Chiltern Film Society - June 2018

Phew!

We have completed our 49th season of films. It is now a time for reflection as we look back over them and study the feedback forms in order to find out Members’ favourites - in other words, the films which you may have missed but, we think, if you get the chance, you will enjoy.

Our top-ranking film of the year is The Eagle Huntress.

It is a stunning documentary about thirteen-year-old Aisholpan Nurgaiv, in which we follow her as she trains an eagle. Set in Kazakhstan and Mongolia, the scenery is stunning.

Aisholpan is a strong young woman, forging her own path in a very male-dominated society. It is mentioned in the film that women don’t train eagles… well, I don’t think it’s a spoiler when I say she proves the old men wrong!

Cathy Clarke, in Time Out Magazine, said: “You can imagine her as the gutsy heroine of a Disney animation.” So true.

The films that came second and third in our Members’ opinions from the 2017-18 season both feature strong male characters.

The Fencer is a Finnish/Estonian/German drama centring around a fencing instructor. It’s better than it sounds! The lead character has a past that - as all dark things have a tendency to do - catches up with him…

Hell or High Water - which was our final film of the season - is a superb modern take on the Western. Two brothers are robbing banks - but they have a very good reason why...

It would be unfair to mention the film that we disliked the most (I refer to them as ‘Marmite Films’), but, put it this way: you watch A Quiet Passion at your own risk. You have been warned!

The committee is meeting as we speak and sorting out the Programme for the Society’s golden 50th season. Watch this space! For more information about the Chiltern Film Society check out our website (printed large below) or email us at info@chilternfilmsociety.org.uk

Paul Vates, Chairman, CFS