Salem on the Road

Ken Russell's controversial masterpiece is based on Aldous Huxley's The Devils of Loudun, a non-fiction account of the 17th century witchcraft trials in France starring Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave.

One of the most powerful documentaries of the year, this puts us smack in the open wound that is Gaza, filtered through the eyes of three American surgeons (of Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrian backgrounds) compelled to do their utmost to alleviate harm.

After attending a workshop on pitching saccharine Hallmark movies, John Wilson tries to apply all the same best practices to his documentary about concrete. Frequently absurd and endlessly entertaining detours, asides, and digressions ensue.

A big, old-school historical melodrama gets a thrillingly modern, queer makeover from Spanish duo Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, who artfully juggle three gay protagonists across stories set in 1932, 1937, and 2017. Winner: Best Director, Cannes. Screening on 35mm.

Patrick Wang (The Bread Factory) presents the life of French poet Arthur Rimbaud in this staggeringly adventurous and deeply considered movie, a three-hour, one-man show quite unlike anything we have seen before. "Poetic, audacious and singular."

Dig out your greenest glad rags to celebrate Shrek. Before the movie, enjoy the ale of your choice at the Shrek Cabaret: expect songs, gags, acrobat princesses, a juggling Pinocchio, maybe even a talking ass... uh, donkey. It's a fairy tale come true!