Film Club Kicks Off 76th Season with Political Themes and Diverse Cinema

The Film Club is set to launch its 76th season on March 1, 2026, offering audiences a rich selection of films with a pronounced political edge. The season opens with the Japanese film Evil Does Not Exist, directed by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi. This 2023 release explores the conflict between environmental conservation and commercial interests as a Tokyo company seeks to develop a luxury glamping site in a remote village. The film serves as a poignant commentary on the costs of progress, particularly as the corporation aims to capitalize on government subsidies in the wake of the pandemic.

Tony Martin, the club’s publicity officer, emphasizes that the 2026 lineup will delve into deep political and cultural themes. The season will showcase 32 films from around the globe, including cult classics like Run Lola Run (1998) and The Science of Sleep (2006), as well as the influential Hong Kong action film City On Fire (1987). Additionally, moviegoers can look forward to six French films that span a variety of genres.

Screening Details and Membership Information

Film Club, a part of the Palmerston North Film Society, hosts screenings every Wednesday at 18:00 at Event Cinemas. Interested film enthusiasts can register starting at 17:30 before each screening. More information, including a full programme, is available on their official website at nzfilmsociety.org.nz/palmerston-north.html.

As the season unfolds, club members have selected their top picks from the upcoming slate.
Rosie Gowan recommends Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person, a Canadian film directed by Ariane Louis-Seize, scheduled for screening on April 29. The title reflects the film’s unique premise, blending coming-of-age elements with comedy horror. The story revolves around a young vampire, Sasha, who grapples with her identity and bloodlust, opting for unconventional solutions to sustain herself without harming others.

Tony Martin has chosen Toitū Visual Sovereignty, a New Zealand documentary directed by Chelsea Winstanley, which will screen on August 12. This film, inspired by “Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art”—the largest Māori exhibition in Auckland Art Gallery’s history—follows curator Nigel Borell. It highlights the tension between institutional authority and Māori self-determination, illustrating how the exhibition provides artists a platform to showcase their work on their terms, potentially elevating some to international recognition at events like the Venice Biennale.

As the Film Club embarks on this exciting new season, members and audiences alike can anticipate a compelling mix of political narratives and diverse cinematic experiences that resonate with contemporary issues. For further inquiries, the club can be contacted at [email protected].