Sunday screenings by film society

Press, 19 February 1987, Page 18

Sunday screenings by film society

The Canterbury Film Society will present G. W. Pabst’s “The Threepenny Opera” (“Die Dreigroschenoper”) at the Academy Cinema this Sunday at 2 p.m. This 1931 German production is based on Bertolt Brecht’s play which, in turn, was freely adapted on John Gay’s “The Beggar’s Opera” (1728). Brecht disapproved of the film adaptation so strongly that he-sued the producers for altering the content of his work. Despite this, Pabst’s film is an important work and, though his satire is less astringent than Brecht’s, its social polemic, equating bandits, police and bankers, remains potent. Because of the higher costs of renting the Academy, the society says that unless it has strong support during the year, it can be in danger of curtailing much of its activities next year. The society also has a new location for its midweek screenings — the Sociology Theatre at Canterbury University, Ham, on Tuesdays, at 7.30 p.m.

To attract new members the society has planned a bigger, stronger and more varied programme for 1987, with a total of 41 films screening.

Included are films by popular international directors such as Japan's Akira Kurosawa (3), India’s Satyajit Ray, Italy’s Bernardo Bertolucci, France’s Jean Renoir, and Sweden’s Ingmar Bergman. Some of the highlights of the programme also Include film "musts” like “Queen Kelly” (the Stroheim masterpiece), “Chile Hasta Cuando,” “Half Life” and “Sugar Cane Alley.” Membership subscription- for the Canterbury Film Society is $65 (students and . beneficiaries $55). This.is an increase made necessary by the change in venues but still works out as superb value per film.

You do not have to be a member to attend screenings. Members of the public can come as guests to most of them when the society charges admission. Ring 481-002 with queries.