'The Old Oak'

 

From late September onwards 'The Old Oak' from Ken Loach is out in the UK and in France. 

The Old Oak pub becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees, placed in the village without any notice...

Presentation:

THE OLD OAK is a special place.  

Not only is it the last pub standing, but it’s also the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once thriving mining community that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years of decline.  

TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) the landlord hangs on to The Old Oak by his fingertips, and his predicament is endangered even more when the pub becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees who are placed in the village without any notice. In an unlikely friendship TJ meets a curious young Syrian Yara [Ebla Mari] with her camera.   

Can they find a way for the two communities to understand each other?  

So unfolds a deeply moving drama about their fragilities and hopes. 

THE OLD OAK is directed by BAFTA winner Ken Loach, written by BAFTA winner Paul Laverty and produced by BAFTA winner Rebecca O’Brien for Sixteen Films, all of whom continue their long-time collaboration following acclaimed films including Sorry We Missed You and I, Daniel Blake.

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Ken Loach's films have been with us for many generations now, but in a year like 2023 very few other filmmakers have had to energy to remain so engaged with the collective and with the world around them.

Loach and his films are to be treasured.

I wrote about his latest films, and particularly loved 'The Angels' Share' and 'I, Daniel Blake'.

I also wrote about how his legacy influenced some of the new generation of British filmmakers, in 2016, for a French magazine.

Meeting him in person for a discussion about Palestine, at Bristol's Arnolfini art centre, was a highlight of a particularly difficult period for me.

Thank you, Mr Ken Loach, and I so look forward to see your new film!