Maldon Film Club welcomes 2024 with the screening of three films in January, with more planned for the coming months.

In January the club screened Master Cheng, Close, and Where the Crawdads Sing, at Maldon Town Hall.

The season continues in February with two films, the first of which is The Quiet Girl on Wednesday 14.

 The Quiet Girl is an Irish coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Colm Bairéad, in his feature film debut. 

Set in 1981, the film follows a withdrawn nine-year-old girl raised by neglectful parents.

The girl, Calt, experiences a loving home for the first time when she spends the summer on a farm in County Waterford, alone with a married couple who are distant relatives. 

Whilst she blossoms in their care, she also discovers one painful truth

The Quiet Girl won many awards and received critical acclaim for its emotional weight, story, and performances. 

It was elected as Ireland's submission for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards and received BAFTA Award nominations for Best Film Not in the English Language and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Our second film for February, screening Wednesday 28, is The Banshees of Inisherin.

The recipient of nine Oscar nominations, the film is set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland.

 The Banshees of Inisherin follows lifelong friends Padraic (Colin Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson), who find themselves at an impasse when Colm unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship.

A stunned Padraic, aided by his sister Siobhan (Kerry Condon) and troubled young islander Dominic (Barry Keoghan), endeavours to repair the relationship, refusing to take no for an answer. 

But Padraic's repeated efforts only strengthen his former friend's resolve and when Colm delivers a desperate ultimatum, events swiftly escalate, with shocking consequences.

The season continues until May 22, 2024 with all films being shown on Wednesdays until then. 

This entitles members to free admission to all of the remaining films. 

In addition, there are a limited number of places for junior members aged 16-18 in full-time education and training and members' guests may attend for just £4 per person per film.

For further details and a membership form please check out the website, visit the Maldon Visitor Information Centre (11 am – 4pm Tuesday to Saturday from February 13), or contact John Salisbury on 07905 971608.

There are six more films to be screened in March, April and May including the classic Cinema Paradiso and the highly acclaimed Women Talking, After Love and Official Competition.

From January the cost of membership for the popular film club is reduced to just £25. 

Written by John Salisbury.