The Eastbourne Film Society has been in existence since 1949 and functions at the Curzon Cinema, Langney Road, Eastbourne from September to the following March showing a wide variety of films, many of foreign origin with subtitles. Membership is open to all and the current cost is £21 for 11 films which are chosen by the EFS Committee.

The Chairman and the committee convene during April with a view to selecting the programme for the forthcoming season. Certain Wednesdays are selected within the season for the screenings and it is the intention to have extra afternoon and/or early evening screenings so far as possible. The main evening screenings are generally at 8 pm or 8.15 pm with the earlier screening(s) as arranged by the Curzon cinema. All the films shown are open to the general public at the usual cinema admission prices and we ask our members to be seated 10 minutes before the start of each programme to ensure priority.

Full information regarding the programme is incorporated into an Application Form available from May onwards at the Curzon Cinema and also from the membership secretary. Existing members are usually sent an application form during the summer months with a reminder not to delay completion as in recent years we have been fortunate to have a full membership of more than 200. Membership cards which are non-transferable are usually despatched during the middle of the year or by return of post if the application is received after July. The membership cards are required to be produced at the cinema box-office for earlier screenings and at the main evening screening to the person maintaining the EFS Register.

At the final screening of the season in March, it is customary to hold the Annual General Meeting to elect the Officers (including Chairman, Treasurer & Secretary) and between 5 and 7 Committee members. Nominations for the posts are required to be submitted 2 weeks before that date. At this time we request members to suggest titles for consideration in the next season’s programme.

The Mini Season In recent years we have had the opportunity to select and endorse four additional titles for screening following the main season which members can have admission to at concessionary rate on production of their membership cards at the box office. The films are those which may have been considered but not selected for our main season or have been released just too late to be included. It is hoped that this venture will be supported. (Additionally. On production of their current membership cards members can obtain admission at reduced price for other films screened at the Curzon cinema. This concession applies to all screenings except the final evening screening and is at the discretion of the cinema management.)

Full information about timings are usually available in the Eastbourne Herald and The Advertiser newspapers, Channel 4 teletext, the internet and, of course, the Cinema box-office (Tel 731441)

The proprietor of the Curzon cinema is Roy Galloway who is the President of the Society The EFS Chairman is Mansel Stimpson, Barbara Wilson is the Secretary (Tel. 504176) and the Treasurer is Len Baker. The Membership Secretary is: Alex. Buchan, 5 Copthorne House, Michel Grove, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 1JY (Tel: (01323) 734139) or by e-mail info@eastbournefilmsociety.co.uk