Party follows at the Vogue

Billed as Ken Loach’s parting shot, Loach remains unwavering, representing the struggles of a downtrodden community in Northern England, where the mines are closed and the so-called “left behind” turn against newly arrived Syrian refugees. Ugly racists are given full range. But as always, the social realist filmmaker offers another view, the voice of compassion through TJ Ballantyne, a good guy and owner of the local boozer, The Old Oak. In solidarity with the refugees, the film celebrates the power of community and kindness. As our closing night film, so do we.

UK 2023 (113 minutes)

Sponsor:  The Mayflower Pub

Over six decades, Ken Loach has forged a reputation as Britain’s foremost politically-engaged filmmaker, exploring social issues such as abortion, unemployment and homelessness. He won the prestigious Palme d’Or award at Cannes for The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006), set during the Irish Troubles, and for I, Daniel Blake (2016) about unemployment and poverty. His television films Up the Junction (1968) and Cathy Come Home (1966) played an influential part in Parliamentary debates. Also notable are political dramas such as Land and Freedom (1995), addressing the Republican cause in Spain and Carla’s Song (1996), set partially in Nicaragua. The announcement of his retirement is high time to thank him for a body of work speaking for the powerless and downtrodden. The festival’s Maxine Einhorn conducts a Zoom interview with him.