Dir: Lucy Walker.   Language: Portuguese with English subtitles.   Type: True Lives Documentary.    Awards: Oscar nomination 2011, 5 wins + 2 other nominations.

Top-selling contemporary artist Vik Muniz takes us on an emotional journey from Jardim Gramacho, the world’s largest landfill on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, to the heights of international art stardom. Muniz collaborates with the brilliant catadores, pickers of recyclable materials, sharing their hopes and aspirations whilst he tries to change their lives through his art.

“What astounds isn’t their poverty, but their joie de vivre, a reminder of humanity’s ability to transcend its surroundings through art or just plain optimism.” Matt Glasby, Total Film

“Muniz is a gifted, modest and altogether delightful man and his project is both aesthetically fascinating and philosophically stimulating.” Philip French, The Observer

Original title: Ladri di biciclette

Italy  1948  (1hr 34min)

Dir: Vittorio de Sica.   Cast: Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola, Lianella Carell.   Language: Italian with English subtitles.  Type: Classic Drama.   Awards: Academy Award & BAFTA winner 1950 + 14 other wins.

Vittorio De Sica’s remarkable drama of desperation and survival in Italy’s devastating post-war depression earned a special Oscar award for its affecting power. Shot in the streets and alleys of Rome, the director uses the environment to frame his moving tale of a desperate father whose new job pasting up cinema posters is at risk. Cast with non-actors and filled with street scenes, this landmark film helped define the Italian neo-realist approach with its mix of day-to-day detail, poetic imagery, and tough love.

“De Sica’s haunting movie uses natural light and real locations to create a marvellous atmospheric backdrop.” James Christopher, The Times

“De Sica has artfully wrapped (music) into a film that will tear your heart, but which should fill you with warmth and compassion.” Bosley Crowther, The New York Times

France  2009  (UK release 2011)   (1hr 53min)

Dir: Christian Carion.  Cast: Emir Kusturica, Guillaume Canet.   Language: Russian, French, with English subtitles.   Type: Espionage Thriller.

Events depicted in this astonishing true story were the catalyst for the end of the cold war and the collapse of the USSR. Moscow in the 1980s: a disillusioned KGB officer makes contact with a young French businessman working in the city. Soon both are embroiled in danger. Assiduous direction coupled with taut performances reflect a return in style to the spy thriller of substance and quality.

“… a tight, tense and tragic package of the personal and political entwined, with Kusturica’s huge presence at its soul.” Kevin Harley, Total Film

“[His] intelligent handling should make Christian Carion’s compelling picture a solid international success.” Todd McCarthy, Variety

Chad/Cameroon/Burkina Faso/France/Belgium   2010  (UK release 2011)   (1hr 32min)

Dir: Mahamat Saleh Haroun.   Cast: Youssouf Djaoro, Diouc Koma, Djénéba Koné.   Language: French, Arabic with English subtitles.   Type: Drama.  Awards: Palme D’Or nomination + four wins.

A family man strives to retain his job as a hotel pool attendant in present-day Chad against the backdrop of a country ripped apart by civil war. Daily and longer term decisions must be taken in order to secure a future, but at what personal cost? Compassionate performances and striking cinematography make this gently-paced film one which will linger in the memory.

“Beautifully understated, Haroun gives his story room to breathe and the tenderness to touch the heart. A thoughtful tale of fathers and sons.” Willliam Thomas, Empire Magazine

“The best African film in recent memory.” Nigel Andrews, The Financial Times

Dir: François Ozon.   Cast: Catherine Deneuve, Gérard Depardieu, Fabrice Luchini.   Language: French with English subtitles.   Type: Comedy.   Awards: Venice Golden Lion nomination 2010.

A bristly tyrant who runs his factory and household with an iron fist is about to experience a shift in power. With a stalwart cast of the ever elegant Catherine Deneuve and a robust Gérard Depardieu, the ebullient humour of this French delight set in the 1970s makes for a joyously featherlight end to our season. A bientôt!

“Ozon’s comedy is a uniquely French skew on the gender politics of the home and the workplace … funny, fast and fondly made.” Anna Smith, Empire

“François Ozon delivers a brassy, colourful comedy of shifting political attitudes in the ‘70s with Catherine Deneuve on fine form.” David Jenkins, Time Out