ON FILM

One of the genuine pleasures of helping to run Cinematheque is meeting all the new people who have become members since the end of lockdown and now regularly attend our shows. Many come from Sherborne and its surrounding villages and heard of our existence through this magazine’s pages. They are an enthusiastic and knowledgeable bunch and it’s great to be able to join like-minded people together in the collective enjoyment of film. Are they new to the area or have they always been here and just not realised we exist? Either way, we are pleased to have reached them - we show rewarding films in a perfect venueso I am happy to spread the word!

This month brings two excellent offerings, on 1st March we show Persian Lessons (2020) a Belarusian Second World War thriller. Its director, Vadim Perelman made House of Sand and Fog in 2003, a much-praised former presentation at Cinematheque. Allegedly inspired by true events, Persian Lessons is a powerful and harrowing tale from 1942 Nazi-occupied France, where a Belgian Jew, Gilles, is arrested and taken to a concentration camp in Germany. He manages to evade immediate death by claiming that he is Persian and not Jewish. This lie temporarily saves his life, until he is taken to the camp commander who has been looking for a Farsi speaker to teach him the language so that he can emigrate to Tehran post-war. Gilles now faces the life-or-death task of teaching a man a language he does not know himself. It is from this point that the film opens up into an ingenious and engaging drama, where one false move could expose his lie. ‘Moving and Gripping’ Sorted Magazine UK, ‘Tense and Gut-Wrenching’ Boxofficebuz.

On 22nd March we have a very different offering. The Worst Person in the World (2021) is from acclaimed Norwegian director Joachim Trier, a wistful and subversive tragicomedy about the quest for love and meaning. Opening to rave reviews at Cannes in 2021, eventually winning the Best Actress Award, following up with Oscar and BAFTA nominations, the story is set in contemporary Oslo, with a star-making lead performance from Renate Reinsve as Julie, just on the verge of turning thirty. She is a potential high achiever, whose life goals are forever flexible, whether personal, romantic or professional. Divided into twelve ‘chapters’ the film navigates Julie’s various love affairs, career choices and ultimately, who she wants to become. This witty, inventive and tender tale, with tonal shifts through euphoria, heartbreak and hope, is beautifully played by Reinsve, and ultimately ends as a satisfying delight. ‘Brilliantly believable central performance’ Mark Kermode, The Observer, ‘An instant classic’ Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian.

Two more intelligent films to be enjoyed. Do think about trying us out as a guest for £5 or becoming a member. All details are on the website below. If you want to catch some live theatre as well, the Swan Theatre Co. is performing The Hollow by Agatha cinematheque.org.uk swan-theatre.co.uk

Christie from 13th - 18th March at the Swan. Their shows are always worthwhile.

Wednesday 1st March 7.30pm

Persian Lessons (2020) 15

Wednesday 22nd March 7.30pm

The Worst Person in the World (2021) 15

Cinematheque, Swan Theatre, 138 Park St, Yeovil BA20 1QT Members £1, guests £5

1st March: Mad Men and Artists – How the Advertising Industry Exploited Fine Art

5th April: Post War Fashion Illustration and the Artists of Today

Members free; visitors £7 theartssocietysherborne.org