WINNER: Golden Globes 2025 - Best Motion Picture, Animated

The world seems to be coming to an end, teeming with the vestiges of a human presence. Cat is a solitary animal, but as his home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences. In the lonesome boat sailing through mystical overflowed landscapes, they navigate the challenges and dangers of adapting to this new world.

Set against a landscape dominated by an algorithm-driven gig economy, in a world designed to keep us apart, On Falling explores the silent, vital struggle to find meaning and connection.

It tells the story of Aurora, a Portuguese migrant working as a warehouse picker in Edinburgh, Scotland. Trapped between the confines of a vast distribution centre and the solitude of her own bedroom, Aurora seeks out every opportunity to resist the alienation and isolation that threaten her sense of self.

Written and directed by Laura Carriera

From the Academy Award and BAFTA nominated producer of Philomena and The Duchess, Cottontail is a universal portrait of love, acceptance and family loss.

After the death of his wife, Kenzaburo and his son Toshi receive an unexpected letter from beyond the grave. Kenzaburo's wife and Toshi's mother, Akiko, asks them to scatter her ashes at the place she loved most as a child – Lake Windermere. Surprised by this unexpected request, father and son are initially at loggerheads over their next steps.

The two men, along with Toshi's wife Satsuki and young daughter Emi, eventually travel together to England from Tokyo to fulfil Akiko's final wish. But Kenzaburo keeps losing himself in memories of Akiko as his relationship with Toshi becomes increasingly fraught. With little knowledge of where he is going and barely any English, Kenzaburo abandons his family in London and heads to the Lake District alone with Akiko's ashes.

As he embarks on his quest, his memories of Akiko grow more painful. A lost and weary Kenzaburo stumbles onto the doorstep of a farmer, John, and his daughter Mary. With their help, Kenzaburo is finally able to set course once again toward Lake Windermere. But his true journey toward forgiveness and reconciliation will prove the hardest of all.

Featuring standout performances from Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott, Bring Them Down is a tense thriller about two warring families set against the harsh landscape of rural west Ireland.

Michael, the last son of a farming family, lives a lonely existence with his ailing father Ray. Haunted by a terrible accident in his past, Michael has isolated himself from the world and is dedicated to his prized flock.  

When the ongoing conflict with rival farmer Gary and his unpredictable son stirs old tensions, it triggers a chain of events that take increasingly violent turns, leaving both families permanently altered.

Written and directed by Christopher Andrews, Bring Them Down is a fierce, muscular debut that signals a bold new cinematic voice.

Languages:

English and Irish Gaelic

Disney’s SNOW WHITE is a live-action reimagining of the classic 1937 film starring Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen. The magical adventure journeys back to the timeless story with beloved characters Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy.  Directed by Marc Webb and produced by Marc Platt, with Callum McDougall serving as executive producer, Disney’s SNOW WHITE features all-new original songs from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

Amidst the lunch rush of a frantic Manhattan restaurant, a series of events threaten to bring the kitchen to a crashing halt.

While food orders flood in and pressure mounts to boiling point, the passionate relationship between chef Pedro (Raul Briones) and waitress Julia (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara, Carol) is starting to fray. But when missing money and shocking revelations cause things to spiral out of control, it’s not long before one of New York’s busiest kitchens is on the verge of imploding.

Featuring an array of outstanding performances led by Briones and Mara, La Cocina is a gripping, exhilarating and truly cinematic new film from acclaimed Mexican director Alonso Ruizpalacios, for fans of The Bear and Boiling Point.

“A chaotic symphony of nearly two dozen characters, this black-and-white indie confection mixes biting social critique with stylistic bravura.” - Variety

Margy Kinmonth’s feature documentary shines a light on the trailblazing role of women war artists, on the front lines round the world, championing the female perspective on conflict through art and asking: when it's life or death, what do women see that men don't?  Traditionally a male domain, war art by women has been largely unrecognised. Until now...

Culture breaks the taboo, crosses borders - tells the truth to power. Artists featured include Dame Rachel Whiteread, Zhanna Kadyrova, Maggi Hambling, Assil Diab, Dame Laura Knight, Marcelle Hanselaar, Cornelia Parker, Maya Lin, Shirin Neshat and Lee Miller. An entirely female cast of contributors makes this film a unique undertaking – telling vital truths in turbulent times.

War Paint – Women at War is the third instalment in Kinmonth’s trilogy of films about how artists depict war, following the acclaimed Eric Ravilious – Drawn To War and War Art with Eddie Redmayne.

Just arrived in Mumbai, living in a tiny shack with paper-thin walls, acerbic Uma (a terrific Radhika Apte) and soft-spoken Gopal (Ashok Pathak) are trapped in a very new, very awkward arranged marriage.

At first, Uma does her best to cope with the heat, her lack of domestic skills, her bumbling spouse and their nosy neighbours, but the nocturnal world of the city changes her. Transformed into a disturbing and ruthless figure, Uma succumbs to her most feral impulses.

Writer-director Karan Kandhari’s feature debut, screened in Director’s Fortnight at Cannes 2024, Sister Midnight is a surreal, punkish and distinctive comedy packed with stylistic digressions. Boosted by Apte’s gift for physical comedy, it’s an audacious and idiosyncratic story about a woman fighting patriarchal norms and their far-reaching effects.

COMMUNITY SCREENING

Presentation by participants of Culturdale's Women's Film-making Workshops. Conducted at Calderdale College in Halifax. Followed by Q&A

DOORS: 11.00

START: 11.30

END: 12.55

For any further info please email agustina@hebdenbridgefilmfestival.org

CALDERDALE SHORT FILM COMPETITION

Twelve short films, including ten premieres, followed by Q&A with filmmakers.

DOORS: 14.00

STARTS: 14.30

END: 16.15

For more information please contact agustina@hebdenbridgefilmfestival.org

INDUSTRY PANEL: SHORT FILMS & WHERE THEY CAN LEAD.

The panel will discuss the process of DIY Filmmaking, provide advice for new filmmakers and give an insight into the film industry.

Key speakers.Natasha Hawthornwaite, Casey Shaw & Radha Bhandari. Moderated by Louise Wadley.

Natasha Hawthornthwaite is a Director-Producer-Story Consultant and Co-Founder of Northern Heart Films. Her work focuses around championing working-class narratives

from the North. Natasha is also a mentor on the Creative UK Screen Launchpad programme and is the founder of the 'Northern Doc Fund'. She has also been recognised as a Future

Leader at the Northern Power Women Awards and won the 'Creative Award' at the Manchester Young Talent Awards in 2024.

Radha Bhandari is a Manchester-based Producer and Development Executive at Public Dreams Ltd. She has worked as development producer, associate producer and producer in

TV, shorts and features. Most recently, she produced In Heat, a short film directed by Rory Fleck Byrne, starring Ben Whishaw, and funded through Film4 and BFI’s Future Takes programme.

Casey Shaw is an experienced Film Lecturer and Creative Producer based in West Yorkshire. As co-owner of the independent production company, Idle Work Factory – her

work aims to serve authentic, northern stories for international audiences. She regularly collaborates with the BFI, Screen Yorkshire, Channel 4 & Film Hub North.

DOORS: 16.30

SESSION. 16.45

END. 17.45

2025 SHORT FILM COMPETITION

Ten short films, followed by Q&A with filmmakers and awards.

DOORS: 18.15

START: 18.45

END: 21.15

for futher info please contact agustina@hebdenbridgefilmfestival.org

Winner of over 35 awards, experience the best of British Musical HER-story in a live capture of the must-see musical sensation, SIX the Musical. The Original West End cast reunite at London’s Vaudeville Theatre in front of a sold-out audience to strut their stuff and re-write their Tudor traumas in an unmissable cinematic recording of the show packed full of style, sass, and sensational songs.

Watched by audiences of over 3.5 million, SIX the Musical, has become a global theatre phenomenon since it’s 2017 debut at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it has redefined the boundaries of musical theatre. The show tells the extraordinary story of the six wives of King Henry VIII, who step out of the shadow of their infamous husband and reclaim their own narratives.

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the pop-inspired musical brings the queens - Catherine of Aragon (Jarnéia Richard-Noel), Anne Boleyn (Millie O'Connell), Jane Seymour (Natalie Paris), Anne of Cleves (Alexia McIntosh), Katherine Howard (Aimie Atkinson), and Catherine Parr (Maiya Quansah-Breed) — right into the 21st century with infectious, empowering performances, accompanied by the on-stage band, the Ladies in Waiting.

Jason Momoa, Jack Black and Emma Myers (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder) star in this film adaptation of the popular crafting game. The malevolent Ender Dragon sets out on a path of destruction, prompting a young girl and her group of unlikely adventurers to set out to save the Overworld.

From Director Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s Eleven), Black Bag is a gripping spy drama about legendary intelligence agents George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) and his beloved wife Kathryn (Cate Blanchett).

When Kathryn is suspected of betraying the nation, George faces the ultimate test – loyalty to his marriage or his country.

The cast also features notable stars Marisa Abela (Industry, Back to Black), Tom Burke (Strike, The Souvenir), Naomie Harris (James Bond), Rege-Jean Page (Bridgerton) and Pierce Brosnan (James Bond).

A government scheme sees newly widowed Santosh inherit her husband’s job as a police constable in the rural badlands of Northern India. When a low-caste girl is murdered, Santosh is pulled into the investigation by charismatic feminist inspector Sharma.

In this crime story an ordinary woman moves from housewife to policewoman in one of the nation’s most corrupt forces. As she investigates, she begins to experiment with her newly found power within a web of misogyny, casteism and prejudice.

Written and directed by Sandhya Suri

Geneviève (Catherine Deneuve), a beautiful young Frenchwoman who works at a small-town boutique selling umbrellas, falls for dashing mechanic Guy (Nino Castelnuovo). Their brief romance is interrupted when Guy is drafted to serve in the Algerian War. Though pregnant by Guy, Geneviève marries an older businessman, Roland (Marc Michel), and begins to move on with her life. Throughout the musical film, all the characters' dialogue is conveyed through song.

When the local nursing home finds itself in dire straits and in danger of falling to pieces, it’s down to Mother Veronique (Valérie Bonneton) and the five eccentric sisters of the convent of St. Benedict to find a way to help.

Spotting a poster for a bike race with a €25,000 cash prize (and the incentive of a trip to the Vatican for the winner!), the sisters might just have their answer. The only drawbacks are that they are terrible cyclists, and their rival convent, led by Mother Veronique’s childhood nemesis Mother Josephine (Sidse Babett Knudsen), have their own plans for the prize money – and just a little more experience…

But God works in mysterious ways!

Fun and frothy, Laurent Tirard’s hilariously absurd comedy will have you rolling in the aisles, and the stunning landscapes of France’s Jura region provide a beautiful backdrop too!

'Church Lane' follows Damien Fernsby (Chris Orton), a grieving father whose life is shattered by the loss of daughter, Gemma (Hattie Edkins), to an online predator. Struggling with guilt and anger, Damien embarks on a dark path, taking justice into his own hands.

This psychological thriller delves into the devastating effects of online grooming, exploring themes of grief, mental health, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.

Twenty-five years after environmental collapse left the Earth uninhabitable, Mother, Father and Son are confined to their palatial bunker, where they struggle to maintain hope and a sense of normalcy by clinging to the rituals of daily life.

This unique mixture of domestic drama, apocalyptic fable, and Hollywood musical comes unexpectedly from The Act of Killing filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer, with the multi-talented Tilda Swinton heading up the brilliant cast.

“The End is an audacious and frequently enrapturing experience, with superb performances at its emotional heart.” – Screen International

Dancing queens of all ages, unite! GenErika and Valentina Letale invite you to a Mamma Mia singalong extravaganza at Hebden Bridge Picture House! Join this family-friendly fiesta for: • Interactive fun • ABBA-tastic hits • Laughter and excitement. Get your tickets now and let's 'Take a Chance' on an unforgettable night!

Robert De Niro plays dual roles in this mobster crime biopic from Oscar-winning director Barry Levinson and the Oscar-nominated writer of Goodfellas. De Niro is both Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, a pair of Italian Americans who run two separate crime families in the mid-20th century. Genovese attempted to assassinate Costello in 1957, although Costello retired from the mob.

Winner of the BFI London Film Festival Audience Award, this uplifting comedy-drama follows an unlikely found family on an emotionally charged journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Edward (James McArdle), a talented novelist on the cusp of literary success, is juggling his work with the responsibility of caring for his elderly mother, Alma (Fionnula Flanagan). As the excitement of a US book tour builds, he is suddenly faced with an unexpected twist as his three friends decide to take an impromptu Pride getaway to Spain, leaving their mothers in his care.

In 1960, sixteen newly independent African countries enter the United Nations: a political earthquake that shifts the majority vote from the colonial powers to the global south. Congo becomes the arena in which the battle over the UN is fought.

As Nikita Khrushchev pounds his shoe at the UN top in reaction to the neocolonial grab of the resources of the newly independent Congo, UN delegates from African Countries are blackmailed. In an incredulous twist, Patrice Lumumba’s assassination unites the Afro-Asian block, demanding the UN General Assembly to vote for immediate worldwide decolonisation.

"A vibrant, jazz-led history lesson on colonial machinations in the Congo" - David Opie, IndieWire

"[The] music presents a kind of commentary on Lumumba’s struggle and defeat but, in Grimonprez’s telling, has a tragic dimension of its own" - Sam Davies, Sight and Sound

🎥✨ FREE Warm Space Cinema Screenings! ✨🎥

FREE monthly Warm Space screenings, proudly funded by Hebden Royd Town Council!

These community-led events are open to all, with a special focus on those living with dementia, their families, and carers. With complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits, it’s a great opportunity to gather in a warm, welcoming, and inclusive space over the winter months.

No Adverts or Trailers - Prompt Film Start 1pm

Film Synopsis;

The 1971 family classic with Gene Wilder as candy mogul Wonka. Roald Dahl's tale sees poor young Charlie win a trip to the most eccentric chocolate factory. The world is astounded when Wonka, for years a recluse in his factory, announces that five lucky souls will be given a tour of the factory - shown all the secrets of his amazing empire, and one will win a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate. Finding a golden ticket in one a Wonka chocolate bar, young Charlie is chosen as one of the five along with Veruca Salt, Mike Teevee, Violet Beauregarde and Augustus Gloop.

Twiggy focusses on the life and times of the greatest ‘it girl’ of all time, Dame Lesley Lawson, better known as Twiggy. As the first time Twiggy has ever told her story, her life is presented through her working-class childhood in northwest London, her international stardom and her career as an acclaimed actress, singer, fashion designer, writer and TV presenter.

Directed by Sadie Frost

Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII, the groundbreaking 1972 film directed by Adrian Maben, returns to cinemas, now digitally re-mastered in 4K from the original 35mm footage with enhanced audio.

Set in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre in Pompeii, Italy, the film captures Pink Floyd performing an intimate concert without an audience. Filmed in October 1971, the performance features unforgettable tracks such as “Echoes,” “A Saucerful of Secrets,” and “One of These Days.” The breathtaking visuals of the amphitheatre, captured both day and night, amplify the magic of the performance, creating a unique and immersive experience. Additionally, the film includes rare behind-the-scenes glimpses of the band working on The Dark Side of the Moon at Abbey Road Studios.

This meticulous restoration delivers stunning image and sound quality, featuring a theatrical mix from Steven Wilson in 5.1 and Dolby Atmos. These upgrades enhance the film's depth and clarity while preserving the authenticity and spirit of the original 1972 release. Inspired by the golden warmth of Pompeii’s iconic setting, the remaster transforms this timeless piece into a masterpiece of sight and sound. Experience Pink Floyd like never before through this pioneering audio-visual remaster!

Inspired by the true story of Tom Michell (Steve Coogan, Philomena, Alan Partridge), a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976.

Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside-down.

From filmmaker Peter Cattaneo, director of The Full Monty, based on the touching memoir by the real-life Tom Michell.

Home Ground – a story of connection, community and a love of the beautiful game

When Arsalan first arrived in Halifax he was eager to find connection and community in an unfamiliar country. As an avid football fan, he braved the freezing January temperatures and headed to the local stadium where a random act of kindness gave him his first glimmer of hope for a happy life in the UK. This documentary film tells Arsalan’s story, from the young boy who dreamed of becoming a footballer to his role with St Augustine’s Centre helping others seeking sanctuary.

The film also follows members of St Augustine’s FC and explores their lives as people seeking asylum in this country. It examines the critical role that football plays in supporting the team to navigate a complex and often hostile asylum system, and provides a heartwarming insight into how the team helps players to find a home and community in a new country.

More info:

4pm doors

Event begins at 4.30pm

Join local filmmaker, Matt Radcliffe, for the premiere of his documentary film, Home Ground. The film, developed in partnership with St Augustine’s Centre in Halifax, follows the head coach and players from St Augustine’s FC and looks at the important role that football plays as they seek asylum and build a new life here in the UK.

The afternoon will also include the screening of a second film, This Valley. Featuring a range of groups that meet to do physical activity in Calderdale, the film explores the current of kindness and community running through the borough.

Alongside the two film screenings, there will also be special performances and a Q&A with the filmmaker and film participants.

The event is free with optional donations to St Augustine’s Centre in lieu of a ticket cost. To donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/home-ground-st-augustines-halifax

Home Ground and This Valley are currently going through a classification process to determine an age rating and content advice. Please check back here for further information.

Funding for film production and this premiere event has been provided through Culturedale, Calderdale’s year-long programme of creativity and activity.

The brilliant, classic 1968 suspense thriller starring Mia Farrow as Rosemary. After moving into a new New York house, she becomes pregnant under strange circumstances and grows increasingly paranoid about the presence of evil. John Cassavetes plays Rosemary's husband, an actor, while Ruth Gordon (in an Oscar winning performance) and Sidney Blackmer play her disturbing, meddling neighbours.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN AUTISM FRIENDLY / RELAXED SCREENING - ACTUAL FILM STARTS PROMPTY AT 1PM (no trailers or advertisements)

Adjustments at a relaxed screening at the Picture House include:

- a relaxed environment where people understand the needs of adults, children and families with autism

- lights left on low throughout the film

- sound turned down a little

- no introductory music whilst you wait for the film

- disabled access

- bring your own food and drink if you like (but our kiosk will be open as usual)

- additional signage is put up to help you navigate a new place

- free entry for carers with valid CEA Card – please select this option when booking online

Film Synopsis;

Jason Momoa, Jack Black and Emma Myers (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder) star in this film adaptation of the popular crafting game. The malevolent Ender Dragon sets out on a path of destruction, prompting a young girl and her group of unlikely adventurers to set out to save the Overworld.

This is a cinematic event not to be missed. Along with other silent comedy extracts featuring Charlie Chaplin and Snub Pollard I shall be introducing the truly hilarious  Big Business – in my opinion the finest short comedy that Laurel and Hardy ever made. If you’re only familiar with Stan and Ollie‘s sound films then Big Business will be a real eye-opener. We also screen Buster Keaton‘s masterpiece Sherlock Junior- which is packed with superb visual gags , death  defying stunts and audacious cinematic trickery. These films will feature live piano accompaniment by the brilliant Kirsty Newton who is also thrilled to be appearing alongside such giants of the silver screen. Paul Merton.

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part cinematic event.

Wicked reveals the untold story of the witches of Oz, who forge a friendship that is tested at a crossroads which takes them down two very different paths and fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Starring Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and global pop superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. Plus supporting performances from the beloved Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum.

Written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

After Charles Waterbury (Iain Cuthbertson) is imprisoned on false charges of selling state secrets, his wife (Dinah Sheridan) must move to a small house near a railway station. The Waterbury children -- Bobbie (Jenny Agutter), Phyllis (Sally Thomsett) and Peter (Gary Warren) -- occupy themselves watching the trains, even befriending a gentleman (William Mervyn) who frequents the station. When the children discover what has happened to their father, their new friend provides key assistance.

A groundbreaking concert experience blending Björk's "Utopia" album with cutting-edge VR and digital theater. The show merges live music and innovative tech, culminating in an environmental message from activist Greta Thunberg.

Attenborough explores the planet's undersea habitats, revealing the greatest age of ocean discovery and emphasizing the ocean's vital importance while exposing its problems and highlighting opportunities for marine life recovery.

Gods and mortals battle in the second chapter of Wagner’s Ring cycle. Conductor Antonio Pappano and director Barrie Kosky reunite to continue the mythical adventure that began with Das Rheingold in 2023.

Sensuous contemporary ballet meets the energy of musical theatre in four distinctive short works. Fool’s Paradise, The Two of Us, Us, An American in Paris: four works showing the remarkable choreographic range of The Royal Ballet's Artistic Associate, Christopher Wheeldon.

A Streetcar Named Desire

by Tennessee Williams

directed by Benedict Andrews

 

Gillian Anderson (Sex Education), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor) lead the cast in Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece, returning to cinemas.

As Blanche’s fragile world crumbles, she turns to her sister Stella for solace – but her downward spiral brings her face to face with the brutal, unforgiving Stanley Kowalski.

From visionary director Benedict Andrews, this acclaimed production was filmed live during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre in 2014.

A searing new play from the team behind Prima Facie

Jessica Parks is smart, compassionate, a true maverick at the top of her career as an eminent London Crown Court Judge. At work she’s changing and challenging the system one case at a time. But behind the robe, Jessica is a karaoke fiend, a loving wife and a supportive parent.

While managing the impossible juggling act faced by every working mother, an event threatens to throw her life completely off balance. Can she hold her family upright?

Rosamund Pike (Saltburn) makes her National Theatre debut as Jessica. Writer Suzie Miller and director Justin Martin reunite following their global phenomenon Prima Facie with this searing examination of modern masculinity and motherhood.