Beer Film Society was founded in September 2006.  With a great deal of help from the British Federation of Film Societies and donations from Beer Parish Council, Devon County Council, Mike Green and several others, the Society was able to obtain basic projection and audio equipment.  Our aim is to bring a combination of popular as well as less-mainstream films to the village.  Over the years the Society has used any surplus funds from the screening of films to improve the quality of its equipment.

Our screenings are held in Mariners' Hall in Beer, for which we are very grateful.  Mariners' Hall has a high-definition video projection system as well as improved acoustics, which together mean that our audiences get a first-class viewing experience.  Films are usually screened on Thursdays, with the doors open at 6.45pm for a 7:30pm start.  A licensed bar is provided.

The exciting news this month is that we have made a late change to our scheduled programme – and we now have a new film to offer you on Thursday 18 April at Mariners’ Hall.

 When One Life (12, 2023, 1hr 49mins) was made available we decided we would juggle things around and put it on as soon as possible.  Why? Well, we think this terrific film starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Flynn is a must-see.

 Hopkins stars as Sir Nicholas Winton – the British "Schindler" - who, in the nine months leading up to the outbreak of the Second World War, organised the transportation of 669 children, mostly Jewish, from Czechoslovakia to Britain and other countries.  Featuring stylish period reconstruction with an emotionally-classic narrative, the film chronicles the amazing altruism and bravery of a young man who had everything but risked it all to help others.

What the critics said:

‘You’d need a heart of stone not to be touched by this extraordinary true story.’

Peter Bradshaw. The Guardian. 4*

‘Hopkins' subtle, emotionally powerful performance grounds the film, and he's aided by classy support from Lena Olin, Helena Bonham Carter and Jonathan Pryce.

Jeremy Aspinall. Radio Times. 4*

‘His performance as the incredible Nicholas Winton is something of heart and soul – and a reflection of how lucky we are to have this remarkable actor.’ 

Dulcie Pearce. The Sun. 4*

If you would like to book a seat or table for "One Life" then please reserve in advance by emailing beerfilmsociety@gmail.com before Monday 15 April.

Or just turn up on the night. Members £5 and guest tickets cost £7 with a 12-month rolling membership on the night available at £15.  The bar will be open.  

 

Last month’s film Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom proved a great success with our audience and was awarded an outstanding AR of 95%.  

Comments included:

“Great scenery and lovely story”

“Beautiful – loved Norbu the Yak and the magnificent place in which he lived”

“Great photography.  Very emotional.  Do hope he went back”

“Children taught brat to be adult.  Beautiful”

“I haven’t been so involved or invested in a film for a long time”

“Absolutely delightful film”

“An excellent reflection of what’s right and important in life”

 

Membership of Beer Film Society costs £15 for a full 12 months, and members pay a £5 entrance fee at each screening that they attend.  The entrance fee for non-members is £7.  Priority is given to reservations by members, but non-members may also reserve tickets.  To book tickets and to find out more about Beer Film Society, just email beerfilmsociety@gmail.com.

 

Last edited: Wednesday 3 April 2024