This year we’re folding the film festival into a single day in which we’ll be celebrating films, filmmaking and filmmakers.  We’ve put together an exciting programme with features, documentaries, shorts, live and recorded Q&A ‘s and intros with, and from, the films‘ directors – all aimed at giving you a deeper film-going experience. Please book your tickets for the French soirée by 10th October as Darmon Deli need final numbers for the catering at the start of that week.

Session 1: Dirt Road To Lafayette (2018: 12: 100 mins)

Doors Open 1.45 p.m. : Programme starts 2.00 p.m. Tickets: £6.

Our opening film is Dirt Road To Lafayette (2018: 12: 100 mins)a sweet and poignant coming-of-age drama with a cracking, foot-stomping cajun and zydeco music soundtrack.

Following the death of his mother, Murdo, a 15 year old, accordion playing boy, and his grieving father travel from their home in Scotland to stay with relatives in Alabama. Whilst there a chance meeting with Queen Monzee-ay,  a renowned cajun and zydeco musician, and her granddaughter, inspires Murdo to travel on his own to the Louisiana Music Festival in Lafayette to play in her band, much to his father’s dismay.  

Starring: Neil Sutcliffe, David O’Hara, Margo Moorer & David Hayman

The film will be followed by a ‘live’ Zoom based Q&A with its’ director – Kenny Glenaan

The film and its director were a huge hit when it was part of our Virtual Film Club programme during the lock-downs, now’s your chance to see it on the big screen.

Session 2: I Am Belmaya (2020 : 12 :  81mins)

Doors open 4.45p.m.: Programme starts at 5.00 p.m. Tickets: £6.

Our second film is the award winning documentary I Am Belmaya (2020 : 12 :  81mins.

Fourteen years in the making, it follows the story of Belmaya Nepali, a young Nepalese girl, and then woman, battling in a very traditional, male dominated society to become a photographer and then a documentary filmmaker in her own right. She embarks on her graduation film about the importance of education for girls – but are her resentful husband and conservative society ready for this?

“An inspirational and moving tale of rebellion, courage and hope, spanning 14 years, as Belmaya battles to change her story and take charge of her life.”

Accompanying the documentary is an introduction from Sue Carpenter, the film’s co-director, a pre-recorded Q&A with Belmaya herself and the chance to see her latest ‘short’ Stronger. Not to be missed!

Session 3: A Taste of France Soirée

Doors Open 7.15 p.m. Programme starts 7.30 p.m.  Tickets £16.

For the evening session we offer you a Taste of France Soirée- including French savoury and sweet canapés  supplied by Darmon Deli in Amersham and included in the ticket price; French wines and beer to buy at the bar; French chansons from Coralia Galtier and Pere Et Fille – a new short from French director Eric Griffon du Bellay who has also recorded an introduction to the film especially for us.

To round everything off we have the wonderful, multi-award winning French tribute to Hollywood silent movies – The Artist (2011 : PG : 100mins) directed by Michael Hazanavicius and starring Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo. John Goodman, James Cromwell and Penelope Ann Miller.

Hollywood 1927: George Valentin is a silent movie superstar. The advent of the talkies will sound the death knell for his career and see him fall into oblivion but for young extra Peppy Miller, it seems the sky’s the limit and major movie stardom beckons. The Artist tells the story of their interlinked destinies.

PLEASE NOTE: We are offering a reduced price Day Ticket at £25 which gives entry to all three sessions.  Only available in advance. Tickets available below and from Chorleywood Bookshop. Tickets for sessions 1 & 2 will also be available on-the-door however, tickets for Session 3 will only be available in advance. To purchase a Day ticket, please click on the button below: