A GROUP that loves the big screen will celebrate having reached double figures by showing a compelling Sam Mendes film and offering guests a free celebratory drink.
Visitors to Wokingham Film Society’s special red carpet Gala Night will be treated to live piano music in the foyer, a fun photo sessions and a complimentary prosecco.
The movie of the evening, Empire of Light, is a gripping drama about the power of human connection during turbulent times.
Set in a beautiful but fading art deco cinema, the story unfolds in an English coastal town in the early 1980s.
Hilary (Olivia Coleman) is duty manager of a seaside cinema.
Struggling with her mental health, she forms a relationship with young employee Stephen (Micheal Ward)
He is longing to escape the town where he faces daily adversity.
Together they find a sense of belonging through a shared love of music, cinema, and community.
Rob Atkins, the society secretary, said: “It’s a really appropriate film for our 10 year celebration.
“We’re having a gala night, and there’s a gala night in the film’s beautiful seaside cinema.
“I really can’t believe it’s a decade since we started out, first at Bearwood College, then Wokingham’s Bradbury Centre, and, since it was built in 2016, the wonderful Whitty Theatre.
“It’s such a great venue, with its glass foyer.
“I remember when it was still a hole in the ground, and looking at the plans and thinking, this will be perfect.”
Since it began, Wokingham Film Society has shown 140 films.
The gala night film showing will be extra special, with ‘George Clooney’ and ‘Angelina Jolie’ standing by for interesting photo opportunities.
“We have a professional photographer on hand to take some fun pictures for people,” said Mr Atkins.
“And looking ahead to the next 10 years?
“We’d like lots more of the same, plenty of films, and more of our community showings, which we put on for Link Friends, and members of the Alzheimers Café that meets at the Bradbury Centre.
Empire of Light, rated 15, is directed by Reading-born Sir Sam Mendes, and stars Olivia Coleman, Colin Firth, Micheal Ward and Toby Jones.
The gala birthday event takes place at the Whitty Theatre, Luckley School on Thursday, October 19.
Doors open and corks will pop at 7pm, with the film showing at 8pm.
Tickets cost £6.50, or £4 for members.
For information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.wokinghamfilmsociety.com
