Guildford Summer Film Festival

The Electric Theatre's prominence within the arts in Guildford has grown and diversified over the years reflected by its wide-ranging programme which encompasses an eclectic mix of events for everyone to enjoy.

The Electric Theatre’s film programme, in particular, has grown in stature and popularity and this summer’s Film Festival includes an enticing mix of Classic, Independent, World and Art House films.

The programme comprises award-winning films including titles from UK, Poland, Japan, Austria, USA and Italy. The festival kicks off on Monday 26th July with a screening of Bright Star, directed by Jane Campion (dir. The Piano) and starring Ben Whishaw and Abbie Cornish. The drama is based on the three-year romance between 19th century poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, which was cut short by Keats' untimely death at the age of 25. Described as ‘one of the most moving, most transporting love stories in memory’ (Los Angeles Times), Bright Star starts the festival with a poignant and charming cinematic experience.

Winner of the Palm d’Or at Cannes 2009, The White Ribbon will be screened on Thursday 29th July. The latest film from the director of Caché (Hidden), The Piano Teacher and Funny Games surveys the life of a rural Protestant village in northern Germany over several months from 1913 to 1914. This award-winning film is gripping, exciting and focussed cinema which quickly transforms from a simple depiction of country rural life in 1913 into a sadistic 'whodunit' thriller.

Other screenings during the week include Tricks directed by Polish director Andrzej Jakimowski, Still Walking, the classic courtroom drama Inherit the Wind starring Spencer Tracy and Gene Kelly and the charming Italian film - Mid-August Lunch.

Audiences will also be able to sample some fantastic French cinema in the lead up to The Electric Theatre’s French Film Festival in September with the crime thriller A Prophet. Described as ‘blisteringly powerful’ (The Guardian), A Prophet has had the film industry in raptures this year and impresses on every level. The biggest revelation is newcomer Tahar Rahim, an exceptional young actor who asserts a raw, mesmeric intensity from the very first frame. The film has well-surpassed the success of director Audiard’s previous hit, The Beat That My Heart Skipped and ends the festival on Saturday 31st July.

The Electric Theatre Summer Film Festival runs from Monday 26th July throughout the week and with prescreening shorts from current students and recent graduates of the London Film School there is something for all film enthusiasts this summer.