About us
This group is for fellow film lovers who want to socialise, connect, and share their interest in independent and international cinema.
We have at heart to build a community of cinephiles who love exploring the world of independent and international films. Each month, we choose a theme, watch films (together or independently) that fit the theme, and meet to discuss. Join us to connect with fellow cinephiles, explore unique storytelling, and engage in meaningful discussions.
Rules & Additional Information
- Space at the events is limited, so please RSVP only if you are planning to attend. If your plans change, kindly update your RSVP to allow someone else to take your spot.
- This is a safe and inclusive space where everyone is welcome. We encourage open, respectful conversations and celebrate diverse perspectives.
- We value genuine connections and a welcoming community, so we only accept legitimate profiles. Any accounts with anonymous or company names will be removed.
Defining "Indie" - What films do we cover?
- According to The Film Encyclopedia, "independent" is defined as: 1. A filmmaker or film producer who operates outside the major studios, retaining a greater degree of artistic control. 2. A film distribution and/or production company that is not one of the major studios.
- Beyond the technicalities of this definition, we discuss films that push boundaries, explore unique storytelling, and often fly under the radar of mainstream cinema. This includes small-budget productions, auteur-driven films, international gems that didn’t get wide releases, and thought-provoking works that challenge conventional filmmaking.
In short, if you are looking for a community and like discussing less mainstream films that deserve a spotlight, this group is for you!
Upcoming events
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Film Screening: The French Connection at the Ultimate Picture Palace
The Ultimate Picture Palace, Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1BN, Oxford, GBJoin us for a screening of William Friedkin’s neo-noir crime classic The French Connection at the Ultimate Picture Palace, presented as part of UPP’s In Memoriam 2025 season. We will watch the film together and might go for drinks and a debrief after the screening.
This January, UPP pays tribute to five remarkable artists we lost in 2025 by bringing some of their most beloved films back to the cinema. This screening celebrates the legacy of Gene Hackman, whose performance as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle remains one of the defining roles in film history.
Film description
Set on the gritty streets of early-1970s New York City, The French Connection follows hard-nosed narcotics detectives Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle and Buddy Russo as they pursue an international heroin smuggling ring with links stretching from Marseille to Manhattan. What begins as routine surveillance escalates into an obsessive, high-stakes hunt that blurs the line between justice and compulsion.
Released in 1971, The French Connection is a landmark of American cinema and a defining work of the New Hollywood era. Its raw, documentary-style realism, morally ambiguous characters, and famously relentless car chase redefined the crime thriller and influenced generations of filmmakers. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Gene Hackman, the film remains as tense, provocative, and exhilarating as ever.
I’ve booked the seat G5 for Sunday 25 January 2026 at 14:15. Feel free to book a seat nearby if you’d like to sit close by.
https://uppcinema.com/show/the-french-connection/
Please RSVP only once you have booked your ticket.
Looking forward to seeing you there!14 attendees
Past events
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