abfilms.org.uk

On March 22nd, as part of Abingdon Arts Festival, we are showing STORMY WEATHER (75mins, USA, 1943, Cert U), the classic musical showcasing such legendary greats as Lena Horne, Fats Waller, Cab Calloway and Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson. There will also be live jazz with the George Haslam Trio. The venue is the King’s Head & Bell public house, starting at 7.30pm

As part of Abingdon Arts Festival 2011, ABCD Film Society presents:

THE GREAT WHITE SILENCE

Ponting’s 1924 documentary about Scott’s expedition to the South Pole using the footage he shot of the scientific work, Antarctic wildlife, life in camp, expedition equipment, and team members. Restored by the BFI National Archive, including tinting and toning to the original instructions. A silent film with a new soundtrack by Simon Fisher Turner. (Cert U)
Dir: H G Ponting 104 mins UK 1924

Our annual screening in association with the Abingdon and District Town Twinning Society is:

LOOSE CANNONS
(MINE VAGANTI) – May 3rd

Pasta making family firm whose sons have other ambitions. A family comedy and ‘coming out’ comedy.
Dir: Fernan Özpetek (Cert 12 A) 113 mins Italy 2010

This screening is additional to the main programme.

Based on the autobiographical novel by the former literary editor of The Listener, J R Ackerley (voiced splendidly by Christopher Plummer), My Dog Tulip chronicles the author’s loving relationship with a German Shepherd, rescued from a dog’s home. Made by a husband and wife team, Sandra Ferlinger’s hand drawn and watercolour animation of London is a labour of love. Definitely not made for children, delightfully playful in content including some adult themes! (Cert 12A)
Dir: Paul & Sandra Fierlinger 78 mins USA 2009

Benjamín Esposito, a retired Buenos Aries justice officer, is writing a novel about an unsolved case, 25 years previously, which continues to haunt him. In the Morales case, a beautiful young woman was raped and murdered. His investigations bring him back into contact with his boss, Irene Menéndez-Hastings, for whom – despite their age difference – he has feelings. “The film takes the elements of the conventional murder mystery and then spins round them a story that is both lyrical and heavy on pathos” – Geoffrey Macnab, Independent on Sunday. (Cert 18)
Dir: Juan José Campanella 104 mins Argentina 2009

A witty silent comedy about growing up. Two young boys move with their family into a new home and run into the neighbouring children, their ringleaders and their parents. (Cert U)
Dir: Yasujirô Ozu 87 mins Japan 1932
Andrew Youdell returns to accompany on piano our annual silent film.
The screening will begin at 7.30 p.m. and take place at St Nicolas Church, Market Place, Abingdon.

35 years since its first release, Taxi Driver is a pitch perfect example of 1970s American film making. Robert De Niro, in a career defining role as the psychotic insomniac Vietnam veteran, Travis Bickle, is mesmerising as he misguidedly seeks to clean up the streets of New York. A loner who cannot communicate with others or form relationships, he first tries to date a political activist Betsy (Cybill Shepherd) and later becomes obsessed with underage prostitute Iris (Jodie Foster), with terrible consequences. “It’s a film that stays in your bloodstream” – Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian. (Cert 18)
Dir: Martin Scorsese 109 mins USA 1976

A film about language and its power. Conscientious policeman Cristi often investigates the minor drug dealings of local, bored, youths. He writes detailed reports for his Captain: “The suspect met no one, didn’t use his phone and smoked one cigarette. Nothing happened for two hours.” In frustration at Cristi’s reluctance to arrest the youths, the Captain forces his detectives to define the meanings of ‘conscience’ and ‘morals’. “a brittle sensibility and a philosophical bite that are… discreet, very Romanian and in a downbeat way, altogether devastating.” – Jonathan Romney, The Independent. (Cert 12A)
Dir: Corneliu Porumboiu 110 mins Romania 2009

The lives of a couple, their family and friends over a year. Tom (Jim Broadbent) and Gerri (Ruth Sheen) live in a leafy London suburb, have rewarding jobs, and enjoy gardening and working their allotment. They are the hub where their less fortunate friends seek sanctuary, notably Mary (Lesley Manville in bravura form) and Ken. Full of recognisable characters, minutely observed without caricature or parody. “…presents viewers with a rock-solid decades-old marriage, secure in its moorings and smug in its harbour” – Ann Hornaday, Washington Post. (Cert 12A)
Dir: Mike Leigh 125 mins UK 2010

The Japan of the 1950s became influenced by American modernity and consumerism. Ozu’s subtle comedy, Ohayô, explores this time of great change through a suburban Japanese family. The parents, still holding on to traditional values, are dismayed by their son’s refusal to speak until they buy a TV for the home. In a community where jobs and money are short, the proximity of neighbours and their gossip fuel misunderstanding when some money goes missing. (Cert U)
Dir: Yasujirô Ozu 90 mins Japan 1959
We welcome back Japanese cinema specialist Alex Jacoby to introduce this film.