MALDON Film Club's 21st season season has got off to a tremendous start – great films and some 100 members coming along to each screening.

The season continues in November when the films to be shown are the highly acclaimed Vermiglio on Tuesday. 4 November and Touch on Tuesday November 18th

Vermiglio, starring Giuseppe De Domenico and Martina Scrinzi and directed by Maura Delpero is set in the mountain village of the same name. Vermiglion presents a quiet and reflective look at life in a remote mountain village in the Italian Alps during the final days of World War II.

The story, which begins in 1944, follows the arrival of Pietro, a deserter, into the family of the local teacher. As he becomes entangled in their lives, particularly falling in love with the teacher's eldest daughter, the village's delicate balance is disrupted, leading to a series of emotional upheavals.

The film's strength lies in its meticulous attention to historical detail and its authentic depiction of the time period. The cinematography, which captures the rugged beauty of the Trentino Alps, enhances the atmosphere, grounding the story in the physical and emotional isolation of the characters.

Touch, the second film for November, is a romantic and thrilling story that spans several decades.

In the late 1960s, Kristófer is studying at the London School of Economics. After being mocked by his college friends for saying he would drop out, Kristófer impulsively applies to be a dishwasher at Nippon, a Japanese restaurant owned by chef Takahashi, where he meets and falls in love with Miko. Upon coming back from a holiday, Kristófer is shocked to see that the restaurant has been closed, and the Takahashis have moved away without saying a word, except for one final paycheck addressed to him.

Fifty years later, Kristófer is now a widower living alone in Iceland. His memory is failing, and his doctor suggests that he should resolve any unfinished business while he still has time and capacity. So before his time runs out Kristofer embarks on an emotional journey to find his first love who disappeared all those years ago.

Films for December are the highly acclaimed My Favourite Cake, which tells the story of a woman who decides to live out her desires in a country where women's rights are heavily restricted and Small Things Like These which is a 2024 historical drama film directed by Tim Mielants and adapted from the 2021 novel by Claire Keegan.  Prior to the screening of Small Things Like These we shall be holding our first social of the season.

The 21^st season continues until June 3^rd 2026 with films being shown fortnightly on Tuesdays in 2025 and Wednesdays in 2026. 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. Residents are invited to join now and watch the remaining 15 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 visit club 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.