Maldon Film Club's 20th season has got off to a tremendous start – great films and some 100 members coming along to each screening. Currently topping the leader board is The Phantom of the Open with an approval rating of 87.6%.

The season continues with the screening of the Oscar nominated Perfect Days on Tuesday 3rd December and The Last Bus on Tuesday December 17.

Prior to the screening of The Last Bus the Film Club shall be holding the first social of the season.

Perfect Days tells the story of Hirayama who works as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. He seems very content with his simple life and follows a structured and uncluttered everyday existence dedicating his free time to his passion for music and books. Hirayama also has a fondness for trees many of which he photographs. However, more of his past which he has diligently worked to put aside is gradually revealed through a series of unexpected encounters.

The Last Bus is a heart-warming tale of Tom (Timothy Spall), a pensioner whose wife, Mary (Phyllis Logan), has just died. Using his free bus pass Tom travels from mainland Britain's most northerly point, John O'Groats, to his original home town at England's most westerly point, Land's End to spread his wife's ashes near their first home. He carries with him only a small suitcase, travelling the length of the country with it. Along the way, his adventures are recorded by the people he meets and helps, and by the end of his trip he has unwittingly become a social media celebrity.

The films for January 2025 are the BAFTA award winning 20 Days in Mariupol and the highly acclaimed Wicked Little Letters.

The 20th season continues until May 28, 2025 with films being shown fortnightly on Tuesdays in 2024 and Wednesdays in 2025. The Club meets at Maldon Town Hall, doors open at 7.15pm, wine and soft drinks are available at a charge from 7.30pm and unless notified to the contrary all films will commence at 8pm.

The price of an annual subscription remains at £30. So why not join now and watch the remaining 13 films for free. In addition there are a limited number of places for junior members aged 16-18 in full time education and training at the reduced cost of £20. As a member you will be asked to give your reaction to the films you have seen and also help the committee compile the programme for the following season.

Membership is open to all and new members will be made very welcome. Members' guests pay just £4 per film!

For further details and an application form please visit our web site www.maldonfilmclub.uk, pop in to the Maldon Visitor Information Centre (Tuesday – Saturday between 1100 and 4pm) or phone 01621 869340 for membership enquiries. Alternatively you are welcome to come along as my guest, meet members of the committee and pay your annual subscription on the night.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact John Salisbury, on 07905 971608.