Maidstone Film Society

Hard Truths (2024)
2026-03-30 19:30 (Europe/London) | Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PL, United Kingdom
Confrontational, depressed and anxious, Mother’s Day looms for Pansy and her family. “Hard Truths” is a tragicomic drama set in suburban London. Directed by Mike Leigh, reuniting with Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Michele Austin (“Secrets and Lies”) on form with another superbly-acted unflinching character-study.
Origin: UK, Spain
Cert: 12A
Running Time: 97 mins

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The Last Dance (2024)
2026-03-09 19:30 (Europe/London)
Under pressure of debts, a wedding planner fortuitously becomes a successful funeral director, but is challenged by a traditional Taoist priest to prove he can truly care for the deceased. “The Last Dance” is a life-affirming drama set in Hong Kong, winner of multiple Hong Kong Film Awards for screenplay, acting, and music.
Origin: Hong Kong
Cert: 12A
Running Time: 126 mins
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A Real Pain (2024)
2026-02-09 19:30 (Europe/London)
Reunited for a tour through their family heartland to honor their beloved grandmother, old tensions resurface for mismatched American cousins. “A Real Pain” is an emotional buddy comedy set in Poland. Directed and written by Jesse Eisenberg, winner of the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for Kieran Culkin.
Origin: Poland, USA
Cert: 15
Running Time: 90 mins

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Four Daughters (2023)
2026-01-26 19:30 (Europe/London)
Exploring memories of the radicalization and disappearance of her two older daughters, Olfa Hamrouni and her younger daughters reconstruct their story to critique ideas of rebellion and sisterhood. “Four Daughters” is a riveting and layered part documentary part docudrama situated in Tunisia. Winner of L’Œil d’or at Cannes.
Origin: France, Germany, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia
Cert: 15
Running Time: 107 mins
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Small Things Like These (2024)
2026-01-12 19:30 (Europe/London)
Devoted father and coal merchant Bill Furlong suspects iniquity at the forbidding local convent and uncovers shocking truths of his own. Adapted from Claire Keegan’s Orwell prize-winning novella, “Small Things Like These” is a poignant historical drama set in 1980s Ireland, with a quietly powerful lead performance from actor-producer Cillian Murphy and powerful supporting performance from Emily Watson.
Origin: Ireland, Belgium
Cert: 12A
Running Time: 98 mins

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Flow (2024)
2025-11-17 19:30 (Europe/London)
After his home is lost to a great flood, Cat seeks refuge on a boat inhabited by other species, and will have to work with them despite their differences. “Flow” is an immersive animated adventure set in realms natural and mystical, brilliantly using cinematic style and evocative soundscapes to express a simple and soulful fable. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Origin: Latvia, France, Belgium
Cert: U
Running Time: 84 mins

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Conclave (2024)
2025-10-27 19:30 (Europe/London)
Given the task of leading one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, electing a new Pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) lands in the centre of a web of intrigue and conspiracy. “Conclave” is a sumptuous and satisfying drama that makes great use of its Vatican setting, winner of the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and BAFTA for Outstanding British Film.
Origin: UK, USA
Cert: 12A
Running Time: 120 mins

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I'm Still Here (2025)
2025-10-06 19:30 (Europe/London)
Married to a former politician (Selton Mello) during the military dictatorship in Brazil, Eunice (Fernana Torres) is pushed to reinvent herself and chart a new course for her family following a violent and demoralizing act. “I’m Still Here” is an engrossing true-life drama set in 1970s Rio de Janeiro. Directed by Walter Salles (“The Motorcycle Diaries”), understated performances underpin a meditative, heartfelt reflection on absence.
Origin: Brazil, France
Cert: 15
Running Time: 137 mins
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La Chimera (2023)
2025-09-22 19:30 (Europe/London)
Freed from prison, dishevelled archaeologist Arthur (Josh O’Connor) reunites with his wayward gang of tomb-robbers and opportunistic lawbreakers. “La Chimera” is an enchanting historical drama set in 1980s Italy, with sumptuous, award-winning cinematography and production design.
Origin: Italy, France, Switzerland
Cert: 15
Running Time: 131 mins
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The Crime Is Mine (2023)
2025-09-08 19:30 (Europe/London)
A young actress (Nadia Tereszkiewicz) stands accused of murdering a famous producer; is she really innocent, or is she getting away with murder? “The Crime is Mine” is a breezy comedy-drama set in 1930s Paris. Directed by François Ozon (“Potiche”) and starring French movie-acting royalty, including Isabelle Huppert, Fabrice Luchini and André Dussollier.
Origin: France
Cert: 15
Running Time: 102 mins
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Vindication Swim (2024)
2025-05-12 19:30 (Europe/Paris)
Vindication Swim is a compelling biographical drama that dives into the inspiring journey of Mercedes Gleitze, the first British woman to swim the English Channel. With strong performances and evocative storytelling, the film captures both the physical challenges and the emotional triumphs of Gleitze’s historic achievement.
Origin: UK
Cert: PG
Running Time: 98 mins

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Monster (2023)
2025-04-14 19:30 (Europe/Paris)
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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