The Bridgeway

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Dublin International Film Festival - The always-brilliant Bill Nighy stars in 500 Miles, a life-affirming celebration of the human spirit that follows a broken family who are forced to come together when their two young boys run away from home. After hearing their parents fight, Finn (Roman Griffin Davis, Jojo Rabbit) and Charlie (Dexter Sol Ansell, breakout star of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms) sneak out of their house in Doncaster. So unfolds an epic road trip from Yorkshire, over land and sea, to the wild West Coast of Ireland. Their destination? The small seaside town of Dingle, County Kerry, where they will reunite with their beloved Grandfather, John (Nighy). It’s a long, treacherous journey - 500 miles where a lot could go wrong... And while Dingle holds happy memories for the boys, Grandpa John has remained estranged from Finn and Charlie’s parents after fateful events the previous summer. With knockout performances from all involved, 500 Miles will make you laugh, cry, and hug the people you love.

This exciting debut feature from Maël Piriou follows a delightful cast of characters on a road trip that will change their lives. Julia Piaton (also starring in Colours of Time) plays Mélanie, a gifted lawyer suffering from a terminal illness. Deciding it’s time to live life on her own terms, she convinces her old school friend Benjamin (Quentin Dolmaire, also starring in The Money Maker) to accompany her on a road trip to Spain. Joining them as their burly chauffer is Lucas (Grégory Gadebois, also starring in Jean Valjean), one of Mélanie’s clients who has recently been released from prison. In exchange for her legal services, Mélanie ropes him into taking the wheel. The unlikely trio embark on an unforgettable journey across stunning vistas that will lead them to understand more about themselves, and each other. Mélanie is driven by urgency, while Benjamin lingers over every detour, stretching out the miles in an attempt to somehow slow down the clock. What began as an impulsive getaway becomes a poignant exploration of friendship, intimacy, and the true meaning of independence. A Dash of Love is a tender and deeply human reminder for us to embrace joy while we can. This is a trip you will most certainly want to take!

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival - British national treasure Helen Mirren plays The Talented Mr. Ripley author Patricia Highsmith in this deeply intriguing thriller. A Talent for Murder takes place in 1995, with Highsmith now in her seventies - and in poor health. Retired to her secluded house in the Swiss Alps, the author keeps to her study, immersed in her books, accompanied by her cats, and surrounded by a collection of antique weapons. Highsmith’s solitude is interrupted by the arrival of Edward Ridgeway (recent Tony-winner Alden Ehrenreich), a mysterious messenger from a New York publisher, sent to persuade the author to write one final instalment of the Ripley anthology. Aggravated by the unexpected visit from this youthful, overly eager envoy, Patricia declines the offer. That is, unless Ridgeway can help her in conjuring up the perfect murder story. Mirren embodies the wickedly manipulative author with gusto, while Ehrenreich imbues Ridgeway with enough guile to keep us guessing at his motives. From director Anton Corbijn (Control), A Talent for Murder is replete with brilliant twists, biting dialogue, and delicious entanglements. Direct from its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, don’t miss this highly anticipated thriller!

This holiday season, celebrate the most wonderful time of the year on the big screen with André Rieu's 2026 Christmas Concert - Let It Snow. This heartwarming festive spectacular, filled with beloved Christmas classics, enchanting waltzes, and magical surprises, will leave you smiling long after the final encore. Joined by his world-famous Johann Strauss Orchestra, exceptional sopranos, and a powerful 120-voice male choir, André brings the spirit of Christmas to life in an unforgettable musical event. Overflowing with music, laughter, and holiday cheer, this concert is perfect for the whole family. Whether you're surrounded by snow or simply dreaming of it, experience the magic of Christmas on the big screen with those you love. Wrap up your year with Let It Snow - only in cinemas!

A visionary reimagining of Dante’s Divine Comedy, blending vibrant animation with modern-day issues like environmental destruction and inequality, offering a timeless message of hope and renewal.

Flesh and Bronze is a documentary that goes through half a century of history, narrating the two best preserved bronze statues in the world, the two mysterious warriors who emerged from the sea in front of Riace in 1972, after two thousand years spent underwater. Interviews and exclusive documents, first-hand testimony and the portrait of a restless present are the heart of this story. Riace Bronzes represent our past but, as everything lost and found, they embody our desires for the future, peace and beauty, that mankind have always had.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival - Oscar-nominee Saoirse Ronan delivers one of her most daring and memorable roles in the satirical thriller Bad Apples, a bold and timely film that challenges how deeply we hold our core beliefs. Ronan plays Maria, a primary school teacher whose classroom is thrown into chaos by Danny, an exceptionally disruptive and foul-mouthed student. Maria reaches her breaking point after Danny has a violent run-in with another student, and taking a drastic course of action, traps him in her home. In Danny’s absence, the classroom begins to thrive; the children flourish academically, and both parents and school staff celebrate the incredible turnaround. But with everyone else convinced the school’s biggest problem has finally been solved, Maria now finds herself trapped in an increasingly preposterous moral dilemma. Swedish-born director Jonatan Etzler injects scathing Scandi humour into this daring psychological comedy, which is sure to become one of the year’s most talked-about films.

Over one transformative summer in rural New Zealand in 2006, 14-year-old Sid discovers desire, identity, and the internet as she imitates the people she longs to be loved by.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Edinburgh International Film Festival - This enchanting adaptation of Jay Parini’s semi-fictional memoir is filled with warmth, wit, and beautiful scenery from the Scottish countryside. As a young doctoral student in the 1970s, Parini (Fionn Whitehead, Dunkirk) was somehow partnered on a road trip through the Scottish Highlands with the literary icon Jorge Luis Borges (Luis Gnecco). Parini is both bewildered and enchanted by his eccentric companion, the blind poet’s presence leading to amusing and even poignant adventures. Over the course of an eventful journey, the two forge a deep connection, woven with poetry, music, and a touch of melancholy. Borges and Me revels in the splendour of its locations. Gorgeously photographed, the raw beauty of the rural Scottish landscape translates beautifully to the big screen. Whitehead and Gnecco are superb as the central pair, with a terrific supporting cast including Alan Cumming, Peter Mullan and Freya Mavor. Pack your bags, this is a road trip you can’t afford to miss.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival - James McAvoy makes his anticipated directorial debut with this wild true story of two Scottish men pretending to be Americans to achieve their dreams of hip-hop stardom. Inspired by the real-life tale of Scottish rap duo “Silibil N’ Brains”, California Schemin’ follows lifelong friends Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd. Chasing their dream of becoming successful rappers, Gavin and Billy are faced with one problem - no one will take their aspirations seriously with their thick regional accents. Humiliated at an audition in London, the pair return home and devise an absurd scheme: they’ll reinvent themselves as hard-partying Californian MCs, complete with elaborate backstories and convincing (enough) American accents. Miraculously, the gambit pays off, and Sibil N’ Brains’ rise to stardom is set in motion. But as the stakes get raised, the pressure begins to fracture both their success - and their friendship. With California Schemin’, McAvoy delivers a fast-paced, funny and poignant debut with a killer soundtrack.

María Ángeles (Carmen Maura), a spirited 79-year-old Spaniard, has spent her life in the Spanish Quarter of Tangier, where she now savors her golden years. Maria’s world is turned upside down when her daughter arrives from Madrid, determined to sell the family apartment. To protect her home and the memories it holds, she fights back and, unexpectedly, rediscovers love and sensuality.

Follows the lives of the cousins who inherit an old house in rural Normandy and retrace their steps of their ancestors in 19th century Paris.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival - What happens when your neighbour goes completely wild? Derek vs Derek is a funny, insightful and heartwarming documentary that charts the turbulent relationship between two farmers. On a country road in Devon live two ideologically opposed neighbouring farmers - both called Derek. Derek Banbury believes in the intensive farming of his land, while Derek Gow is focused on creating a “rewilding” oasis for nature and wildlife on his land. Shot over three years, Derek vs Derek wonderfully juxtaposes the two wholly opposing approaches to farming, as tempers fray, wild animals run amok, and the land is radically transformed. The two Dereks’ story will at turns amuse, entertain and provoke thought about environmental issues and the future of farming. Award-winning director James Dawson celebrates the potential for understanding in this wonderful film about land use and farming, told by farmers. Packed to the brim with English humour, Derek vs Derek is essential viewing.

Celebrate Doctor Who Day with an exclusive big-screen event marking 20 years of the Tenth Doctor and Rose Tyler. For the first time ever in cinemas, the acclaimed two-part adventure The Impossible Planet and The Satan Pit have been specially re-edited into a single movie-length presentation, created exclusively for theatrical audiences. Join the Doctor (David Tennant) and Rose (Billie Piper) as they travel to Sanctuary Base 6, a remote outpost perched on a planet orbiting a black hole. When an ancient force awakens beneath the surface, the crew find themselves trapped in a battle against an evil older than time itself. This special Doctor Who Day screening also includes exclusive bonus material, featuring previously unseen content and a brand-new interview with a special guest, reflecting on the making of one of the most celebrated stories of the modern era – from encounters with the Ood to facing the terrifying Beast, alongside behind-the-scenes memories from the set.

In this epic musical, two brothers are driven onto opposite sides of the American Revolutionary War. With love, loyalty, and family caught in the crossfire, each must decide who he will become, as the fight for freedom turns into a deeply personal battle for forgiveness.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Telluride Film Festival - - OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival - Andrew Scott is astonishing in this powerful, deeply moving, and inspiring story of the actor Ian Charleson, who faced incredible odds while preparing to play Hamlet at the National Theatre. Scott plays Ian Charleson in 1989, discontented with his career stagnation despite early success in the Best Picture winners Chariots of Fire (1981) and Ghandi (1982). The chance of a lifetime soon comes along, when Daniel Day-Lewis unexpectedly departs the role of Hamlet at London’s National Theatre. But dream collides with nightmare, as Charleson faces a devastating AIDS diagnosis. Determined to seize his last opportunity for meaning, Charleson delivers a courageous performance that becomes a source of healing and inspiration for those around him. Alongside a career-best turn from Scott, Olivia Colman delivers a masterclass performance as a doctor treating Charleson and fellow gay men during the HIV epidemic. Elsinore is generating Oscar buzz after it received a massive standing ovation at its recent Toronto International Film Festival screening. Don’t miss this stirring and transcendent film.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Sundance Film Festival - - OFFICIAL SELECTION: Glasgow Film Festival - From Executive Producer Emma Thompson and BAFTA-winning director Felipe Bustos Sierra comes Everybody to Kenmure Street, a multifaceted picture of one of the most memorable moments in Glasgow’s recent history. On May 13, 2021, UK Home Office immigration enforcement launched a dawn raid in Pollokshields, one of Scotland’s most diverse neighbourhoods. Local residents rushed to the streets to stop the deportation of their neighbours. As word spread, a handful of protestors quickly grew to a crowd of hundreds, flooding Kenmure Street and completely blocking an immigration enforcement van. The eight-hour stand-off made international headlines as the community organised itself in an extraordinary act of peaceful solidarity. Everybody to Kenmure Street uses a combination of crowd-sourced footage from the day, archive film and dramatic re-enactments to examine the power of grassroots collective action, solidarity, and empathy in confronting state authority.

To celebrate Tate Britain’s blockbuster Monet and Time exhibition, Exhibition on Screen is delighted to bring the iconic story of Claude Monet to cinema screens in May 2027. Undeniably one of the world’s favourite artists and the figurehead of the Impressionist movement prepare to be dazzled by his spectacular and revolutionary use of light and colour and step into one the most famous gardens in art history. Immerse yourself in iconic masterpieces and discover the incredible story of passion and rebellion in this exciting documentary on the man who named the world’s favourite art movement.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir is one of the world’s favourite artists; a founding member of the Impressionist movement and a constantly evolving artist, he is unmatched at depicting human connection. The National Gallery’s blockbuster exhibition brings together vibrant masterpieces which explore love in all its forms, bringing colour and warmth into the cold winter months. With exclusive access to this exciting new show, Exhibition on Screen will bring these world class works to cinema audiences, with close examination of the art and leading experts exploring the immense skill and influence of this master of colour and connection. Be transported back to a Parisian summer of love through the eyes of a true visionary. An unmissable opportunity to fall in love with Renoir this winter.

After a harrowing plane crash, Special Forces officer James Belmont (Brad Pitt) and his combat dog, Odin, find themselves stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness. Together, they are forced into a brutal fight for survival against the elements. From acclaimed filmmaker David Ayer, Heart of the Beast is an intense adventure thriller that explores the unbreakable bond between a man and his best friend as they face their greatest battle yet.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Glasgow Film Festival - One name. Two champions. BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Alex Holmes delivers the definitive portrait of how Damon Hill overcame the loss of his legendary father, Graham Hill, and followed in his footsteps to become a Formula 1 world champion himself. Featuring exclusive interviews with Damon and his family, Hill is a gripping documentary that charts the racing legend’s journey through tragedy, pressure, and some of the most iconic moments in F1 history. Discover the inside story of how Damon fought a furious battle with Michael Schumacher, and dealt with the death of his teammate Ayrton Senna, who tragically lost his life at 34. Hill places an insightful focus on who Damon is as a person - his hopes, joys, insecurities, and heartbreak. This engaging approach creates an emotional narrative that captures the attention of both F1 devotees and the uninitiated alike. With a seamless blend of high-octane Formula 1 footage and intimate home-movie moments, Hill is pacy, polished, and unmissable.

After three centuries, three witch sisters are resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night, and it is up to two teenagers, a young girl, and an immortal cat to put an end to their reign of terror once and for all.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Venice Film Festival - - OFFICIAL SELECTION: Telluride Film Festival - - OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival - The latest film from British cinema royalty Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire), Ink charts the rise of Rupert Murdoch’s notorious newspaper The Sun, and the creation of the UK’s tabloid culture. Guy Pearce (The Brutalist) stars as Murdoch, alongside Jack O’Connell (Sinners) as newspaper editor Larry Lamb, newly assigned to oversee the fledgling daily paper. Tasked with attracting new readers in the competitive British media market, Lamb devises a new tactic - throw anything onto the page that will turn heads, no matter the veracity. The Sun sees a massive spike in readership, and this new broad scope allows Jules Davies (Claire Foy) to break through the male-dominated hierarchy. But as the paper circulation grows, so too does the number of its critics. Already generating awards season buzz, the fast-paced and gripping Ink features riveting performances from its star cast, in a thrilling exploration of this controversial newsroom legacy.

From Asif Kapadia, the Oscar-winning director of Senna, Amy and Diego Maradona, comes the inspiring, humorous, and emotional story of football legend Kenny Dalglish. Dalglish narrates his own journey, joined by his wife Marina and closest footballing friends, Graeme Souness and Alan Hansen. Drawing from hours of archival footage, including never-before-seen personal clips from his playing career and home life, the film reveals Kenny’s remarkable story. From his upbringing in Glasgow tenements, to his breakout stardom at Celtic, and his record-breaking transfer to Liverpool FC in 1977, this documentary explores Kenny’s profound humanity and leadership during deeply turbulent times. With skill, strength, flair, and sharp humour, the Scotsman became one of the club’s and Europe’s greatest players. This is a warm and gutsy portrait of the legendary Liverpool star, expertly assembled in Kapadia’s signature style. For an absorbing portrait of an icon of the sport, don’t look past the compelling Kenny Dalglish.

Based on the bestselling novel from Nobel Prize-winner Kazuo Ishiguro and written and directed by Academy-Award® winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit), Klara and the Sun introduces audiences to Klara (Jenna Ortega), an Artificial Friend who wants nothing more than to find the perfect home. When Klara meets Josie (Mia Tharia), each immediately senses a kindred spirit in the other. Josie has a fraught relationship with her mother (Amy Adams) and they’ve suffered great loss, but Klara’s innocent wonder and unwavering loyalty begin to heal the family and bring light to Josie’s complicated world.

Explores what it means to be gay throughout different eras, focusing on "three existences" that are connected through themes of sexuality, desire, pain, and inheritance.

Jim Anderton has said he did not leave the Labour Party, rather, all of his colleagues did. The left-wing politician was a successful candidate for Sydenham in Christchurch, before his lone opposition to the Fourth Labour Government’s free-market reforms led him to resign in 1989, and lead Alliance, a merger of four smaller parties. Through a wide lens on the era, we see how a more viciously competitive political environment began to emerge in New Zealand in the ‘90s along with the electoral system transition to MMP, as smaller parties including New Zealand First and ACT jostled for influence — a more pressurised climate that, in the wake of a family tragedy, prompted Anderton to temporarily step back from politics and hand the party reins to Sandra Lee, also featured prominently. This is an essential span of Anderton’s time in politics, from the weaponised scandal of 1976’s Moyle Affair, to 9/11, when he was Acting Prime Minister, and the Christchurch earthquake, which upended his 2011 mayoral run. – Carmen Gray

From the creators of Fisherman’s Friends, Mother’s Pride is a heartfelt comedy about a failing pub, a divided community, and a family desperately trying to hold itself together. The film follows Cal Harley (Jonno Davies, Better Man), a washed-up musician haunted by his past success. Returning to his hometown, he faces a family still grieving his mother’s death, and their beloved pub on the brink of closure. To make matters worse, Cal’s old rival, Edward Pritchard (Luke Treadaway, A Street Cat Named Bob) runs a bustling pub across the street, and is in a relationship with Cal’s first love, Abi (Gabriella Wilde). Determined to right his wrongs, Cal rediscovers the long-forgotten family ritual of brewing beer, alongside his brother Jake (James Buckley, The Inbetweeners), gradually regaining his confidence - and his voice. Cal sets out to challenge Pritchard in the prestigious CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) awards, all while trying to win back Abi with his heartfelt songs written just for her. As melodies mingle with hops, can Cal mend his broken family ties, reclaim his lost love, and rediscover himself? With Martin Clunes and Mark Addy filling out the cast, Mother’s Pride is a quintessentially British underdog story that’s warm, funny and full of heart.

Screen legends Joan Collins and Isabella Rossellini are bringing old Hollywood class to this year’s Festival with My Duchess, from British cinema stalwart Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral). Collins plays American socialite Wallis Simpson, whose life changed when she met the future King Edward VIII. Their love affair led to his eventual abdication and made her the most talked-about woman in the world. My Duchess picks up after the death of Edward, now Duke of Windsor, in 1972. Wallis, the Duchess of Windsor, lives a secluded life in her Paris chateau, surrounded by loyal companions—Jean-Claude (Laurent Lafitte), her colourful confidant, and Louis (Buom Tihngang), her devoted butler. Enter Maître Suzanne Blum (Isabella Rossellini), her trusted lawyer turned predator. What begins as protection becomes obsession, as Blum isolates, manipulates, and controls her client. Wallis and her allies must fight back in a dangerous game of deceit and power. Featuring a career-best and fearless performance from Collins in the title role, My Duchess plays out like a gothic thriller exploring fame, aging and dark manipulation behind closed doors.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Dublin International Film Festival - This witty, light-hearted Irish comedy-drama centres on a Friday night in a small-town cinema, as a series of comic mishaps draws an entire community together in unexpected and touching ways. Set in the 1980s, Once Upon a Time in a Cinema follows Earl (Colin Morgan, Belfast) the owner/manager of a regional Irish cinema. Amid financial struggles and failing equipment, Earl and his crew find themselves under siege from rogue rodents, belligerent patrons, a drunken projectionist, and the ultimate existential threat - the unstoppable march of new technology known as the Video Home System (VHS). To add to the pressure, Earl’s younger brother Gerald (Calam Lynch) is desperate to sell the struggling family business to a local businessman, who is in attendance on this chaotic night to see the cinema in action before making his final offer... Drawing from writer/director David Gleeson’s own experience growing up in a family of cinema owners, this is a love letter to the cinema experience.

Sir Michael Parkinson, often affectionately known as “Parky”, was one of the most ubiquitous figures on UK Television. This riveting new documentary examines the career and milestones of the man known as “the great British talkshow host.” How did a miner’s son from working-class Yorkshire, who rose to become television’s greatest interviewer and a knighted Sir, never truly believe in himself? As told in his own words, and from those closest to him - his wife, Lady Mary, and sons Nick and Mike - Parky is a revelatory portrait of an icon. From his childhood in the South Yorkshire village of Cudworth, and his successful stint in uniform with the National service, to his journalism career and eventual television stardom, this tell-all uncovers the brilliant and complicated man. Over 20 years, Parkinson hosted more than 2,000 guests on his eponymous show, from Hollywood actors to sports stars, comedians, and intellectual figures. Parky features quintessential clips with some of these legendary guests, including Dame Julie Andrews, Sir Billy Connolly, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Paul McCartney, and many more. An enthralling combination of intimate insights from his family, as well as classic clips from his beloved show, Parky is essential viewing.

In the tense 72 hours before D-Day, and the fate of the free world hanging in the balance, PRESSURE follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg as they face an impossible choice—launch the largest and most dangerous invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival - Oscar-nominee Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) stars in this adaptation of Suzie Miller’s smash-hit play, a piercing legal drama that exposes the perils of a system that forces victims to prove their assault. Erivo plays Tessa, a no-nonsense, accomplished lawyer from a working-class background. A powerful presence in the courtroom, Tessa skillfully dismantles opposing arguments, finds weaknesses, and holds her opponents to the letter of the law. She believes the legal system is at its best when all parties receive the best representation possible. Tessa’s life is turned upside down when she becomes the victim of sexual assault by a colleague, exposing her directly to how harsh and misogynistic the law can be to traumatised women seeking justice. Erivo delivers a performance both heartbreaking and inspiring, supported by a terrific supporting cast including Daniel Ings (The Gentlemen), Simon Russel Beale (The Choral), and Elizabeth Dulau (Andor). Prima Facie has wowed audiences at its very recent Toronto International Film Festival debut, with Oscar buzz swirling for Cynthia Erivo’s complex performance. Hard-hitting and intelligent, Prima Facie is must-watch viewing at this year’s Festival.

In 18th century Venice, 20-year-old violin virtuoso Cecilia lives at the Pièta orphanage, where, despite her talent, she remains confined, knowing that marriage is the only way out. Yet, her life takes a turn after she meets Antonio Vivaldi, a brilliant and ambitious composer who becomes the new violin teacher. Guided by Vivaldi and his music, Cecilia finds the strength to challenge the destiny that once seemed inevitable.

- WINNER: Jury Prize, Berline International Film Festival - - WINNER: Best Supporting Performance, Berline International Film Festival - Winner of the Jury Prize and joint Best Supporting Performance award for Tom Courtenay and Anna Calder-Marshall at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival, Queen at Sea is a powerful and deeply emotional drama. Juliette Binoche plays recently divorced academic Amanda, who relocates to London to care for her mother, Leslie (Calder-Marshall) who is living with advanced dementia. Amanda butts heads with her stepfather, Martin (Courtenay), the pair divided over whether Leslie still has the ability to make critical decisions in her own best interests. If not, who is responsible - a spouse, a child, an institution - to make that call? As Amanda and Martin are forced to make increasingly difficult choices, especially in regard to Martin’s role as Leslie’s carer, the repercussions spiral out of their control. In his long-awaited second feature, writer/director Lance Hammer delivers a thought-provoking and cerebral character study, anchored by powerhouse performances that are guaranteed to stay with you.

At a garden party on a sunny afternoon, Alice is surprised to see her parents’ friend Lewis Carroll transform into a white rabbit. When she follows him down a rabbit hole, events become curiouser and curiouser…As Alice journeys through Wonderland, she encounters countless strange creatures. She’s swept off her feet by the charming Knave of Hearts, who’s on the run for stealing the tarts. Confusion piles upon confusion. Then Alice wakes with a start. Was it all a daydream? Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland burst onto the stage in 2011 in an explosion of colour, stage magic and inventive, sophisticated choreography. Joby Talbot’s score combines contemporary soundworlds with sweeping melodies that gesture to ballet scores of the 19th century. Bob Crowley’s wildly imaginative, eye-popping designs draw on everything from puppetry to projections to make Wonderland wonderfully real. The result shows The Royal Ballet at its best, bringing together world-class dance with enchanting family entertainment and ingenious music and design.

Under the oppressive heat of the Spanish sun, the fiercely independent Carmen attracts the attention of Don José. She warns him not to fall in love with her, but his obsession knows no bounds. Damiano Michieletto’s searing production returns, casting scorching light on the lust, violence and destructive desire of Bizet’s ever-popular opera. An all-star cast brings this white-hot drama to life, with Ginger Costa-Jackson in the fiery title role, alongside Russell Thomas as the jealous and despairing Don José. Following his 2023 Royal Opera debut, Sesto Quatrini returns to conduct Bizet’s electrifying and sensual score.

Spurred on by a bet, two young men hatch a plan to test the fidelity of their girlfriends. What follows is a slippery game of seduction and power, the four lovers plunging into a dizzying world of shifting reality, where truth becomes increasingly unstable. Così fan tutte has lost none of its sting since it first scandalised audiences in 1790. In her Main Stage debut, Netia Jones, Associate Director of The Royal Opera, reimagines Mozart’s comedy of manners through a sharp contemporary lens, where 18th-century romantic trickery meets deeply satirical high-tech deceit. Taking on the roles of the lovers is an exciting young cast led by Louise Alder, Simone McIntosh, Mingjie Lei and Huw Montague Rendall, with Gerald Finley as their manipulative game-master Don Alfonso and Emily Pogorelc as Despina. Thomas Hengelbrock conducts, bringing out the exquisite melodies that underpin the provocative, and resolutely modern, themes at the heart of the opera.

An earth in ruin. The twilight of the Gods. Deception leads to treachery, then devastation, when Siegfried is tricked into betraying Brünnhilde. Learning the truth of her beloved’s innocence, Brünnhilde at last returns the ring to the Rhinemaidens, before ordering that Valhalla be swallowed in flames. For the long-awaited finale of Wagner’s epic saga, director Barrie Kosky situates the rich apocalyptic drama in a contemporary world of dream-like turmoil. Antonio Pappano, Conductor Laureate of The Royal Opera, returns to take on the impassioned, otherworldly music – including Siegfried’s transporting Funeral March and Brünnhilde’s electrifying Immolation Scene. The brilliant cast is led by Elisabet Strid, Andreas Schager and Mika Kares, who together with the full forces of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and the Royal Opera Chorus bring opera’s greatest journey to its shattering end.

In the seedy underbelly of 18th-century Paris, money is king. Nothing is sacred – even love itself can be bought for the right price. A native of this hedonistic underworld, Manon is caught between twin desires when she falls in love with the student Des Grieux. Steadfast and devoted, he offers the possibility of an honourable life. Yet, the riches promised by the world of Parisian society remain tempting... Manon’s inner turmoil and struggle for survival lie at the devastating heart of Kenneth MacMillan’s 1974 adaptation of Abbé Prévost’s novel. In this signature work of The Royal Ballet, MacMillan’s nuanced understanding of human psychology makes for an unflinching look into the moral degradation of Manon’s Paris, while all its decadence and decay are brought to life through Jules Massenet’s score and Nicholas Georgiadis’s designs.

The Capulets and Montagues are sworn enemies. Yet it is love at first sight for Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet when they meet each other at the Capulet ball, into which Romeo has snuck. The two fall in love and they profess their devotion to each other at Juliet’s balcony. They secretly get married. The stakes are raised for the young couple when Romeo avenges the death of his friend Mercutio who has been killed by Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin. For this, Romeo is exiled from Verona. Meanwhile, Juliet’s parents are forcing her to marry another suitor. In order to be together, Romeo and Juliet must risk it all.

Princess Odette is bound by a curse, turned into a swan by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart. The spell can only be broken by a pledge of eternal love. When she meets Prince Siegfried, he is immediately enamoured by her fragile beauty and pledges to free her. But freedom is not promised for Odette as Von Rothbart conspires to thwart the lovers’ plans. Liam Scarlett’s production for The Royal Ballet brings together Tchaikovsky’s towering score and John Macfarlane’s picturesque designs to create an enduring ballet spectacle of love, treachery and forgiveness.

At a cosy Christmas party, young Clara meets the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer, who gives her a nutcracker doll. When the guests have departed and the house is asleep, Clara sneaks downstairs in search of the doll. Instead, she finds Drosselmeyer, who whisks her away on a journey into a whole world of enchantment: fantastical landscapes of flurried snow and glittering confection where toys come alive and the magic never stops. Peter Wright’s production of this festive family favourite sparkles to the wondrous swell of Tchaikovsky’s orchestral score, alongside the glow and grandeur of Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs.

Floria Tosca and Mario Cavaradossi live for each other and for their art. But when Cavaradossi helps an escaped prisoner, the lovers make a deadly enemy in the form of Baron Scarpia, Chief of Police. At the mercy of Scarpia’s twisted desires, Tosca is forced to make a horrific bargain: sleeping with the man she hates, in order to save the man she loves. Can she find a way out? Oliver Mears’s acclaimed production returns, setting Puccini’s operatic thriller in a contemporary, war-torn Rome. Daniel Oren conducts Aleksandra Kurzak, who returns to the title role, joined by Saimir Pirgu as Cavaradossi and Christopher Maltman as Baron Scarpia.

REEL VISION New Zealand Film Festival is a film competition for filmmakers from all over the world and films of all genres. Our jury of international judges evaluates all submitted films and awards the best films. There is a special category for films produced on the North Island and one for the South Island, as well as a category for films made by Māori, or stories with a main focus on Māori culture and related topics. A broad selection of the annual winners will then be screened, and the awards will be presented in Auckland at our annual ceremony. Our mission is to promote films, reward filmmakers for their work, and to be the next step in their careers.

From Focus Features and Working Title comes an irresistible new take on Jane Austen’s iconic Sense and Sensibility: a charming, witty, and deeply relatable story of love and sisterhood starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Telluride Film Festival - - OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival - Seven-time Oscar-nominee Mike Leigh returns with Tender Loving Care, an uplifting story of family that the legendary writer/director says will be his final film. The film follows a week in the life of Amy (Kate O’Flynn, Widow’s Bay), a dedicated social worker who gives everything she has to support those in need. Amy’s personal life is upended when her beloved father begins facing serious health issues, forcing her and her mother to accept a painful new reality. Amy shares laughter, tears, and vital perspective with her lifelong best friend Rosie (Alice Bailey Johnson), whom she has recently moved back in with. Rosie’s wit and warmth serve as an essential anchor for both women as they navigate the uncertain waters of approaching middle age. O’Flynn and Bailey Johnson deliver compellingly authentic performances in this poignant, uplifting celebration of resilience and compassion from one of the great masters of film. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Mike Leigh’s swan song on the big screen.

When a girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two priests to save her daughter.

- WINNER: NEXT Innovator Award, Sundance Film Festival - Domhnall Gleeson (About Time) stars in this delightfully dotty comedy that took home the NEXT Innovator Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The Incomer follows siblings Isla (Gayle Rankin, House of the Dragon) and Sandy (Grant O’Rourke, Outlander), who have lived alone on a remote, windswept Scottish island for 30 years since their parents disappeared. The siblings live a totally normal life, hunting seabirds, chatting to mythic creatures, and defending their isle from dreaded incomers. But their world is upended with the arrival of Daniel (Gleeson), an awkward and socially inept council worker, come to uproot them to the mainland. Daniel brings with him the strange mainland customs of paperwork, veganism, and wi-fi, while Isla and Sandy attempt to teach this outsider their eccentric “ways of the gull.” As long-held beliefs begin to crumble, each of them must confront the truth, embrace change, and dare to imagine a life beyond the island. The Incomer is a winningly weird and refreshingly upbeat must-see.

- WINNER: Best Irish Film, Galway Film Fleadh - - OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival - From producer Liam Neeson, this powerful true story of an amateur historian’s tenacious pursuit of truth won the Best Irish Film award at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh. The film follows Catherine Corless (BAFTA-winner Monica Dolan, Days of the Bagnold Summer) as she begins researching “Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home”, a former institution for unmarried mothers and their children in Tuam, County Galway. Catherine soon uncovers one of the darkest chapters in modern Irish history, a long-buried story of neglect and loss. Faced with deafening silence from the church and state, she embarks on a campaign for justice, confronting deep wounds that continue to shape Ireland today. Monica Dolan turns in a phenomenally convincing performance as Corless, worthy of her compassionate, intelligent real-life counterpart. The Lost Children of Tuam is a moving testimony to the power of perseverance, and a reminder that change can begin with one person.

The South Pacific Film Festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity, showcasing a diverse selection of international short films alongside captivating feature films. This festival shines a spotlight on independent filmmakers from around the world, offering audiences fresh stories and unique perspectives. One of the highlights of the festival is the award ceremonies, which recognise outstanding talent and artistic achievement. These ceremonies take place at the Bridgeway Cinema in Auckland, providing a perfect setting for filmmakers, fans, and industry professionals to come together. For those unable to attend the Auckland event, a parallel ceremony is held in Nelson, ensuring everyone has a chance to be part of the festivities. Whether you’re a dedicated film lover or just looking for an exciting cultural experience, the South Pacific Film Festival offers a memorable showcase of innovation and passion in the film industry.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Dublin International Film Festival - Take in the beauty of Ireland’s striking landscapes with The Three Urns, a delightful follow-up to the crowd-pleasing The Man in the Hat, starring Oscar-nominee Ciarán Hinds. Hinds plays Mr O’Connor, who, after years of living in France, sets out on a pilgrimage to his former home in Ireland to scatter his late wife’s ashes. When his car breaks down, O’Connor acquires a solar-paneled milk float, and an offbeat road trip along the scenic northwest coast of Donegal begins. Mr O’Connor’s journey is full of serendipitous encounters with a cohort of colourful characters, including a Lithuanian painter, an itinerant priest, horse traders and horse whisperers, a Choctaw native commemorating the great famine, and a group of mystic women worshipping at the ancient Beltany Stone Circle. Featuring a special appearance from Stephen Fry (after he lauded the first film), The Three Urns is a charming, joyful tale with a touch of whimsy. Book your tickets now for this funny and often moving look at reconnection and exploration.

Andrew Garfield stars as the leader of a ferocious rebellion in this captivating historical drama from the acclaimed director Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Ultimatum, Captain Phillips). Set in 1381, in the aftermath of the devastating Black Plague, The Uprising centres on an England under the tyranny of the young King Richard II. In the lead role, Garfield plays an unnamed ploughman, grieving the loss of his wife and children to the plague. When harsh new taxes are enforced by corrupt officials in his town, local tensions reach a boiling point. Joined by the radical priest John Ball (Jamie Bell, All of Us Strangers), and military veteran Wat Tyler (Cosmo Jarvis, Shōgun) the ploughman transforms from a humble farmer to an outlaw leader, forming an army of the people to march on London and face the King’s might in a fight for justice. BAFTA-winning director Paul Greengrass brings his trademark gritty, verité style to this action-packed epic, the first film adaptation of the 14th century Peasants’ Revolt. Lead by an excellent performance from Andrew Garfield, The Uprising is rounded out by a star cast including New Zealand’s own Thomasin McKenzie. Powerful, heartbreaking and captivating, make sure you see The Uprising on the big screen.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: South by Southwest London - Love and astronomy don’t mix in this refreshing take on the romantic comedy, based on Virginia Woolf’s novel and featuring an all-star cast. Haley Bennett (Widow Clicquot) plays Katharine Hilbery, an aspiring astronomer who is passionate about two things, and two things only: the stars and Cambridge University. Katharine’s controlling father (Timothy Spall) attempts to push her away from learning and into a marriage with a family friend, the pompous and clueless William (Jack Whitehall). With her independence under threat, Katharine turns to the suffragette movement, spearheaded by the straight-talking Mary (Lily Allen). However, Katharine’s life opens up further when she crosses paths with Ralph Denham, a working-class writer hired by her mother to help edit a sprawling family biography. As intellectual and romantic loyalties shift, Katharine is forced to re-evaluate her beliefs about love, ambition, and claiming her place in the world. Fun and contemporary in tone, this is an inventive adaptation of Woolf’s story that is as relevant today as it ever was.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival - Whitetail is a smouldering psychological thriller set in the lush, isolated forests of Southern Ireland. The film centres on an extraordinary performance from Natasha O’Keeffe (Peaky Blinders) as Jen, a conservation park ranger. Tough as nails, Jen is a formidable presence in her community, especially when it comes to the poachers that have begun trespassing on her territory. However, Jen’s hardy exterior begins to crack when a familiar face from her past reappears. Her ex-boyfriend Oscar (Aaron McCusker, Shameless) has returned to town, dredging up painful memories of a devastating accident that occurred during their teen years. Along with the turmoil caused by the encroaching poachers, and new developments in her relationship with her father (Andrew Bennett, The Quiet Girl), Jen is forced to finally confront the trauma she has tried to outrun. Masterfully scripted, shot, scored and performed, Whitetail is a simmering spectacle that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Sundance Film Festival - Celebrate the opening of the 2026 Festival with the hilarious, profound, and highly-anticipated Wicker! An audacious comedic fable about sex, marriage, and the absurdities of social convention, Wicker tells the wholly original love story of an ostracized fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) who commissions a husband to be made by the local basketmaker (Peter Dinklage). When her wicker husband (Alexander Skarsgård) proves more spectacular than she ever imagined, his soulful spirit and unique prowess awaken something inside her, setting off a wave of jealousy, fascination, and upheaval that threatens the very fabric of village life. Wicker generated a massive amount of buzz upon its debut at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, earning a standing ovation and quickly becoming one of the most talked-about titles of the line-up. Colman and Skarsgård have earned praise for their brilliant performances, and stunning craftsmanship from the wizards at Wētā Workshop has put Wicker on the radar for awards season consideration. Do not miss it!

On the outskirts of a village by the sea, lives a Fisherwoman; smelly, single and perpetually ridiculed. One day, fed up with her stuffy, small-minded neighbors, she commissions herself a husband to be made from wicker. In an otherwise conservative town, this unconventional romance sparks outrage, jealousy and chaos.

One choice changes everything. From the makers of Coraline, Wildwood is a sweeping, darkly magical adventure about a young girl who ventures into a dangerous hidden forest to rescue her brother – an odyssey shaped by love, power, and the courage to confront the unknown. Wildwood is a tale of love, loss, sacrifice, and secrets, and of the magic you can find on your doorstep, if you’re willing to look for it.

Thirty-four days before she’s sent to prison, notorious Silicon Valley founder Elizabeth Holmes invites a skeptical film crew to document her every move. What begins as an intimate portrait of an enigmatic felon becomes a mind-bending three-year journey into the abyss. From boundary-pushing directors Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim comes You Can See Everything.