Page 40 - Oundle Life April 2024

POPCORN TIME
Cinematic revival
Cinema in Oundle is having a welcome revival! Regular documentary shows were re-started
in early 2023 by on the local voluntary group known as DOCS+. And since last September, these have been matched by monthly feature films, sponsored by Creative Oundle. This restores a much-needed entertainment to the town which had flourished for many years before Covid. Attendances have
been growing: in January the DOCS+ showing of The Nettle Dress attracted a capacity audience and Creative Oundle’s Christmas shows of It’s a Wonderful Life, with a cartoon programme for children, were also very popular. Some special events have also
been organised by DOCS+, for example to encourage support for Ukraine and to welcome Ukrainians living locally.
Creative Oundle has moved the feature films from its previous venue at the Stahl theatre to the Queen Victoria Hall in West Street, Oundle
PE8 4EJ, where refreshments can continue
to be served before and during the break in performances. DOCS+ shows are normally
in Fletton House, Fletton Way, off Glapthorn Road, Oundle PE8 4JA. Cinema programmes in Oundle depend entirely on voluntary effort to organise them, including box office, projection, publicity and administration. Offers of help will
be much appreciated! DOCS+ is run by a small
committee which tries to pick unusual films on topical subjects that are unlikely to be seen on the commercial circuit. Over the past year, programmes have featured the work of Eric Ravilious – one of the 20th century’s most original
designers, the life of guitarist Julian Bream, the experience of childhood in diverse cultures and environmental issues in Palestine. A particular feature of the DOCS+ shows is that the film is followed by an open discussion, led by people with knowledge and experience of the subject, or who played a key role in production of the film. For the Julian Bream film, the discussants were both the producer and director, while
All Our Children featured a talk by the BBC producer who instigated this acclaimed series of programmes about childhood. The subjects cover a wide range of interests from sport, music, environmental issues and the arts: they are relevant to contemporary debates and always thought-provoking.
Oundle cinema and DOCS+ shows are open to all, bearing in mind the usual age categories for film classification – it’s not necessary to be a member.
Forthcoming programmes:
10 April, Fletton House – Someone’s Daughter, Someone’s Son 25 years after being herself a rough sleeper in London, Lorna Tucker returns to places she frequented to discover what has changed. 26 April, QVH – Cinema Paradiso The film centres on the friendship between a young boy and an ageing projectionist.
8 May, Fletton House – Fanny: the Other Mendelssohn A revealing portrait of the famous composer’s sister.
Programmes are advertised online: at www.creativeoundle.co.uk/oundle-cinema/upcoming- events and www.docsplus.org.uk also on Facebook Oundle DOCS+ Cinema, and by posters
and local news outlets. The starting time for cinema shows, both features and documentaries, is normally 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm). and prices are a flat rate £8 per head. Booking in advance is encouraged because it simplifies our administration. We hope to see you there!
40