Why we picked it – We try to pick something reflective as we run up to Christmas. As well as celebrating cinema, the film has some unexpectedly deep things to say about camaraderie and friendship. Getting old is not a barrier to creativity and having fun.
Synopsis – The Bradford Movie Makers started in 1932. Their numbers are now much reduced, some are ailing, they haven’t paid the rent on their dilapidated premises for five years and they are running out of money. Nevertheless they still meet up every Monday evening to celebrate and make films. The film is a parade of characters including mid-eighties Harry who wants to reshoot the opening sequence of Oklahoma with him in the staring role. Then Covid intervenes…
The film – Kim Hopkins is a distinguished documentary maker who found Bradford Movie Makers through Facebook. She was attracted to making a film about the club’s long history and their sense of community. As film-makers themselves, some members of the club were apprehensive about how they might appear but, as one of them says in the video below: “no-one knows us so if we end up looking like idiots it doesn’t matter”. They needn’t have worried: while there are some big themes the film is warm and funny. When there is laughter, it is laughing with the club members not laughing at them. Here is an interview with Kim and some of the members of the club when the film was shown at the BFI.
Director, Writer and Cinematography: Kim Hopkins; UK 2022, 93 mins, 12A