Wednesday 28 January 2026, at 2.00pm and 7.00pm
Animalia (12A)
Morocco/France 2023. 1hr 31mins. Dir/Writer: Sofia Alaoui. Cast: Oumaima Barid, Mehdi Dehbi. Language: Arabic, French, Berber (subtitled)
Itto, a young Moroccan woman from a modest rural background, tries to adapt to the expected behaviour instilled in her by her husband’s privileged family. When strange other-worldly occurrences put the country into a state of emergency, Itto finds herself separated from her husband and new family, alone, pregnant and looking urgently for a pathway back. On the journey she makes unexpected connections and starts to sense the possibility of liberation.
With stunning Moroccan landscapes increasingly enveloped by subtle forces, this is an enigmatic tale told through a visually intriguing experience.
“Sofia Alaoui’s quietly powerful debut, featuring a breakout central performance by Oumaïma Barid, takes aim at Morocco’s wealthy elite”
Wendy Ide, Screen Daily
“Animalia imagines humankind getting a fleeting glimpse at the interconnectedness of all living things”
Jessica Kiang, Variety
Wednesday 25 February 2026 at 2.00pm & 7.00pm
Lollipop (15)
UK 2024. 1hr 40m. Dir: Daisy-May Hudson. Cast: Posy Sterling, Idil Ahmed. Language: English.
Flawed but loving young mother Molly locks horns with British societal systems, particularly social services, when she tries to get her two kids back (currently in foster care) following her short prison stay and the loss of their family home.
With her impulsive nature and in a desperate bid to start over, Molly confronts some tough bureaucratic obstacles that are blocking her path, gaining strength and determination through a warm childhood friendship.
A powerful slice of social realism with exceptional acting.
“It’s an impassioned, humane and urgently performed drama…Informed by her own experiences [director] Daisy-May Hudson’s portrait of a woman trying to regain custody of her kids is surprisingly even-handed…”
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
“[Posy] Sterling, who is in every one of the film’s scenes, is a compelling and empathetic presence”
Catherine Wheatley, Sight & Sound
Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 2.00pm & 7.00pm
It Was Just an Accident (12A)
Iran 2025. 1hr 43mins. Dir: Jafar Panahi. Cast: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari. Language: Persian, Azerbaijani (subtitled). [Original title: Yek tasadef sadeh]
Cannes Palme d’or winner. Vahid, a garage mechanic, is startled to see a man he recognises as a notorious State prison official arriving at his workplace after a car accident. Initially intent upon revenge, Vahid instead decides to first seek out fellow ex-detainees who can confirm if this indeed is the right individual. But how will the disparate group agree on what collective action should be taken?
In his politically charged, darkly-humoured recent work, banned Iranian director Jafar Panahi explores the dilemma of how detainees can channel the personal impact of State detention in Iran, who precisely to blame and how to avoid stooping to the level of the perpetrator while experiencing the primal instinct to seek revenge.
No scenes of their past treatment are depicted – only through chaotic, heated debate between the characters do we sense what they’ve survived. Scattered moments of sheer absurdity lighten the tone.
Panahi skilfully draws upon his own experience of detention which drives him to expose, through film, the relentless repression that aims to contain, restrain and silence Iran’s people and those who support them.
“An absurdly funny, powerfully dramatic and delightfully rebellious film. It’s everything we should expect from Jafar Panahi at this point”
Sebastian Kahn, Cinecuentro
“It’s a film of overwhelmingly visceral emotion; impossible then to separate from what we imagine Panahi must feel himself”
Clarissa Loughrey, Independent (UK)
Wednesday 15 April 2026 at 2.00pm & 7.00pm
Unmoored (15)
Sweden/UK 2023. 1hr 33m. Dir: Caroline Ingvarsson. Cast: Anna Próchniak, Thomas Gabrielsson. Language: Swedish, English
Twisting Nordic noir at its most atmospheric in this film adaptation of a best-selling Swedish novel.
A high profile couple living in their stylish contemporary home arrive at a sudden crossroads in their relationship as they set off on a sabbatical road trip.
Boorish academic Magnus faces an accusation and not the first time. His wife, TV talkshow host Maria, is clearly at boiling point after years of standing by him. The location shifts from Stockholm through Poland and later to Exmoor, moving through wild, barren landscapes, stormy seas and brooding skies. A spur of the moment event en route incites panic and the desperate desire to seek a fresh start that could leave the past behind.
“A thorny, thought-provoking watch from its opening moments to its dramatic conclusion”
Sean McGady Radio Times
“A split-second decision has far-reaching consequences in this slow-burn Nordic noir debut from Caroline Ingvarsson which plays out against the arresting backdrops of Sweden and South West England”
Nikki Baughan, Screen Daily
Wednesday 29 April 2006 at 2.00pm & 7.00pm
The Voice of Hind Rajab (15)
Tunisia/France 2025. 1hr 29m. Dir: Kaouther Ben Hania. Cast: Sajar Kilani , Motaz Malhees. Language: Arabic. [Original title: Sawt Hind Rajab]
A dramatised depiction of a true event using real voice recordings. When an emergency call is received at the Red Crescent headquarters, the phoneline volunteers must send out an urgent alert through an infuriating pathway of bureaucratic hurdles in order to organise a rescue.
A child is trapped by a highly dangerous situation in Gaza but protocol must be followed if the rescue services are to reach her. Emotions build and time is of the essence. The on-screen activity is all contained within the volunteers’ office while they navigate the logistics of a vital rescue, consequently we can sense their heightening desperation. But control is not in their hands.
This is powerful cinema at its utmost affecting, in which what we hear and learn can impact even more than visual depiction. The innocents caught up in the mayhem of war and oppression reach out to the ears and hearts of people around the world, but often go unheard. Steel yourself for this visceral experience and listen to the real voice of Hind Rajab.
Note: contains content which may distress
“It is impossible to watch The Voice of Hind Rajab and remain unchanged…it is the film that, above all others, demands to be seen”
Jack Salvadori, UK Film Review
“No other film this year will get more people talking”
Nicolas Barber, BBC Culture
Wednesday 13 May 2026 at 2.00pm & 7.00pm
Four Mothers (15)
Ireland 2024. 1hr 29mins. Dir: Darren Thornton. Cast: James McArdle, Fionnula Flanagan. Language: English.
In this droll Irish charmer, novel writer Edward looks at last to be finding success when the promise of a U.S. book tour beckons. His other role as primary carer to his mother, with whom he shares a house, is about to be expanded when friends decide Edward is the perfect person to help them out so that they can attend a Pride event in the Canary Islands. The doorbell rings and domestic chaos ensues…
A loosely based re-make of the Italian film Mid August Lunch, here’s light-end amusement with some sensitive reflections on human relationships.
“Darren Thornton’s Four Mothers gives articulate voice to the four female characters, highlighting the importance of age inclusiveness”
Eddie Harrison, The List
“Four Mothers offers comfort for the last chilly days of spring. It shows professionals of several generations to advantage”
Donald Clarke, Irish Times
Click the image for the Season programme January-May 2026:
