French Sundaes: Au Revoir les Enfants (1987)

The theme this season is the ‘The Cinema of Resistance’. Au Revoir les Enfants (Goodbye, Children) is an autobiographical 1987 film written, produced and directed by Louis Malle. The film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. The film tells the heartbreaking story of friendship and devastating loss of two boys living in Nazi-occupied France. At a provincial boarding school, the precocious youths enjoy true camaraderie – until a secret is revealed. Based on events from writer-director Malle’s own childhood, the film is a subtle, precisely observed tale of courage, cowardice, and tragic awakening. A themed talk from Jon Davies will precede the screening. Doors open at 14.00, for a 14.30 start.