THE two top films for Moviola screenings in this region in July and August are both serious – H is for HaWK and Hamlet.

H is for Hawk is a biographical drama, directed by Philippa Lowthorpe, who co-wrote the screenplay with Emma Donoghue, based on the 2014 memoir by naturalist Helen MacDonald. It stars Claire Foy, Brendan Gleeson, Denise Gough, Sam Spruell, and Lindsay Duncan. The film tells the true story of Helen MacDonald who trained a goshawk after the death of their father Alisdair. The narrative interweaves two strands: Macdonald’s personal bereavement and the practical and psychological challenges of falconry.

In July, H is for Hawk is being shown at Kingsbury Episcopi, Yetminster, Kilmington Community Cinema (Devon), Pewsey (Bouverie Hall), Shepton Montague and Chard (Guildhall).

August screenings are at Hanging Langford, Leigh (near Sherborne) and Whitchurch.

Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s great and award-winning novel, and starring a mesmerising Jessie Buckley, Hamnet is the story of William Shakespeare’s wife Agnes and their family, and the devastating grief that afflicts Agnes after the death of her young son, Hamnet.

July screenings are at Codford St Peter (Woolstore Theatre), Bransgore, Castle Cary (Caryford Hall), Bishopstone (Salisbury)and Norton St Philip.

In August, Hamnet is being shown at Halstock and Chard (Guildhall).

Other high summer screenings are:

Song Sung Blue in July at Fawley (Jubilee Hall), Hanging Langford, Royal Wootton Bassett (RWB Academy), Leigh (near Sherborne) Mere (Lecture Hall) and Edington (Somerset); and in August at Kingsbury Episcopi, Shrewton, Bransgore, Charlton Marshall and West Camel (Davis Hall).

Rental Family in July at West Camel (Davis Hall); and in August at Fawley (Jubilee Hall) and Pewsey (Bouverie Hall).

One Battle After Another, in July, at Charlton Marshall and Shrewton.

Three August screenings are:
Nouvelle Vague at Shepton Montague
Wuthering Heights at Hythe (Parish Hall)
The Shepherd and the Bear at Codford St Peter (Woolstore Theatre).

For dates and venues, see the Arts Diary. For more information on the films and timings, visit www.moviola.org