Movie buffs invited to new film group meetings

The Leigh Film in Wigan Cinema Discussion Group was founded last month with a night dedicated to Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller Vertigo.

The film fans meet in the Moon Under Water pub in Wigan town centre once a month for a book club-style discussion on a pre-decided movie which has been watched in advance.

Although the concept is well established for literature enthusiasts the organisers, who are connected to Leigh Film and the Leigh Short Film Festival, believe this is the first time the idea has been extended to cinema in the region.

Co-founder Bethan Nowell said: “We were looking at Leigh Film’s future plans and thought the discussion group would offer a good way of fulfilling the idea of educating people and helping them discuss films more.

“We also enjoy the film screening nights in Leigh but wanted to discuss film in a bit more detail.

“It’s exactly like a book club. Everyone watches the film beforehand and then we meet for a couple of hours in a pub to chat about it, analyse it and discuss what we thought of it.

“We’ve chosen the first few films to cover what we want the group to be about but after that we would like people attending to recommend suggestions.

“The group is for anyone who likes film. There’s clearly an appetite for it in the borough which can be seen through Leigh Film’s events and it’s good to be bringing this to Wigan.”

The next meeting at the Market Place pub on April 12 discusses Mustang, a film set in rural Turkey, and the May event will be dedicated to Charlie Kaufman’s acclaimed and strange puppet animation Anomalisa.

Organisers hope the club will discuss the finest productions from Hollywood, foreign-language cinema, arthouse movies, documentaries and an array of other productions from across the more than 100 years of the artform’s history.

Leigh Film, which puts on monthly non-mainstream screenings at the Turnpike, is also pleased to welcome the latest addition to its umbrella of groups and events aimed at culture vultures.

Secretary Elizabeth Costello said: “If you love film then it’s only natural to talk about ones that you’ve seen.

“Leigh Film was really excited when Bethan and her husband offered to open up a film discussion group in Wigan, bringing Leigh Film to new audiences.

“The two groups will compliment each other and work together for the benefit of Wigan and Leigh community cinema. I enjoyed the first meeting as it gave me the opportunity to ask questions about Hitchcock.

“It was great to listen to other people’s opinions about the great director and I found I was learning so much as the evening went on.

“The Wigan group is welcoming and friendly and in keeping with the values of Leigh Film, being not-for-profit and run entirely by volunteers.”

The next discussion is on Wednesday April 12 on Mustang at the Moon Under Water, starting at 7.30pm. For more information visit www.leighfilmsociety.com/wigan.php