As the festive season of Christmas parties approaches, what better way to mark the occasion than FESTEN (1998), a black comedy about a family gathering turned into a nightmare?

OK, so it’s not exactly a Christmas film, but anyone who’s experienced the horror of witnessing tensions between relatives reach boiling during what’s supposed to be a celebration will surely relate.

A dysfunctional family gather together in the Danish countryside to celebrate the 60th birthday of its patriarch, only for the occasion to descend into anarchy after a shocking secret is revealed.

The film is famous for being the first of the Dogme 95 movement, which adhered to strict rules abstaining from special effects and artificial post-production changes, in opposition to the Hollywood style of filmmaking, and the effect here is one of intimacy and raw emotional intensity. Lars Von Trier was the movement’s most famous director, but co-founder Thomas Vinterberg made arguably its best film in Festen.

Entry is free, and doors will open in the downstairs room of the Sidney and Eden from 18:30 for a start at 19:00. We’ll head upstairs afterwards for a drink for anyone who wants to stay for a chat afterwards!

Entry requirements: 18+ — Read more — Read less