Maidstone Film Society

Monster (2023)
2025-04-14 19:30 (Europe/Paris) | Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PL, United Kingdom
Monster by Hirokazu Kore-eda is an exploration of family dynamics and the moral complexities that arise when a child’s innocence is challenged. The sensitive direction of Kore-eda (director of last year’s Broker) and the heartfelt performances create a deeply affecting narrative. It received widespread critical acclaim with praise for its screenplay, acting, editing and musical score, appearing in many lists of last year’s top ten year’s best films.
Origin: Japan
Cert: 12
Running Time: 123 mins

Trailer
﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

More Information
Wikipedia page: Monster

Scrapper (2023)
2025-03-10 19:30 UTC
Scrapper is a gritty thriller that delves into the morally ambiguous world of a man who retrieves possessions from repossessed homes. With a tense, character-driven plot, the film offers a compelling exploration of desperation and redemption. This British comedy-drama deals with sometimes difficult themes with warm offbeat humour. It premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where it won a Grand Jury Prize for World Cinema.
Origin: UK
Cert: 12
Running Time: 84 mins

Trailer
﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

More Information
Wikipedia page: Scrapper

American Fiction (2023)
2025-02-17 19:30 UTC
A Black writer’s attempt to condemn literature that plays on racial stereotypes backfires on him in this witty US comedy drama. American Fiction is a provocative exploration of identity in contemporary America, blending dark humour with poignant commentary. The film’s unique narrative style and strong performances create a thought-provoking and hugely enjoyable experience.
Origin: USA
Cert: 15
Running Time: 119 mins

Trailer
﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

More Information
Wikipedia page: American Fiction

The Promised Land (2023)
2025-02-10 19:30 UTC
The Promised Land is a visually stunning and emotionally rich epic that explores the complexities of ambition, power, and survival in 18th-century Denmark. With a compelling central performance from Mads Mikkelsen, meticulous direction from Nikolaj Arcel and written by Anders Thomas Jensen (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), the film immerses viewers in a gripping narrative of resilience and transformation.
Origin: Denmark/Germany/Sweden
Cert: 15
Running Time: 122 mins

Trailer
﻿﻿﻿﻿

More Information
Wikipedia page: The Promised Land

One Life (2023)
2025-01-27 19:30 UTC
One Life is a biographical drama that retells the extraordinary story of Sir Nicholas Winton, who ended up by saving hundreds of children from the Holocaust by means of the ‘kindertransport’ trains. Anchored by powerful performances from its leads (Anthony Hopkins and Johnny Flynn), the film is both inspiring and profoundly emotional, celebrating the enduring impact of the compassion and bravery of one man in a dark time.
Origin: UK
Cert: 12
Running Time: 105 mins

Trailer
﻿﻿﻿﻿

More Information
Wikipedia page: One Life

The Cow Who Sang a Song Into the Future (2022)
2025-01-20 19:30 UTC
The Cow Who Sang a Song into the Future is an unusual yet mesmerizing blend of magical realism and environmental commentary, weaving a hauntingly beautiful narrative about the interconnectedness of all life. Francisca Alegría’s directorial debut is both visually stunning and emotionally profound, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.
Origin: Chile
Cert: 15
Running Time: 99 mins

Trailer
﻿﻿

More Information
Wikipedia page: The Cow Who Sang a Song Into the Future

The Old Oak (2023)
2025-01-06 19:30 UTC
The Old Oak is a stirring and compassionate drama that delves into the struggles of a declining pub in a former mining town, poignantly addressing themes of community and resilience. Ken Loach’s masterful direction and the film’s many strong performances bring to life a story of hope and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Origin: UK
Cert: 12
Running Time: 113 mins

Trailer
﻿﻿

More Information
Wikipedia page: The Old Oak

Io Capitano (2023)
2024-11-18 19:30 UTC
Io Capitano is a powerful journey of resilience and hope that follows the perilous journey of young Africans as they strive to seek for a better future in Europe. The film expertly captures the heartrending hope of its protagonists, delivering a deeply moving and unforgettable cinematic experience. Filming took place in Senegal, Morocco and Italy and is based on actual stories of migrants.
Origin: Italy/Belgium/France
Cert: 15
Running Time: 122 mins

Trailer

More Information
Wikipedia page: Io Capitano

Cairo Conspiracy (Boy from Heaven) (2022)
2024-10-07 19:30 (Europe/Paris)
Cairo Conspiracy is a gripping political thriller that explores the intricate web of power and religious intrigue within one of Egypt’s most prestigious Islamic institutions. The film masterfully combines suspense with cultural insight, delivering a gripping narrative that resonates deeply with contemporary issues.
Origin: Sweden/France/Finland
Cert: 12
Running Time: 121 mins

Trailer

More Information
Wikipedia page: Cairo Conspiracy (Boy from Heaven)

Perfect Days (2023)
2024-09-23 19:30 (Europe/Paris)
Perfect Days is a beautifully meditative film that finds profound beauty in the simplicity of everyday life, anchored by Koji Yakusho’s subtly powerful and award-winning performance. Wim Wenders’ direction transforms mundane moments into a visual and emotional symphony, celebrating the quiet dignity of ordinary life.
Origin: Japan/Germany
Cert: PG
Running Time: 125 mins

Trailer

The Great Escaper (2023)
2024-09-09 19:30 (Europe/Paris)
Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson in their final films, a poignant drama that captures the indomitable human spirit through the true story of an elderly war veteran’s daring escape from his care home to attend a D-Day commemoration in France. With stellar performances and a touching narrative, the film beautifully captures both his adventure and the enduring bonds of camaraderie and love.
Origin: UK
Cert: 12
Running Time: 97 mins

Trailer
﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)
2024-05-13 19:30 (Europe/London)
Marcel the Shell with Shoes on is a US animated comedy in which Marcel the mollusk becomes the subject of a documentary. Full of fun and with a big heart, it’s wonderful, the cinematic equivalent of a hug. Poignant, profound, and utterly heart-warming, Marcel is animated entertainment with real heart. Beautiful inside and out, Marcel proves even the smallest, strangest characters can bring joy.
Origin: US
Cert: PG
Running Time: 91 mins

Trailer
﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

EO (2022)
2024-04-15 19:30 (Europe/London)
EO is a Polish drama in which a performing donkey is separated from its loving stage partner and goes on a journey to encounter new friends and foes. The circus donkey embarks on a long, lonely voyage, meeting both human kindness and cruelty, in this strangely beautiful Oscar-nominated film from veteran director Jerzy Skolimowski, inspired by the 1966 French masterpiece Au Hasard Balthazar.
Origin: Poland
Cert: 15
Running Time: 88 mins

Trailer
﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

Belle (2022)
2024-03-11 17:30 UTC
An anime romance with fantastical action sequences in which a talented young singer finds fame in a virtual world. Belle is easily one of the best-animated films of the last few years. Mamoru Hosoda has taken the concept of Beauty and the Beast & made it something truly awe-inspiring. We are asked what would happen if digital avatars were truer reflections of the true self in this beautiful film.
Origin: Japan
Cert: 12
Running Time: 121 mins

Trailer
﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿
