By Mike Thatcher
Small changes afoot at Hurst Village Cinema. As I look further over my shoulder at my 50th birthday receding into the distance, I have decided to bring forward the start time of regular films to 7.30pm, so we can be tucked up by 10pm on a more regular basis! It will also give me more flexibility to programme the occasional very long film, such as the incomparable Magnolia, which in the past, I have baulked at.
We kick off the autumn season on Thursday 10 October at 7.30pm with Blackbird, Blackbird, Blueberry (15). In a small traditional Georgian village, Etero has chosen to remain unmarried, making her an easy subject of gossip in the village. Unexpectedly, she finds herself sexually involved with a delivery man and is suddenly faced with the decision of whether to go down the traditional or independent route in pursuit of happiness. Gentle, sardonic and simply presented.
Then, on Friday 25 October at 7.30pm, we screen Rose (12A). On a coach trip to Paris with her sister, Inger reveals her struggles with schizophrenia to the group, receiving both pity and discrimination. A comedy-drama that gives a much more realistic view of the subject matter of neurodivergence, as it is in part based on the director’s experience. It is also brilliantly cast; Sophie Gråbøl is mesmerising and her antagonist on the trip could not be more convincing and unlikeable.
Then, on Sunday 27 October at 3pm, we are very pleased to show Wilding (PG), followed by a Q&A with Laura Vaughan-Hirsch, from the White Stork Project. Based on Isabella Tree’s best-selling book, Wilding tells the story of a young couple that bets on the future of their failing, 400-year-old estate at Knepp, daring to place its fate in the hands of nature. Ripping down the fences, they set the land back to the wild and entrust its recovery to a motley mix of animals both tame and wild. It is the beginning of a grand experiment that will become one of the most significant rewilding experiments in Europe. This is a charming, hopeful and necessary story of ecological regeneration.
We are delighted that Laura will join us to answer questions arising from the film. Please note that the ticket price is £6 with all proceeds going to White Stork.