Birmingham International Film Society began in May 2008 to bring foreign language and independent cinema to Birmingham. Our aim is to exhibit the wide variety of films from around the world which will otherwise be passed over by the commercial operators in the city.
Screenings (with occasional guest speakers) take place on regular Tuesday or Thursday evenings at the Library Theatre, Birmingham Central Library’s own 200 capacity venue. This is an intimate space in the city centre, conveniently located next to the Central Library, with several restaurants and eating places close by. With proper tiered theatre seating and the advantage of a licensed bar it\'s an ideal venue for the discerning cinephile.
The Society has built partnerships and developed links with groups and organisations reflecting local communities and their interests including Amnesty International, Cuba Solidarity Campaign, Friends of the Earth, Palestine Solidarity Campaign and United Nigeria Welfare Association.
Affiliated to the British Federation of Film Societies, BIFS has worked alongside other film societies and festivals such as Africa in Motion, Flatpack Festival and Lewes Film Society to ensure that we bring our audiences the very best films. Titles such as Klass, La Trahison and Le Couperet have been acclaimed in their home countries but so far have failed to be seen (outside of a few London venues) in the rest of the UK.
BIFS has also given exclusive screenings to a number of world cinema releases including:
Other special event screenings have included:
The BIFS programming team regularly attend cinema conferences, film festivals and special screening events to keep informed on the latest and forthcoming releases. Members of our team have travelled to the Viva! Spanish Film Festival in Manchester and even as far as West Africa for the Pan-African FESPACO.
The Society values the feedback and input of our audience, and aims to reflect their suggestions in our programme.
18:00 Thu 11th March
An eye witness account from The Gaza Strip during Operation Cast Lead. Despite the Israeli ban on foreign correspondents, a group of international volunteers… More
20:30 Thu 11th March
One of the best films of the year
— Mail on Sunday
Based on the novel by acclaimed Congolese writer Emmanuel Dongala, this impressive first feature from Belgian director Sauvaire garnered three awards… More
If you live in a place where this film is playing, it is the best film in town
— Roger Ebert
Asa is young man recently discharged from serving in the Russian army. Now living in the Hunger Steppes with his sister and brother-in-law in a remote… More
20:00 Tue 16th March
Affectionate and sumptuously shot…Huppert is simply stunning
— Little White Lies
Cambodia, 1930s: A French colonial widow is in despair - the sea wall protecting her farmland has collapsed. Suffering floods, she seeks financial aid… More
House is nothing short of nuts
— Total Sci-Fi
Teenage Oshare (or \'Gorgeous\' to her friends) takes a group of her school pals to her Auntie\'s house for summer break, as her father has a new partner.… More
Riveting and darkly compelling
— Reel Movie Critic
In the early Nineties, a small group of Norwegian black metal musicians would commit a slew of crimes including arson and murder. This documentary delves… More