In the run-up to Chorleywood’s first Film Festival we’re looking closer at each of its sessions to give you a better idea of the treats in store.

The Festival opens on Friday evening (17th) with one in a series of excellent short animated graduate films produced by students at the National Film and Television School.  We’ll be featuring one of these films at each of the weekend’s screenings.  They really are worth seeing in their own right and we’re delighted to bring them to a wider audience.

Friday’s main feature, Suite Française, is based on the best-selling book by Irene Nemirovsky.

As Hitler’s armies descend upon Paris in 1940, Lucile (Michelle Williams) awaits news from her husband who is being held a prisoner of war. Leading a stifled existence with her domineering mother-in-law (Kristin Scott Thomas), Lucile’s life is turned upside down when a handsome and charming German officer (Matthias Schoenaerts) is posted to live with them. Despite the many taboos, they find themselves drawn to each other, until the realities of war threaten to destroy them.  A story of the power of love and the tragedy of war.

Director/ joint screenwriter Saul Dibb’s film also stars Margot Robbie, Sam Riley, and Ruth Wilson.

You can watch the trailer on our Programme page.

“A gripping slice of history and an intoxicating love story in the classic mould.”
Trevor Johnston, Radio Times

“rewardingly complex and disarmingly compassionate.”
Mark Kermode, The Guardian

“handsomely made and boasts two exceptional central performances.”
Geoffrey Macnab, The Independent

Suite  Française (2015, Cert. 15, 107mins) is being screened at the War Memorial Hall, Common Road, on Friday 17^th February.  Doors and Bar open at 7.30 p.m. Programme begins at 8.00p.m.

Tickets £6 in advance from Chorleywood Bookshop, available on the door if still available.

Chorleywood Film Festival is taking place over the weekend of 17–19^th February and is a joint collaboration between Chorleywood Film Club and Chorleywood Bookshop.  We’d also like  to thank Sewell & Gardner and Chorleywood Parish Council for their support.