Films of Hong Kong: She’s In Jail (12A)

Chow Hang Tung, a Hong Kong barrister, labour and democratic movement activist, vice-chairperson of the Hong Kong Alliance of Patriotic and Democratic Movement in China (“the Hong Kong Alliance”). The Hong Kong National Security Law was promulgated at 2300 hours on 31 June 2020 by China and implemented with immediate effect.

It was a devastating clampdown on the civil society, human rights and rule of law of Hong Kong. Chow Hang Tung as well as the Hong Kong Alliance has become one of the major targets, in consequence she and the other leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance were arrested and later incarcerated. The Hong Kong Alliance after 30 years
since founded in 1990 has been forced to shut down. Since 2021, Chow Hang Tung was repeatedly arrested due to her Hong Kong Alliance leadership as well as June-4 commemorative activities. Since her incarceration in September 2021, she together with Albert Ho Chun Yan and Lee Cheuk Yan (current and former chairpersons) has been indicted for subversion of the state of China under the Chinese constitution.

Until February 2024, their incarceration continues without a trial date in sight. Chow Hang Tung was awarded 5 international human rights prizes in the year of 2023 in recognition of her steadfast spirit and sacrifice in safeguarding democracy and human rights of Hong Kong and China.

This documentary film begins at around 7 a.m. in the morning on 8 September 2021, moments before the police broke into her chambers to arrest her, followed by interview and narrations of many of her friends and comrades in Hong Kong and abroad about her personal history, also some pieces of her participation in the democratic and civic liberty campaigns. In the time when China ruthlessly clamps down on a jurisdiction having had a previously recognised rule of law and human rights, Chow Hang Tung, a Hong Kong democratic campaigner, stands up to suppression with unparalleled courage, continues to battle despotism, enkindles the hope of democracy, human rights and rule of law.

This documentary film is dedicated to Chow Hang Tung and the campaign she represents.

Supporting Our next Hong Kong Campaign

Hit Man (15)

From Academy Award-nominated writer/director Richard Linklater, co-written and starring Glen Powell alongside Adria Arjona, comes HIT MAN. Inspired by an unbelievable true story, a hit man meets his match in a client who steals his heart and ignites a powder keg of deception, delight, and mixed-up identities.

“Richard Linklater mixes philosophy and fun in true-crime caper” Guardian ★★★★

“Glen Powell and Adria Arjona make a seductive couple in this cracking comedy thriller from the director of Boyhood and School of Rock” Telegraph ★★★★

Directed by Richard Linklater
With Glen Powell, Adria Arjona
1hr 55 mins // US 2024

Jazz in the Bar- Jim Walker Violin

This month Jazz in the Bar goes continental with a programme of French influenced jazz.

We welcome back jazz violin virtuoso Jim Walker who impressed everyone on his previous appearance last year. Jim’s playing is influenced by Stephane Grappelli and he has a wide repertoire of French inspired jazz. He will be accompanied by the talented trio of: Eliot Lewis, Guitar, Steve Truman, Double Bass, Clive Loveday, Drums.

Expect a night of finger snapping toe tapping jazz.

Catch-up Screenings: Back to Black (15)

A celebration of the most iconic – and much missed – homegrown star of the 21st century, Back to Black tells the extraordinary tale of Amy Winehouse. Painting a vivid, vibrant picture of the Camden streets she called home and capturing the struggles of global fame, Back to Black honours Amy’s artistry, wit, and honesty, as well as trying to understand her demons. An unflinching look at the modern celebrity machine and a powerful tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent.

“Amy Winehouse biopic buoyed by extraordinary lead performance” Guardian ★★★★

Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson
With Marisa Abela, Jack O’Connell
2hrs // UK/US 2024

Exhibition on Screen: My National Gallery (12A)

The National Gallery of London is one of the world’s greatest art galleries. It is full of masterpieces, an endless resource of history, an endless source of stories. But whose stories are told? Which art has the most impact and on whom? The power of great art lies in its ability to communicate with anyone, no matter their art historical knowledge, their background, their beliefs.

This film gives voice to those who work at the gallery – from cleaner to curator, security guard to director – who identify the one artwork that means the most to them and why. An assortment of people from all walks of life who have a strong connection to the gallery make surprising choices of both well-known and lesser-known artworks. Finally, some well-known celebrities explain what they head for when they visit the gallery.

These stories are used as a lens through which to explore the 200-year history of the National Gallery and what the future may hold for this spectacular space.

Everyone in this film has a special connection to the National Gallery, making for some heart-warming, moving and surprising stories.

Beloved celebrities, devoted staff members and world class experts come together to paint a unique portrait of this iconic British institution for its 200th birthday.

The Idea of You (15)

Based on the acclaimed, contemporary love story of the same name, The Idea of You centers on Solène (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom who begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. When Solène must step in to chaperone her teenage daughter’s trip to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex bails at the last minute, she has a chance encounter with Hayes and there is an instant, undeniable spark. As they begin a whirlwind romance, it isn’t long before Hayes’ superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solène soon discovers that life in the glare of his spotlight might be more than she bargained for.

Independent ★★★ Observer ★★★ Telegraph ★★★ Guardian ★★★

Directed by Michael Showalter
With Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine
1hr 55 mins // US 2024

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (12A)

Director Wes Ball breathes new life into the global, epic franchise set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.

“The fourth chapter in the reboot series sees the apes battle a mad chimpanzee – and the result is surprisingly marvellous” Telegraph ★★★★

Directed by Wes Ball
With Owen Teague, Freya Allan
2hrs 25 mins // US 2024

NT Live: The Motive & the Cue (15) – Extra Screenings

Sam Mendes (The Lehman Trilogy) directs Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud and Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton in this fierce and funny new play.

1964: Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s exacting direction. But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.

Written by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and designed by Es Devlin (The Crucible), the Evening Standard award-winning best new play was filmed live during a sold-out run at the National Theatre.

“Mark Gatiss gives the performance of his career in this shiver-making drama” Telegraph ★★★★★

The Motive and the Cue
a new play by Jack Thorne
directed by Sam Mendes

Flying High Film Workshop – That They May Face The Rising Sun (15)

We would love you to join us for this once a month opportunity for adult members of the community to come together for fun, camaraderie, learning, sharing food and film.

Each month in the Bonington Theatre, we will meet at 10.30am for a 2-hour exploration workshop (discussions, exercises, some role play and improvisation for those brave enough!) examining the themes, context, characters, ideas and plot of a particular film. There will be a light buffet style lunch, teas and coffees before watching the film at 1.30pm. The event should finish 3.00pm – 3.30pm depending on the length of the film.

Tuesday 30th April – That They May Face The Rising Sun (15)

That They May Face The Rising Sun is a sensitive and beautifully realised film capturing a year in the life of a rural, lakeside community in late 1970s. early 1980s in Ireland. Joe (Barry Ward) and Kate (Anna Bederke) have returned from London to live and work in a small, close-knit community in rural Ireland, close to where Joe grew up. He’s a writer, she’s an artist who retains part ownership of a London gallery. How do they become part of this secure, small, remote community where landlines were scarce and people had to interact with visits on a daily basis?

Now embedded in a remote lakeside setting, the drama of a year in their lives and those of their neighbours unfolds through the rituals of work, play and the passing seasons. A delicate, meditative exploration of ritual, community bonds, and the question of how best to live.

Directed by Pat Collins
With Barry Ward, Anna Bederke
N.B. The film is 1hr 51 mins so will finish around 3.20pm

André Rieu’s 2024 Maastricht Concert: Power of Love

André Rieu is ready to blow you away with his brand new cinema concert ‘Power of Love’. From his picturesque hometown of Maastricht The King of the Waltz presents a must-see big screen spectacular. Accompanied by his world famous Johann Strauss Orchestra and a cast of hundreds this promises to be the music event of the summer by one of the world’s most prolific artists.

In a concert overflowing with passion André’s unique repertoire combines classical, musicals, pop and rock! You have to see it to believe it. Set against the backdrop of the historic Vrijthof square André will amaze you with iconic film scores, beautiful waltzes, tear jerking ballads and unexpected chart hits – music has the power to unite and this is a concert for all the family.

Let’s enjoy André’s music together and spread the love. Don’t miss André Rieu ‘Power of Love’ exclusively in cinemas this summer.

2hrs 46 mins including an interval