A slow-burning thriller set in an overcast Belfast. A literary celebrity / television host (Conleth Hill of “Game of Thrones”) driven to shoplifting in the vague hope the adrenaline buzz might cure his writer’s block gets caught red-handed by a creepy security guard who blackmails him into becoming his “best friend forever.” In doing all he can to extricate himself from the imminent loss of his good name and his sanity, the one-hit-novelist becomes drawn ever deeper into the dark world of the blackmailer turned stalker (a nicely nuanced Stephen Graham).

“An unsettling and astutely accomplished British thriller” – Movie Review World

UK, 2015 (92 minutes)

The film will be introduced by Tony Broadbent, author of “The Smoke” series of mystery novels about a Cockney cat burglar and jewel thief in post-war London. He’s a longtime fan of Film Noir and British Noir.

Timothy Spall (“Mr. Turner”) teams up with Juno Temple (“Notes on a Scandal”) as a depressed widower and a runaway escaping an abusive partner who discover that despite an age gap they are kindred spirits. Their unlikely friendship is movingly portrayed by Spall and Temple, pondering the question: What is it about another person that touches our heart so completely? Set in the fun-loving English seaside tourist town of Blackpool—Las Vegas without the glamour.

UK, 2016 (110 minutes)

Challenging the traditional image of the London port drinking establishment, the pomp and ceremonial type stuff, David Kennard’s documentary delves into the history of the mercantile trade between the two countries and moves to Northern Portugal, to the wonderful, moving scenes of Oporto and the hills surrounding the Douro. The British vintner-merchants who maintain their hold in Porto contrast with local farmers who work the rugged terrain of these vineyards, testifying to the huge disparity between the world of owners/distributors and vineyard workers. You will be riveted even if you don’t drink port. Joint 1^st place, Rhode Island Film Festival Appearance by filmmaker

UK, 2016 (86 minutes)

A modern coming-of age-drama, a romance, a road movie – a truly independent film with a big heart, and a bold vision- this may be the “hidden gem” that festivalgoers always hope to find. A young couple set off on a road trip from rural Ireland to London; a large world, a small town and an unplanned pregnancy put the path in question. The future awaits – but what will be waiting there for them? Director Tom Ryan’s thoughtful film is about love, choices and being true to yourself.

Ireland, 2016 (77 minutes)

Debut films can be hit and miss. Rachel Tunnard’s first film  definitely is the former. She won the Tribeca Film Festival’s prestigious Nora Ephron Award for “Adult Life Skills” which focuses on a confused teen, played with just the right degree of kookiness by the adorable Jodie Whittaker (“Broadchurch”). Grief stricken by the death of her twin brother she has fled to the seclusion of a shed in her mother’s garden. Facing her first birthday without her brother, she questions if she still qualifies as a twin. Its heart-felt emotions are sure to impress.

UK, 2016 (96 minutes)     

A compelling coming-of-age drama from New Zealand, “The Rehearsal” starts with a country boy named Stanley (James Rolleston, star of “Boy”) auditioning for a prestigious Auckland drama school. You immediately see what the teacher sees: Stanley is a star. This winning  film, based on the first novel by Mann Booker Prize winning author Eleanor Catton, follows Stanley and other recruits through their first year as they struggle with inner conflicts, and Stanley is forced to make a moral decision about whether a steamy scandal in his girlfriend’s family is fair game for him to dramatize in a school project.

New Zealand, 2016 (102 minutes)

Steve Coogan proved in “Philomena” that he can do drama as well as comedy, and he is impressive in this Apartheid courtroom drama as a jaded lawyer who takes on a seemingly hopeless case of a prison guard in South Africa charged with multiple murders. As the attorney probes  into this case he comes to believe the accused has been traumatized by his job as a security guard overseeing executions.  Winner best narrative feature, Woodstock Film Festival  

South Africa, 2016 (80 minutes)

With dialogue and screenplay adapted from the hit stage play, this Greek /Lebanese love story set in suburban Sydney revolves around Alex, a Greek Orthodox schoolteacher who falls for Lebanese Muslim lawyer, Eve.  Since they both live with their parents, and Eve is committed to an arranged marriage, the parents are involved and having none of it. Shock horror takes off with hot blooded temper tantrums spicing up the dialogue. Strong, at times hilarious, performances make this a winning and fun multicultural rom com.

Australia, 2015 (131minutes)