This Friday (December 3rd) is the last evening ‘Film at the Town Hall’ screening of 2021! To mark the occasion we have a selection of winter short films from the BFI National Archive, followed by an unconventional French festive drama/comedy with a fabulous cast!
Friday 3 December, 7.30pm: A Christmas Tale (Un Conte de Noël, Directed by Arnaud Desplechin, France, 2008) Catherine Deneuve is Junon, the matriarch of the troubled Vuillard family, who come together at Christmas after she learns she needs a bone marrow transplant from a blood relative. That simple family reunion setup, however, can’t begin to describe the unpredictable, emotionally volatile experience of this film, an inventive, magical drama that’s equal parts merriment and melancholy.
+ Christmas in the UK through the years 1900-1928. A six-minute compilation of documentary short films from the BFI National Archive giving us an insight into the Christmas and winter traditions in the UK, from outdoor winter games of Victorian boys, the Allied troops enjoying their Christmas rations during WWI, a turkey farm, and fashionable mechanical toys in the 20s.
From Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 December, Trowbridge Town Hall presents a matinee selection of classic festive films for the whole family. An opportunity to see some of the favourite movies of the season on the big screen, or a chance to catch them with a new generation of viewers in a relaxed environment.
🎄 Monday 13 December, 11.30 am: The Muppet Christmas Carol (directed by Brian Henson, USA, UK, 1992, U)
Relaxed screening. Ideally for young children that still are not in the school, toddlers groups and/or homeschoolers. This adaptation of the classic novel ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens is performed by The Muppets, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit and Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge.
🎄 Tuesday 14 December, 11.30 am: Merry Christmas (Joyeux Noël, directed by Christian Carion, France, Germany, UK, Belgium, Romania, 2005, 12A) The true-life story of the spontaneous Christmas Eve truce declared by Scottish, French and German troops in the trenches of World War I. Enemies leave their weapons behind for one night as they band together in brotherhood and forget about the brutalities of war.
+ Christmas in the UK through the years 1900-1928. A six-minute compilation of short films from the BFI National Archive.
🎄 Wednesday 15 December, 12pm: Miracle on 34th Street (directed by George Seaton (USA, 1947, U) The story takes place in New York City between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and focuses on the story of a Santa who works in a department store and is taken to court after claiming he is the real Father Christmas. The original story has been adapted several times for cinema, television and theatre.
+ Christmas in the UK through the years 1900-1928. A six-minute compilation of short films from the BFI National Archive.
🎄 Wednesday 15 December, 3.45pm: It’s a Wonderful Life (directed by Frank Capra, USA, 1946, U) The film has arrived this year to its 75th anniversary and continues being the Christmas favourite for old and new generations. It will be possible to watch in the venue just after school pick up!
It’s Christmas Eve and George Bailey (James Stewart) has so many financial problems and is contemplating suicide. As George is about to jump from a bridge is rescued by Clarence, his guardian angel who shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn’t been for all of his good deeds over the years.
Tickets are only £5.
These events are possible with support from the BFI Film Audience Network (BFI FAN) awarding funds from The National Lottery and special support from the BFI National Archive team, Film Hub South West, Wiltshire Council and Cinema For All.
‘Film at The Town Hall’ will resume its regular programme on Friday 10 January 2022, 7.30pm! Thank you for your continued support!
– Lorena Pino, film programmer.