Fair Trade Cinema Director Praised -
"A TERRIFICALLY powerful start to our fair trade festival," said Festival Chairman Bob Davies after seeing "Black Gold" (Working Title) at Thame Cinema.
"Nick Francis's account of the various stages in the development of a documentary film, about such an important subject, was fascinating. I'll think about it before drinking in a coffee shop in future," added Bob, echoing the response of many others in the audience.
This Saturday, June 25, Thame Cinema is showing "Vera Drake" (15) at 8.00, doors open 7.30. A film that will probably need little introduction, Vera Drake has enjoyed international critical and popular acclaim, hailed as Mike Leigh’s best film yet, and with exceptional performances from the esteemed cast. Imelda Staunton’s Vera is the backbone of family and community, doing what she can with the little she has, enjoying the security of a loving family. Without her family’s knowledge, she also performs illegal abortions, taking no money, but seeing it as a service to those she recognises are in a desperate situation. Set in a meticulously created 1950’s London, the film is intimate and personal at the same time as it is political. On the one hand Leigh captures the warmth and dignity of everyday life: the devastation for the family when Vera’s illegal activity is discovered, is heartbreakingly rendered. On the other hand Leigh even-handedly tackles the issue of illegal abortion, the class discrepancies, the risks and the consequences for all concerned. It is not often that a male writer / director manages to create such a sensitive and insightful portrait of a peculiarly feminine realm of experience. All involved are worthy of applause.
Thame Cinema 4 All's AGM is being held first at 6.30 in the cinema, all members are invited. Free membership at door, all tickets £5.00.
Thame Cinema is supported by SODC, Screen South and UK Film Council.
