Manchester Central Library International Film Society Launch Monday 17th February!
Welcome to the Manchester Central Library International Film Society!
We’re thrilled to have you join us for the very first edition of our film club. Our inaugural screening will take place on Monday, 17th February in the Central Library’s performance space, and we can’t wait to introduce you to the wonders of world cinema.
Monday 17th February. Central Library. St Peter’s Square. Manchester.
• Doors open: 17:15
• Introduction to the film: 17:30
• Film starts: 17:45 (sharp!)
• Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3)
• Popcorn: FREE!
• Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café!
At the Film Society, we aim to bring you the very best of global cinema—everything from hidden gems to beloved classics—enriching our collective film knowledge and experience. To make it even more exciting, each month you’ll have the chance to vote on 5 fantastic films, and the one with the most votes will be screened. Voting is democratic and fun: you’ll choose the film, and we’ll reveal the winner on the day. (Or, if you’re eager, feel free to email us before the event to find out early!)
This month’s contenders are:
The Blue Angel (1930) – Der Blaue Engel
Director: Josef von Sternberg
Starring the iconic Marlene Dietrich, this tragicomic tale explores obsession, love, and humiliation. A respected professor falls for a glamorous nightclub singer, and his life unravels as jealousy and infatuation blur the line between respect and disgrace.
His Motorbike, Her Island (1986) – 彼のオートバイ、彼女の島
Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi
From the visionary director of House, this poetic love story explores the fleeting beauty of youth and the haunting uncertainty of the future. A motorcycle-riding young man falls in love with a carefree girl, but soon a sense of dread and premonition starts to overshadow their bliss.
Monsoon Wedding (2001)
Director: Mira Nair
Set during the monsoon season, this vibrant family drama delves into the emotional complexity of a large wedding celebration. Love, tradition, and cultural clashes unfold in a story that’s both universal and deeply personal. Monsoon Wedding is a cinematic feast of joy, heartache, and unforgettable storytelling.
Rafiki (2018)
Director: Wanuri Kahiu
A groundbreaking queer love story from Nairobi, Rafiki tells the tale of two young women in a society where love like theirs is forbidden. Banned in its home country of Kenya for its portrayal of a lesbian romance, Rafiki has become an international symbol of hope and resistance. Tender, vibrant, and full of life, this film will stay with you long after the credits roll.
The Aviator’s Wife (1981) – La Femme de l’aviateur
Director: Eric Rohmer
In this beautifully subtle tale of love and jealousy, a student discovers his girlfriend’s infidelity with a pilot and becomes entangled in the life of the pilot’s wife. Expect intimate conversations, philosophical musings, and the kind of subtle longing only Rohmer can deliver.
How’s that for a selection? We can’t wait to dive into one of these incredible films with you, but remember: we can only show one, so vote for the film that excites you most! We’re excited to see which one wins, and we look forward to welcoming you to our first screening. Come along, relax with some free popcorn, and discover your new favourite film.
See you soon!
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE FILM HERE
The closing date is Friday 14th February 2025.
