The Curzon takes cinema to the next level with its thrilling Season Two programme, which runs from mid-February to June! From the latest releases to carefully curated special events organised in strands, the Curzon’s Season Two programme has something for every film lover.
Today, I am playing film critic and sharing my top five picks – the ones I cannot wait to see on the big screen. Read on for synopses, reviews, clips and interviews. Adventure awaits… without spoilers!
First on my list is Bob Marley One Love, which comes under the umbrella of the Sound and Vision strand, bringing the best music/film combos to our screen. Back in the day, as they say, we were great concertgoers; we saw many big names, Dylan, Springsteen, Bowie, the Stones, Prince, Stevie Wonder ……. but much to my regret, never the legend who was Bob Marley!
Marley was not just a musician; he was a movement. His songs were anthems of hope, resilience, and the fight against oppression. His voice echoed through stadiums and seeped into hearts, igniting a fire that spread across the globe. I am sad to have missed out on witnessing that raw energy.
Marley’s Rastafarian faith deeply shaped his music and worldview. Rastafarian emphasised themes of Pan-Africanism, anti-colonial resistance, social justice, and spiritual liberation are all recurring themes in his songs.
Marley was the key figure in popularising reggae music around the world. His music and message made reggae an international force and could not be separated from the intense political climate of Jamaica in the 1960s and ’70s, which was extremely volatile. Intense rivalry between the two major parties, the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) , fuelled gang violence, social unrest, and political intimidation. Economic inequality and the lingering effects of colonialism further exacerbated the tensions, which often erupted into violent clashes.
Songs like Get Up, Stand Up and Them Belly Full (But We Hungry) became anthems for the marginalised fighting against the system.
One Love and Zimbabwe. championed peace, reconciliation, and a unified stand against oppression beyond party lines.
War, which quotes Haile Selassie’s UN address, highlighted the human cost of conflict and racism on a global scale.
In 1976, Marley agreed to perform at the Smile Jamaica concert, organised by Michael Manley and the PNP, in an attempt to ease political tensions. Days before, shooters attacked Marley’s home, seen as an attempt to deter him from participating. He refused to succumb, and his decision to perform despite the risks further cemented his role as a champion of peace and unity. As I understand it, the film focuses on a brief period of Bob’s life and is centred around The Smile Jamaica concert.
While Marley’s music powerfully addressed politics, it was also deeply spiritual. He was not just a protest singer; he offered a message of universal love, inner strength, and enduring hope that went beyond any specific political affiliations. The reviews that I have read indicate that the film stays true to his message.
There is also great praise for Kingsley Ben-Adir’s portrayal of this great musical icon and for Lashana Lynch’s performance as Rita Marley.
“Ben-Adir’s performance is not merely a copy; through body language and emotive expressions, he offers depth and humanization, conveying love, frustration, calm, anger, and a sobering sadness all at once.” Screen Rant
“Lynch is patient and caring, but has ferocity in her eyes, especially if she is pushed too far. Lynch expertly conveys love and other, more complicated emotions in her gaze.” Screen Rant
I hope to get to the screening on Saturday 9th, March because there is a live set before the film from the 7-piece reggae fusion band, Irie Fire. Irie Fire is rooted firmly in reggae music, but they blend in various other influences. Expect elements of soul, ska, funk, and even a touch of rock in their sound, creating a unique and fresh take on reggae.
Second on my list of must-sees is Gaza Surf Club, is a 2016 documentary film from Little Bridge Pictures, which I showed to a group of students at one of our Amnesty International Group meetings many years ago. It is another film that I would love to see on the big screen and would particularly like to see at the moment. At a time when news headlines can feel overwhelming, ‘Gaza Surf Club’ provides a story of resilience and hope. It reminds us that even in the most difficult of circumstances, people find ways to create joy, pursue their passions, and support one another.
Gaza Surf Club is part of the Outdoor Adventures strand made up of tales of resilience, freedom, and the power of the human spirit. It’s a story that takes us beyond the horrific images and news stories associated with Gaza. Instead of focusing on the carnage and the atrocities, it reveals an unexpected side of life in this complex region.
At its heart, the story is about a group of young Palestinians who find a liberating escape in an unlikely place: surfing. They turn to the Mediterranean Sea as a source of joy, a space where they can momentarily push aside the challenges and constraints they face on land.
Their individual passion for surfing brings them together, forging a unique community built on shared dreams and experiences. This informal ‘surf club’ becomes a haven where they encourage each other and find a sense of belonging in a place where such connections can be difficult.
The story of Gaza Surf Club is also about the pursuit of dreams. It highlights the aspirations of these young surfers who wish to establish a more organised club, hoping to provide greater opportunities and a better future for surfing in Gaza.
Though their path is filled with obstacles and uncertainty, the core of this story lies in the unyielding spirit of these individuals. They demonstrate incredible resilience, finding a way to hold onto hope and pursue their passion despite the extraordinary challenges they face.
If you are looking for a film that is both poignant and uplifting, a story that will challenge your perceptions and expand your understanding, then ‘Gaza Surf Club’ is definitely worth watching. A Q&A session follows the film.
Number three on my list are Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources; these two films fall within the Classic & Cuppa strand, and a coffee or tea and biscuit is included in your ticket price.
They are two films I know extremely well, having supervised the work of A-level students who made them the subject of their coursework. Jean de Florette is showing on Tuesday 4th June at 10.30 a.m.
Both films are set in one of my favourite areas of France, the picturesque countryside of Provence, in the South of France, a region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields, and storybook villages. They are based on the two-part novel “L’Eau des Collines” by celebrated French writer and filmmaker Marcel Pagnol.
Hunchbacked Jean de Florette, a former tax collector, arrives in a charming Provençal village with his wife and daughter. Jean has inherited a farm and dreams of creating a thriving existence for his family by raising rabbits and growing carnations. His idealism and urban background set him apart from the villagers, making him a bit of an outsider.
The rural beauty of the Provençal countryside belies a harsh reality. Drought plagues the region, making the success of Jean’s farming project heavily reliant on finding an adequate source of water for his thirsty crops.
Two locals, the ageing César Soubeyran (Le Papet) and his cunning nephew, Ugolin, have their own ambitions. They see potential in Jean’s land and covet the resources it might hold. Their self-serving interests put them on a collision course with the unsuspecting Jean.
Jean faces an uphill battle. He works tirelessly, fuelled by hope and determination, but setbacks and an unforgiving environment plague his efforts. He remains unaware of the hidden manipulation by the Soubeyrans, who are secretly working against him.
While ‘Jean de Florette’ might work as a standalone film to some extent, watching both completes the intended experience and provides a richer, more satisfying payoff.
“This is a tale of greed, betrayal, and the scorching heat of Provence…Berri weaves a richly textured tapestry of life in a small rural community…” The Guardian
“With its meticulous characterizations, vivid performances, and a leisurely pace that draws you into the rhythm of rural life, ‘Jean de Florette’ is a film to be savored.” The New York Times
Manon des Sources, showing on Tuesday 18th June at 10.30 a.m., directly continues the story of Jean de Florette. It focuses on the aftermath of the events in the first film and the revenge plot of Jean’s daughter, Manon. The main characters in Jean de Florette continue their complex journeys into Manon des Sources.
Jean de Florette’s daughter is now a young woman. She has grown up in the wild hills of Provence, living a solitary life as a shepherdess – fierce and independent. Her childhood innocence is long gone.
The villagers feel a deep unease. The once-prosperous community now struggles with a mysterious and inexplicable lack of water. They sense something amiss, a feeling of judgment looming over them.
Past actions and secrets that were carefully buried begin to seep back into the lives of villagers, particularly those of César Soubeyran (Le Papet) and his nephew Ugolin.
While tending her goats, Manon stumbles upon something extraordinary that holds a powerful connection to her past and the village’s fate.
This discovery grants Manon a unique position of power. The balance between the villagers and this wild, enigmatic young woman starts to shift.
Manon, driven by a deep sense of injustice, becomes a force of reckoning. Old secrets and hidden truths are forced to the surface, threatening to overturn everything the villagers thought they knew.
Director Claude Berri shot Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources back-to-back. This ensured a sense of continuity and consistency in terms of visual style, mood, and atmosphere. The performances of stars like Yves Montand, Gérard Depardieu, and Daniel Auteuil develop across the whole story.
“Berri paints a gorgeous, cinematic canvas that is both visually beautiful and emotionally resonant. The film explores themes of revenge, forgiveness, and the enduring nature of secrets, all culminating in a satisfying climax.” Empire Magazine
Emmanuelle Béart’s portrayal of Manon in Manon des Sources’ is widely considered a highlight of her career and a defining role in French cinema. Béart embodies Manon’s connection to nature. Her beauty is raw and untamed, reflecting the wildness of the Provençal hills where she lives. Her movements are graceful but with a primal edge.
Manon’s journey, as embodied by Béart, is nothing short of electrifying, a metamorphosis from trusting innocence to a cunning force to be reckoned with.
The two films offer a complex and multi-layered exploration of revenge, family and legacy, human nature, and man v nature.
The films are magnificent visually, with wonderful cinematography that emphasises the natural beauty of Provence. The use of warm colours, dramatic lighting, and sweeping landscapes enhance the sense of beauty, which contrasts sharply with the tragic story and the struggles the characters face in the unforgiving environment.
The setting serves as a symbol in that the beauty of the land reflects the idealism and dreams of Jean, making his tragic downfall even more heartbreaking. The natural world, with its emphasis on water, becomes a constant presence in the power struggles and themes of survival.
I am so excited to see these films on a big screen, I am sure it’s going to be the most fantastic experience. The added layer of joy will be thinking of the young people who wrote so beautifully about them all those years ago.
My fourth choice is NYE, part of the Event Cinema strand which encompasses the magic of theatre, ballet, and opera. Nye is a National Theatre Live play by Tim Price, directed by Rufus Norris, which explores the life and legacy of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, the Welsh politician who founded the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. It is a co-production between the National Theatre in London and the Wales Millennium Centre. It premiered at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre in February 2024.
Michael Sheen stars as Nye Bevan in the production and gets praise from the critics for capturing Bevan’s fiery personality, his commanding presence and eloquence, and the unwavering passion that drove this complex figure. He also portrays his doubts and vulnerability. As a Welshman himself, many note that Sheen’s authentic accent brings an extra layer of believability and connection to the role, enhancing the emotional impact.
The play delves into Nye Bevan’s passionate vision for universal healthcare and the political battles he fought to achieve it. It highlights Bevan’s Welsh roots and how his background shaped his ideals.
It offers a ‘surreal and spectacular journey’ through Bevan’s mind, blending historical events with his memories and inner struggles.
“Sheen has a brilliant mischievous streak that’s unleashed in the more dream-like sequences”. Time Out London
“It’s in the quieter moments that Sheen truly excels, exposing Bevan’s doubts with heartbreaking sincerity,” Sarah Crompton WhatsOnStage.
Finally, for my fifth choice, I am keen to be involved in the Green Shift Festival, part of the Connections strand, which bridges cultures, fostering global understanding and local belonging.
The Green Shift Festival is a 2-day event curated in partnership with Sustainable Clevedon. Sustainable Clevedon is a community group in Clevedon focused on promoting sustainability and helping Clevedon become more self-sufficient. They focus on initiatives around:
- supporting local farmers, markets, and projects that encourage people to grow their own food and eat seasonally.
- educating and encouraging practices that reduce waste, emphasise recycling and promote a more circular economy.
- advocating for better walking and cycling infrastructure and supporting public transport options.
- promoting the use of solar, wind, and other forms of renewable energy generation.
- wildlife talks and supplying and promoting plants that support pollinators and ecosystems which all fall under the broader umbrella of biodiversity awareness and conservation.
The festival starts on Saturday 20th April at 2.00 p.m. with the opportunity to quiz political representatives as they present their party’s plans for Net Zero. There will be the chance to further our understanding of what Climate Justice means, its importance to the movement and how to centre it in our communities, with a lively panel discussion from leading practitioners and educators.
A delicious vegan dinner from the wonderful Bristol caterers, Houria, is available to pre-order with your ticket.
The film on Saturday is ‘Can You Dig This?’ the inspiring story of the ‘Gangsta Gardeners’ in South Central Los Angeles, bringing unity, knowledge and sustenance via an urban gardening revolution in their communities. It follows ‘……the inspirational journeys of four unlikely gardeners, discovering what happens when they put their hands in the soil. This is not a story of science and economics. This is a story of the human spirit, inspiring people everywhere to pick up their shovels and plant some shit.‘
Saturday evening will round off with an intro and set of live music from composer, fiddle player and educator Seth Bye, recently heard on BBC Radio 2, 3, 4, 6 Music and BBC World Service. Seth has performed in venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Cecil Sharp House, and the Alexander Stadium. Specialising in traditional music styles, Seth tours with Filkin’s Music and The Destroyers. He has also toured with Giffords Circus, performing on fiddle, banjo, and accordion.
The second day of the festival starts again at 2.00 p.m. with panel discussions from regional and local representatives on plans to get to Net Zero, plus talks from Sustainable Clevedon, Our Tides and Clevedon School.
Comedian and environmental researcher Matt Winning, known for his Ted-X talk, award-winning comedy, BBC Radio 4 show and podcast, follows on bringing some much-needed laughter to the topic of climate change.
The Sunday film is Common Ground, the sequel to Kiss the Ground, starring Woody Harrelson, Jason Momoa, Laura Dern, and Donald Glover. The film presents a critical look at the American food system, exposing its flaws and highlighting the need for urgent change. It calls for a shift away from destructive industrial agriculture practices and toward regenerative methods that prioritise soil health, ecosystem resilience, and the well-being of both farmers and consumers. The film had a global reach of over 1 billion people and directly influenced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) decision to allocate $20 billion towards soil health.
‘Farmers, particularly those with small farms, have a lot on their plate putting food on our plates, and this film shows how some simple changes managing the soil could make food more abundant and healthier for us all.’ Linda and Al Lerner Movies and Shakers
‘That rare documentary that actually proposes solutions…practical solutions. I fear that the solutions will disappear into the void if we don’t say anything.’ Alan Ng Film Threat.
The Junkoactive Wasteman, a unique and fascinating performance artist and self-proclaimed ‘junkophile’ (someone obsessed with junk), brings the weekend to an end.
For those not in the know, the Junkoactive Wasteman was once a freelance bin man who, according to his legend, drowned in a barrel of toxic waste. Instead of dying, tin cans fused to his body, transforming him into the Junkoactive Wasteman.
This near-death experience led him to create his Tinphonia, a musical instrument made entirely from recycled materials and scrap metal.
He uses his Tinphonia, oil drum, and other found objects to create energetic breakbeats, chopped-up samples, and relentless drum lines. His music and performance are loud, chaotic, and a whole lot of fun – like a punk rock concert made with junk!
The Junkoactive Wasteman advocates for recycling and finding new life in the discarded. He challenges consumer culture and our ‘throw-away-society, but above all, his performances are about spreading joy and showcasing the unexpected beauty that can be found in the overlooked.
And those are my five choices! It was honestly difficult to pick five because there are so many I’d like to see in Season 2, but these are the ones I’m going to make a big effort to get to.
Thank you to Petra Mansour, Head of Programme and the Curzon team for providing us with such an exciting, diverse programme.