The Old Oak

The Old Oak - supported by Harrogate Film Society. This event is to mark REFUGEE WEEK. 

Proceeds will go to Harrogate & Knaresborough District of Sanctuary (Charity number 1183095) to help their work supporting our local Refugee community.

The Old Oak | 2023 | Dir. Ken Loach | UK | 15 |  113 mins.

The future for the last remaining pub, The Old Oak, in a village of Northeast England, where people are leaving the land as the mines are closed. Houses are cheap and available, thus making it an ideal location for Syrian refugees.

THE OLD OAK is a special place. Not only is it the last pub standing, but it's also the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once thriving mining community that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years of decline. TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) the landlord hangs on to The Old Oak by his fingertips, and his predicament is endangered even more when the pub becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees who are placed in the village without any notice. In an unlikely friendship TJ meets a curious young Syrian Yara [Ebla Mari] with her camera. Can they find a way for the two communities to understand each other? So unfolds a deeply moving drama about their fragilities and hopes.

JUst announced - Dave Turner, who plays the lead role in what is very probably Ken Loach’s last film will be the guest of Harrogate Film Society and Harrogate District of Sanctuary on Wednesday 19th June.

Dave will be telling us the story of how he unexpectedly came into the world of acting, late in life. He was a retired fire fighter working in a small pit village pub, when he got a small bit part in I Daniel Blake, then a bigger part in Sorry I Missed You and then Ken cast him in the leading role in the Old Oak!

His performance has been described as “outstanding and conveying the soul and the pain of the character “.

Dave will share with us what it has been like to work with Ken Loach and there will be the chance to ask him questions as well.

A small processing fee will be applied to all tickets.  These can be purchased online here or will be available on the door - (contactless payments only please, we are not taking cash this season). Please note that refereshments are included in the ticket price.

Please note that doors open at 6.30pm but the film will start at 7pm.  All seating is unreserved so grab a seat wherever you like. Parking is free after 6pm for all Odeon cinema-goers but you MUST display a voucher obtained from the Odeon lobby.

There are several wheelchair spaces available in Screen 5 but you must get in touch with the society to reserve a space,  if required.     Email us - contact.harrogatefilmsociety@gmail.com