OPENING GALA

UK Premiere – Czech Republic IL BOEMO THE BOHEMIAN

‘Amadeus’ meets ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. Looking for work as a violinist, Josef Mysliveček, a friend of Mozart, comes into the orbit of a rich young woman. She introduces him to a hedonistic existence. Josef is given an incredible commission: to write an opera for the San Carlo opera house.

Thu 10 Aug 18:30

Dinner from 18:30 / Film from 20:30

Also screening Fri 11 Aug 13:45 (Film Only – Normal Price)

OPENING & CLOSING GALA FOOD

We are proud to present this UK premiere for our Gala opening. This prestigious film has been selected as the Czech nomination for next year’s Foreign Language Oscar. It captures the glorious decadence of 18th century Italy inhabited by Czech composer Josef Mysliveček (Vojtech Dyk), nicknamed Il Boemo. Decay acts as a counterpoint: when we meet Mysliveček shortly before his death just shy of his 44th birthday. Václav shows how the Czech, who moved to Italy in search of fame, was much less volatile than the younger composer whom he influenced. He appears driven less by his carnal appetites than by an overwhelming desire to see his music performed – although that didn’t stop him adopting a hedonistic lifestyle. It is the squalor beneath the sublime, the grime beneath the grandeur, that is at the heart of ‘Il Boemo’, a sumptuous period piece that’s also an ambitious slice of musical archaeology. Václav (‘The Way Out’, ‘We Are Never Alone’) spent 12 years as writer and director on this project which unearths the forgotten biography of a composer and his work. The latter re-emerges to glorious effect in a visually and musically vivid film that largely transcends staid period drama conventions with its ripely conceived backstage and bedroom intrigue. Magnifique! (Subtitles)

CZECH REP/ITALY/SLOVAKIA 2022 PETR VÁCLAV

130M

Our thanks to Loco Films for this screening.

Hosted by BRASSERIE BLANC – Thu 10 Aug 18:30 & Sun 27 Aug 18:30

The cinema has forged an excellent relationship with Brasserie Blanc over the last twelve years and continues the tradition of holding both Gala Dinners at the restaurant, continuing this year for our 31st anniversary. The chefs offer two special set meals for each Gala dinner with a glass of wine included in the price, the menu highlighting chef owner Raymond Blanc’s classic dishes with strong French regional influences of his youth. We are grateful for the generous support of Brasserie Blanc and its manager Dave Gillard and staff, who look forward to sharing the evenings with you.

Dinner will be from 18:30, followed by the film at 20:30. Book your place early to avoid disappointment. Tickets £39.