SameSky Film Club

There are many great ways to supplement your language learning, extra to your weekly classes. Reading the news, listening to music or podcasts, watching films...

We have recently started a film discussion group. The format is simple: we hire a local function room so that you can have a drink or a snack, there's a brief intro to the film, where we mention the key aspects to look out for, and sometimes point out interesting things about the way in which the subtitles have been translated. Then we watch the film, and discuss it afterwards,

Our regular venues are:

The Hertford Club, Hertfordshire

The Griffin pub, Caversham, Berks

There is a nominal entry fee for the films, but this varies according to the hire charge of the room. It is usually in the region of £7 per person.

Below you can find brief descriptions of the films that we have watched so far. The plan is for this to become a regular thing, so the list will grow and grow. If you are interested in joining us please contact us here to be added to the mailing list.

Similarly, you might be interested in (re)watching one or more of these films and have an idea for a new venue in your area. Again, please use the contact us link.

So far, the films have all been introduced by Andrew Wenger, the director and lead teacher of SameSky Languages. He is the first to admit that he is more of a languages teacher than a film expert, so... if you would like to offer your services and have any good suggestions for films to watch and even to lead the discussion, let's talk!

Como agua para chocolate

Made in 1992, directed by Alfonso Arau, this film is very closely based on the novel by Laura Esquivel, which quickly became a modern classic. It is a dramatic story of tragic romance, set against the backdrop of the Mexican War of Independence. It is a very popular example of magic realism, which is prevalent in Latin American literature, perhaps most famously in the work of Gabriel García Márquez. Each of the twelve chapters of the book starts with a recipe, and the film captures the deliciousness – and the emotional power of food – magnificently.

Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis

This is a French comedy all about the north-south divide that exists in France. Made by Dany Boon in 2008, it has become the highest grossing French film of all time, reflecting both the interest in exploring and exploding regional stereotypes, and of course how genuinely funny it is. During the intro, you will be given some things to look out for, including a couple of pointers about the northern dialect (Ch’timi) so that you have a chance of appreciating the humour.

The Comedian Harmonists

As a teacher of foreign languages, who is proud to include some German people among my absolute closest friends, I have generally tended to avoid films about early 20th century Germany, but now and again a film comes along that is somehow different, special. The lead-up to the second world war is the inevitable backdrop to this amazing story. A group of six barber-shop style singers initially enjoy huge success, but then tragically have to disband as some of the members are Jewish. The tag-line of the film: “If it hadn’t been for Hitler, these guys would have been more famous than the Beatles.”

Next film here...

...