Special Screening of Ken Loach’s New Film at the Regal

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spiritof45Barely pausing for breath after his trenchant Scottish comedy The Angel’s Share, Ken Loach returns to documentary for the first time since 2005’s McLibel for The Spirit of  ’45. The title refers to the last year of World War Two, when Britain’s Labour government rallied the nation to rebuild its battered economy.

The film will be playing simultaneously nationwide on Sunday 17 March at 3pm. There will be a screening at the Henley Regal Picturehouse which will be followed by a live satellite panel Q&A with Ken Loach and guests. Audience members in Henley will have the opportunity to text in or tweet their questions to the director and panellists such as Owen Jones. To book click here

Film Synopsis

1945 was a pivotal year in British history. The unity that carried Britain through the war allied to the bitter memories of the inter-war years led to a vision of a better society. The spirit of the age was to be our brother’s and our sister’s keeper. Director Ken Loach has used film from Britain’s regional and national archives, alongside sound recordings and contemporary interviews to create a rich political and social narrative. The Spirit of ‘45 hopes to illuminate and celebrate a period of unprecedented community spirit in the UK, the impact of which endured for many years and which may yet be rediscovered today.

Ken Loach, Director

“The Second World War was a struggle, perhaps the most considerable collective struggle this country has ever experienced. While others made greater sacrifices, the people of Russia for example, the determination to build a better world was as strong here as anywhere. Never again, it was believed, would we allow poverty, unemployment and the rise of fascism to disfigure our lives.

We had won the war together; together we could win the peace. If we could plan to wage military campaigns, could we not plan to build houses, create a health service, transport system and to make goods that we needed for reconstruction?

The central idea was common ownership, where production and services were to benefit all. The few should not get rich to the detriment of everyone else. It was a noble idea, popular and acclaimed by the majority.  It was the Spirit of 1945. Maybe it is time to remember it today.”