The Old Oak

Date: 30/01/2024 Times: 7:30 pm - 9:25 pm

The Old Oak is the third in a trilogy of films, directed by Ken Loach. The others were I, Daniel Blake, which won the Palme D’Or at Cannes, and Sorry We Missed You, both of which we have shown at Moving Image. They have in common the kind of social realism that Loach is famous for and are state of the nation films, adding up to a critique of the way in which the rulers of comparatively wealthy Britain have left ordinary people, especially in the north of England, struggling for a living. Of the three, it is the one with the most uplifting ending, perhaps because Loach is now 87 and may not make another film. It has just received a 2024 BAFTA nomination for Outstanding British Film.

It is the story of a village in the Northeast of England, where the mine closed, and people feel deserted by the system Many young ones have left and what was once a thriving, proud community struggles to keep old values alive.But there is growing anger, resentment, and a lack of hope.Houses are cheap and available.This makes it an ideal location for the Syrian refugees that have been accepted by Britain in recent years.How will the Syrians be received? And what will be the future for the last remaining pub in the village, The Old Oak?

Venue: William Loveless Hall