Southport Film Guild will launch the 2013-2014 film season with a new home at Sefton’s new flagship arts and cultural venue, The Atkinson.

Established in 1966 by local film enthusiasts, SFG is now one of the most established film clubs in the U.K. They pride themselves on showing the very best in films from the popular blockbusters, to the lesser-known but critically acclaimed art house and foreign films. Films are shown on a state of the art cinema screen in The Atkinson Theatre, a traditional proscenium arch theatre with a capacity of 440.

Expect to see a range of art house, popular and independent films from the last 18 months, which have not been available on the big screen. Handpicked by SFG members, all films are rated by members, to guide choices for future programming.

Highlights include Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut Quartet (2012), featuring a host of British actors of a certain age in a home for retired musicians. Make sure you see Mads Mikkelson’s Cannes Best Actor performance in The Hunt (2012). Time for a revival with Local Hero (1983), this 30 year old comedy has echoes of Donald Trump’s golf course in the North East of Scotland.

Emma Lloyd, Performing Arts, Marketing and Visitor Services Manager at The Atkinson said, “We are delighted to be welcoming back Southport Film Guild to The Atkinson. The organisation represents quality and a love of film that can be seen throughout their programming. We look forward to working with them on special film nights, weekends, festivals and much more.”

The SFG season shows 20 films each year and runs from September to June on alternate Tuesday evenings, starting at 7.45pm. The films are free to members and £4 to non-members.

Jonathan Parry, Chief Executive of the Guild said “SFG are delighted to be returning to our home in The Atkinson. We are excited by the prospect of being based in the venue that provides state of the art facilities for the discerning film goer, together with other arts-based productions. In addition to the current films that the Guild shows, we are talking to The Atkinson to expand what we show to include themes around books, anniversaries and to provide children’s films.”

For more information on becoming a member of the Southport Film Guild and to book tickets visit www.theatkinson.co.uk or call the box office on 01704 533333.