Francis, God's Jester
(Francesco Giullare Di Dio) Roberto Rosselini, Italy 1950 83 Mins Cert U
Rosselini, working with a remarkable script by Fellini. presents St Francis through a series of tableaux, using non-professional actors and monks. Ignored at the time of its release and unavailable for over 50 years, this superb film re-emerges as one of the great achievements of the Italian neo-realist movement. A film of great beauty, warmth and freshness without a trace of cliche or pious sentimentality.
Life is A Miracle
(Zivot je cudo) Emir Kusturica, France 2005 155 mins Cert 15
Great Bosnian director Emir Kusturica (whose "Underground" is surely one of the best films ever) is back in brilliant form with a surreal tale of love, hope and railways amongst the conflagration of the Balkan wars. A visual feast and a joyous hymn to the transforming power of love. More
Leben Fur Leben - Maximilian Kolbe
Krzysztof Zanussi, Germany 1991 90 mins Cert 15
The shattering true story of the Polish priest in Auschwitz who volunteers to take the place of a prisoner condemned to be starved to death as a Nazi reprisal for an escape attempt. A 20th century martyr portrayed by one of Poland's leading film-makers.
Rapture Night
Various 120 mins total
Cert 15
Extraordinary films from America's bible belt about people who believe in "The Rapture" - the apocalytic moment in the near future when the Christian faithful will be transported to heaven, leaving the rest of us with the horrors of the Armageddon. Includes extracts from "Gone" "Megiddo" and a complete screening of "Left Behind". Programme notes here
Dandy Dick
William Beaudine, UK 1935 83 mins Cert U
A British classic with Will Hay as the vicar of a country church trying to raise funds to straighten the church spire. Against his principles, he is persuaded by his sister, who has a half-share in a racehorse, to resort to betting to save the day. A nostalgic glimpse of the Anglican Church before its current troubles - adapted from a Pinero play. Plus shorts.
Jerry Springer: the Opera
Peter Orton, UK 2005 120 mins Cert 18
A special showing of the TV version of the Swiftian musical that won every award in town but created outrage in some religious circles when shown on BBC2 in January 2005. Jerry hosts one last show to reconcile the devil and Jesus... Blasphemous? Come and make up your own mind and listen to what other people think. Warning: This film sets a new world record for the use of "strong" language. More
Mother Teresa
Ann & Jeanette Petrie, US 1986 88 mins Cert U
A detailed portrait of the Romanian women who won the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize for her work in the slums of Calcutta which generated a world-wide movement criticised for its perceived "naiveity". With commentary by Richard Attenborough, this fim won the Soviet Peace Prize in 1987. "Enough to charm a cynic" (San Francisco Chronicle).
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