Beer Film Society was founded in September 2006.  With a great deal of help from the British Federation of Film Societies and donations from Beer Parish Council, Devon County Council, Mike Green and several others, the Society was able to obtain basic projection and audio equipment.  Our aim is to bring a combination of popular as well as less-mainstream films to the village.  Over the years the Society has used any surplus funds from the screening of films to improve the quality of its equipment.

Our screenings are held in Mariners' Hall in Beer, which has a high-definition video projection system as well as improved acoustics, and which together mean that our audiences get a first-class viewing experience.  A licensed bar is provided.

Beer Film Society’s next show on Thursday April 17th seems very timely.  The health of current Pope Francis and life in the Vatican has been in the news recently.  Conclave (2024, 120 mins, 12) is an Oscar-winning adaption of Robert Harris’s best-selling book which is based on one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events - selecting the new Pope.

Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of a beloved Pope.  Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope’s wake, secrets which could shake the foundations of the Church.

This drama-come-murder-mystery also stars Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini and received rave reviews when it opened.  It has been awarded an Oscar and multiple BAFTAs.

 What the critics said:

“The film, which is by far the best adaptation of Harris’s work to date — brisk, smart, and propulsively plotted — is basically 12 Angry Men with incense and some Latin argumentation.”  Tom Shone. Sunday Times. 4*

“Like every classy adaption of a quality novel, the film enhances rather than diminishes the story.”  Brian Viner. Daily Mail. 5*

“You may think that being locked in a room with a bunch of pompous elderly men deviously attempting to shaft each other wouldn’t be a lot of fun.  But trust me on this: Conclave is a blast.”  Wendy Ide. Observer. 5*

A reminder that the Mariners’ Hall doors will open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start and the bar will be open, along with Baboo ice creams available downstairs.  Tickets cost £5 for members and £7 for guests and are available on the door. Card payment preferred please.  As the film is two hours there will be a short interval. 

Any members wishing to reserve a seat should email us before Monday 14 April at: beerfilmsociety@gmail.com

For your diaries the remaining dates for 2025 will be as follows (films to be confirmed later):

15^th May; 19^th June; 17^th July; Saturday 9^th August (Regatta week); 18^th September; 30^th October (Eve of Halloween Special); 13^th November; 4^th December (which will be a free screening for BFS members).

Don’t forget our new start time.  7PM. 

Don’t be late! 

Membership of Beer Film Society costs £15 for a full 12 months, and members pay a £5 entrance fee at each screening that they attend.  The entrance fee for non-members is £7.  Priority is given to reservations by members, but non-members may also reserve tickets.  To book tickets or to find out more about Beer Film Society, just email beerfilmsociety@gmail.com.

Last edited: Friday 4 April 2025