It’s the season of mists and mellow movies. Yes, the Cambridge Film Festival (CFF) is about to be upon us with a mouthwatering mix of premiere films and special events. For ten glorious days, over two half term weekends, the Arts Picturehouse will become a beacon of projected light to delight, cheer, sadden, tickle and provoke thought. It’s a place to see great films weeks and months before the rest of the country gets a look in – perfect for dinner party one-upmanship.

This year’s fest showcases nearly 100 films from over 25 countries, including more than 30 UK premieres and a strong showing from female directors, with over half the signature F-Rating, championing women filmmakers.

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the opening film, Bugonia stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons in a darkly comic sci-fi thriller about two men who kidnap a CEO they believe is an alien. Expect paranoia, pitch-black absurdity, and Lanthimos’ most anarchic storytelling yet.

The festival ends on 2 November with Rental Family. Brendan Fraser stars in a soulful, Tokyo-set drama from director Hikari and producer Riz Ahmed. It promises a tender look at identity and emotional performance in an increasingly disconnected world.

Other highlights include Alpha. Palme d’Or winner Julia Ducournau returns with a searing near-future tale of biotech and motherhood, led by the powerful Golshifteh Farahani.

A Private Life bring Jodie Foster back to the silver screen and she headlines this suburban mystery from Rebecca Zlotowski, peeling back the private tensions that shape everyday lives. Another good-looker is The Ice Tower, a haunting mystery set in an isolated snowbound facility, starring Marion Cotillard and directed by Lucile Hadzihalilovic. Expect atmosphere, elegance, and enigma (three elements shared with The Cambridge Critique!)

One of the great strands of the festival is that of ‘Environment and Community: Cinema with Purpose’. This year it includes How Deep Is Your Love, a poetic documentary about Britain’s hidden urban nature, directed by Eleanor Mortimer. Also catch We Live Here, a powerful portrait of resistance and resilience in Kazakhstan, by filmmaker Zhanana Kurmasheva.

Cambridge plays a key role in the CFF under the banner, ‘Stories Close to Home’. Look out for Lost for Words (2025) in which Lana (Nina Fidderman) and Tom (David Boan) are accidentally locked in a bookshop overnight, prompting Lana to reflect on her life. Filmed in Ely and directed by local filmmaker Rick Bush, this heartfelt drama offers warmth and introspection.

Another Cambridge connection is Measures for a Funeral. Academic Audrey Benac (Deragh Campbell) embarks on a journey to resurrect the legacy of forgotten Canadian violinist Kathleen Parlow, from Toronto to Oslo, via Cambridge - and Meldreth!

There is bound to be a sell-out event when Mark Kermode comes to town. The famed film critic will be choosing his favourite movie soundtracks and introducing his new book

Surround Sound: The Stories of Movie Music. From cult classics to blockbuster scores, expect revealing stories, honest opinions, and plenty of chances to ask questions and join the conversation. The talk will be followed by a book signing, with copies available to purchase at the event. Add to this mix plenty of films for the family including free morning screenings during half term.

As the nights draw in and the skies turn grey, the CFF provides a wonderful vista of colour, sound and life-enhancing cinematic art.

For the full programme and booking details go to:

www.cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk