To celebrate the new MPLC Collection I have had a go at picking my own programme of films from the list for my fantasy community cinema – housed in a rural village hall with bakery & pub attached.

The Bryony Village Cinema Autumn Season 2013

• September: The French Connection | William Friedkin | US | 1971

To kick my season off with a bang I have chosen a bona fide classic. Regularly voted the best car chase ever this Gene Hackman starring thriller won 5 Oscars on its release in 1971. Popeye and Buddy are New York Cops on the hunt for the source of European drugs flooding into the city. Groundbreaking in its day and the source of inspiration for generations of action movies that followed, what better way to get my audience coming back for more. And if they really loved it I’d have a special screening of the sequel.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP_7ZopT6oM?feature=player_detailpage&w=640&h=360]

• October: Martha, Marcy, May, Marlene | Sean Durkin | US | 2011

One of the most critically acclaimed films of last year, I am (selfishly) programming this film because I missed it the first time round – but maybe my audience did too! The film is a powerful emotional thriller with a stand out performance from Elizabeth Olsen, a young girl who gets mixed up with a cult whose leader is played by the ever brilliant John Hawkes.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPLqzVECEhU?feature=player_detailpage&w=640&h=360]

• Halloween Special: Young Frankenstein | Mel Brooks | US | 1974

Something a little bit different for my Halloween special, Gene Wilder stars as the grandson of the famous Frankenstein trying to play down the family fame. That is until he discovers his grandfathers journal, “How I Did It” and just can’t resist.

A hysterical parody of 1930s horror films from the director of Blazing Saddles.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOPTriLG5cU?feature=player_detailpage&w=640&h=360]

• November: Never Let Me Go | Mark Romanek | UK, US | 2010

I couldn’t work for the British Federation of Film Societies and not include something with a  distinctly British feel. Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s introspective sci-fi novel, Never Let Me Go follows a trio of children from their English boarding school to a shocking discovery that will stifle their yearnings for freedom and adventure. Andrew Garfield gives a heartbreaking performance and is my pick of the excellent cast which also features Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrea Riseborough.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXiRZhDEo8A?feature=player_detailpage&w=640&h=360]

• December: Margaret | Kenneth Lonergan | US | 2011

There was an uproar in the critical community when this excellent film was only being shown at one London cinema last year. It was eventually picked up by some regional screens but in my duty to give my audience access to films that deserve to be seen – I have picked this engaging drama starring Anna Paquin as a 17 year old struggling to deal with her role in a fatal car accident.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POPLzI40Uiw?feature=player_detailpage&w=640&h=360]

• Christmas Party: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

What better treat for a Christmas ‘do’ than Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell in sparkly frocks in this Howard Hawkes classic.

• Kids Club: Fantastic Mr Fox

One that parents will be happy to bring their kids to, Wes Anderson‘s brilliant adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic.

• Some for the teens: (500) Days of Summer , Prometheus

(500) Days of Summer is a genuinely funny and endearing rom-com starring teen favourites (and heart-throbs!) Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt 

The teens (and Alien fans) of my village can’t get out to see the big blockbusters so they’ll thank me for giving them the chance to see Prometheus.

What do you think of my choices? What would you pick from the Collection for your film society or community cinema? You can see the full collection as part of the Booking Scheme Catalogue