannes Zeiler, Anton Adasinsky
Russia 2011, 2hrs 14mins

Following in the illustrious footsteps of Murnau and Svankmajer, Sokurov delivers his own unique take on the Faustian legend. It tells the tale of a professor in search of something to satisfy his listless soul. Tempted by the local Moneylender he becomes seduced by the promise of every kind of reward, but at what cost? By turns baffling and beautiful, this wandering voyage into the dark recesses of the human psyche is a work of immense texture and complexity, and is like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp / U
Showing: ????????????
Dir: Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger
Actors: Roger Livesey, Deborah Kerr
UK 1943, 2hrs 43mins

Arriving after a restoration supported by Martin Scorsese, this Technicolor marvel is as bewitching as it is ravishing. In a lifetime defined by war and conflict, the film traces (thorough a series of flashbacks) the exploits of Clive Wynne-Candy, loyal soldier and servant of the British Empire. Along the way we meet the three loves of his life, all played by the radiant Kerr. Poking fun at outdated virtues and reactionary bluster this multi-layered, intimate epic now looks suspiciously like the greatest British film ever made.


Monsieur Lazhar / 12A
subtitled

Showing: ????????????
Dir: Philippe Falardeau
Actors: Bachir Lazhar
Canada 2011, 1hrs 34mins

Nominated for the Best Foreign Film Oscar, Bachir Lazhar plays an Algerian immigrant hired as a substitute after a primary school teacher commits suicide. As his antiquated teaching methods and policy of mutual respect begins to help the pupils deal with their grief, so to must he come to terms with his recent loss. With echoes of The Class and Être et avoir, this is a moving and thoroughly brilliant film. The final scene won’t leave a dry eye in the house.


Two Days in New York / 15
Showing: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

Director: Julie Delphy

Actors: Julie Delphy, Chris Rock

Germany/France/Belgium, 2011, 1hr 36 mins

Julie Delphy writes, directs and stars in this follow up to her hit comedy Two Days in Paris. Delphy plays Marion, a passionate French photographer living in New York with her DJ boyfriend Mingus (Chris Rock, playing brilliantly against type). When Marion's family descends on the couple out of the blue, their cosy life is thrown into disarray through a series of misunderstandings and a profound clash of cultures. A wickedly witty ensemble piece, cementing Delphy's reputation as a director of skill and imagination.


The Raid / 18
subtitled

Showing: ????????????
Dir: Gareth Evans
Actors: Iko Uwais
Indonesia 2011, 1hr 40mins

Ever had a fondness for action movies? Then this fantastic high-concept thrill-a-thon is a must-see. An elite Indonesian police team raids an apartment building to take down a mobster, but after being ambushed the cops must battle their way down through 15 floors of criminals and henchmen to escape. With mind-blowing non-stop martial arts action and moments of breathless tension, this is heart-pounding and unforgettable. An American remake is on the cards, it will be hopelessly inferior, see the original.

Café de Flore /15
subtitled

Showing:

Dir: Jean-Marc Vallée

Actors: Vanessa Paradis

Canada/ France 2011, 2hrs

One of the standout films on last year’s festival circuit, Café De Flore weaves together two love stories separated by 40 years. In modern day Montreal, Carole mourns the loss of her husband and childhood sweetheart to another woman, whilst four decades back in 1960’s Paris, Jacqueline(Vanessa Paradis) cares for the love of her life: her 7 year-old son. With its stunning mix of music and visual textures, Vallée creates a dreamy, moving exploration of obsession and lost love.

Free Men Les Hommes Libres 12A

Showing:

Dir: Ismaël Ferroukhi

Actors: Tahar Ramin, Michael Lonsdale

2011 France, 1hr 39mins

Younes (Tahar Ramin, A Prophet) is a secular Algerian smuggler in 1942 Paris who finds himself in the hands of the Gestapo - faced with the choice of prison or to accept the task of spying on a Muslim community. Initially apolitical, Younes soon enough finds himself in league with the resistance and mosque leader Si Kaddour Ban Ghabrit (Michael Lonsdale) risking his life to pass off Jews as Muslims. A heart stopping, intelligent and thrilling tale of suspense and trust in difficult times based on real events.


The Source La Source des femmes / 15

Showing: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

Dir: Radu Mihaileanu

Actors: Leïla Bekhti, Saleh Bakri

2011 Belguim/Italy/France, 2hrs 4 mins

Romanian born Mihaileanu (The Concert) presents a modern re-telling of the Lysistrata myth in this tale of female empowerment in a remote Magherb village. The women of the secluded community have finally had enough of carrying water to the township everyday while the men lounge on porches drinking tea. They enforce a love embargo, denying their frustrated husbands sex until they consent to build a water pipe to the village. An intense drama punctuated with great songs and moments of laugh-out-loud humour.

Kids ½ page

Beauty and the Beast 3D
Showing:
Dir: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
Voices: Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson
USA 1991, 1hr 31mins

Following last year’s wonderful 3D version of The Lion King, comes this gorgeous update of one of Disney’s most beloved films. When Bella’s father is imprisoned by the legendary Beast in his castle, she offers herself in his place – only to find that the Beast is in fact a cursed Prince. Will they fall in love and break the spell over him? Filled with classic songs, this is beautiful and enchanting entertainment – the ballroom dance in 3D is jaw-dropping.

Supported Environment Screening
sprites 11
Sat 9th June
10.30am

Supportive Environment Screenings our relaxed screenings for children on the Autistic / Aspergers Spectrum and their families. The lights will be slightly up and the sound turned down for maximum enjoyment of the movie!
This month’s screening is sprites_11, the short animated film collection also showing later in the day as part of Spark Children’s Festival. An incredible selection of visually breathtaking and fun-packed short films, handpicked from around the world to bring you the best new animation for children and families.