“We’re not a band, we’re a group!” “Backbeat” chronicles the early days of the Beatles in Hamburg on the cusp of fame while brilliantly capturing the period (early 1960s). The story of the “bromance” between Liverpool art students John Lennon and Stuart Sutcliffe as each struggle to find love and true self-expression and the later influence of Sutcliffe’s German girlfriend, photographer Astrid Kirchherr. A tightly focused love story; beautifully paced, with raucous band performances popping up whenever young romance promises to over-soften the plot. Stephen Dorff and Ian Hart are perfectly cast as Stu and John, but Sheryl Lee’s performance as Astrid all but steals the show. “A thrilling spectacle that rocks the house,” Rolling Stone

UK, 1994 (100 minutes)

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)

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)     

Two very different Irish high school outsiders learn to be true to themselves in this contemporary coming-of-age story. From the geek pariah to the secret gay jock right down to a rugby match as a tease of outsider self-affirmations–versions of this story are familiar to audiences. But the sweetness, poignancy and breezy humor of this popular Irish film make it pretty darn impossible to resist. Energetic directing by John Butler, charming performances, vibrant widescreen cinematography and an eclectic soundtrack cleverly used elevate this light-hearted but surprisingly nuanced- festival hit above the typical “feel-good” films of this genre.

Ireland, 2016 (94 min.)

An engrossing film starring Golden Globe-winning actress Rachel Griffiths (“Six Feet Under”). Her character has lost her son and develops an unorthodox relationship with a homeless youth played by Irish rising star Barry Keoghan. Their tentative trust is threatened by his involvement with a violent gang and the escalation of her ex-husband’s grieving rage. Winner Panavision Spirit Award, Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Ireland, 2016 (96 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)

Set in 1974 Lancashire in Northern England, this is a story of two teenagers whose lives are changed by the discovery of black American soul music and the wild nightclub culture surrounding it. Music offers an escape from dreary factory jobs, but the drug/binge drinking lifestyle fueling it waylays them. A great sound track and cool dance moves make us root for these lads with their helmet haircuts to establish themselves as top DJs on the Northern Soul scene. “A British Saturday Night Fever” The Radio Times

UK, 2014 (99 minutes)

The real deal Northern Soul music provided by co-presenter Mod in San Francisco

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)