Rapito

The brilliant and revealing story of a Jewish boy is kidnapped from his parents by the church and converted to Catholicism in 1858.

In 1858, in the Jewish quarter of Bologna, Pope Pius IX’s (Paolo Pierobon) soldiers burst into the home of the Mortara family. By order of the cardinal, they have come to take Edgardo, their seven-year-old son, who had been secretly baptized by his nurse as a baby and the papal law is unquestionable: he must receive a Catholic education. Edgardo's parents (Barbara Ronchi and Fausto Russo Alesi) naturally become distraught, and will do anything to get their son back. Supported by public opinion and the international Jewish community, the Mortaras' struggle quickly takes a political dimension. Their will to persevere even into their child’s young adulthood is so inspiring it will both break audiences’ hearts and galvanize them too. The film is blessed with extraordinary cinematography (Francesco Di Giacomo), production design (Andrew Castorina) and editing (Francesca Calvelli, Stefano Mariotti) contributing to a look that is eye-catching from beginning to end. A must-watch. (Subtitles)

Italy 2023 Marco Bellocchio 134m

Exhibition on Screen

Beloved celebrities, devoted staff members and world class experts come together to paint a unique portrait of this iconic British institution for its 200th birthday.

Tue 4 Jun 16:00

Thu 6 Jun 18:00

Tue 11 Jun 12:45

To complement the return of one of the most loved films of the year – ‘The Holdovers’ – we bring you the first collaboration between director Alexander Payne and actor Paul Giamatti, this year celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Struggling writer and wine enthusiast Miles (Paul Giamatti) takes his engaged friend, Jack (Thomas Haden Church), on a trip to wine country for a last single-guy bonding experience. While Miles wants to relax and enjoy the wine, Jack is in search of a fling before his wedding. Soon Jack is sleeping with Stephanie (Sandra Oh), while her friend Maya (Virginia Madsen) connects with Miles. When Miles lets slip that Jack is getting married, both women are furious, sending the trip into disarray. This is a superb film about human beings who can be flawed and prickly, but if you go a little deeper, you will see beauty. Features a wonderfully written (Oscar and Bafta-winning) script, with two great lead performances, especially Giamatti.

USA 2004 Alexander Payne 127m

Inspired by the incredible true story of a hairdresser who single-handedly rallies an entire community to help a widowed father save the life of his ill young daughter.

Sharon Steves (Hilary Swank) is a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels. This is an engrossing fact-based story that packs in some humour, some intense drama and will undoubtedly induce some tears. There is plenty of suspense that comes out of the story naturally, without the need for any manufactured Hollywood thrills. At a time when we all probably need it, this is a film that will make you feel better about the world… and yourself.

USA 2024 Jon Gunn 118m