‘At the last showing we had to send people home, the auditorium was packed as much as the law permits. There were quite a few disappointed faces as we had to turn them down.’ Liz Buchanan, the head of the GalleryFilm Team at Dulwich Picture Gallery had not expected such a rush but then the film was Rome, Open City, one of the most admired films of the post-war area.
‘We try to choose films which appeal to a broader audience and from every possible genre. Next season we will have a musical, Showboat, and even a Western,’ says Liz. She admits that she has a terrific team to help her. Jo Bradford does the publicity, Lata McWatt, a fervent filmgoer tackles with Jo the intricacies of film licencing. Sue Merifield is responsible for the snacks that are served with the complimentary glass of wine before the film is screened. And Carole Brock does the fliers and posters –‘ and we all have our own areas to which we distribute the fliers, I do the pubs, says Liz with a laugh.
Having talked to many of the GalleryFilm clientele Liz knows that they like the club atmosphere, the fact that they feel comfortable in the Gallery and that everyone is so welcoming to newcomers. It is easy to see why. With a drink in the hand and some delicious bites the mingling beforehand adds to the enjoyment of the film. Add to that film notes given out at the screening and all this at a reasonable price of £9 or just £7 for Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery. And a second glass of wine is only £2, try to beat that price somewhere else.
This season continues with The Kids are Alright, a comedy on a serious theme of how families today have changed. It has been shown on TV lately but for those that missed this film it is an opportunity not to miss. Both Annette Bening and Julianne Moore give incredible and brave performances. The Hunt is a much darker film, set in rural Denmark and what happens to a young man when he is accused of child abuse as a result of a girl’s lie. ‘We try to look for very worthwhile foreign films which in spite of critical acclaim disappear from the cinemas far too quickly.’
Come December it is time for a real treat, The Shop around the Corner, an old-time favourite with James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, directed by the famous Ernst Lubitsch. This is a rom-com with a bite and even after 70 years it has not lost its impact. The next season starts with a French comedy starring the irrepressible Kristin Scott Thomas proving that she is just as brilliant as a comedienne. In the House is a very witty thriller spiced with Gallic elegance.
Children are not forgotten and in December there will be a showing of Hugo, an exciting tale set in Paris 1930 about a young boy who lives in a train station. It is directed by the masterly Martin Scorsese and stars Jude Law, Christopher Lee and Frances de la Tour. ‘This film has so many levels that it will appeal to parents as well as the children,’ says Liz. And she hopes that the films chosen will attract even more people to GalleryFilm but that it is always best to book as sometimes they have to turn people away.
Tickets to these films can be booked online at dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
Or through Friends on 020 8299 8750
Or from Friends’Desk in the Gallery. Tickets are £9 or £7 for friends
The Kids are Alright
Monday 7 October 7 for 7.30pm
The Hunt
Monday 11 November 7 for 7.30
The Shop around the Corner
Monday 9 December 7 for 7.30
Hugo
Sunday 1 December 3.45pm £5
