Monday Night Film Series presents THE CHORAL-FR

Event date(s): March 16, 2026
Time(s): 07:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Category: Fredericton
Location: Fredericton

The Monday Night Film Series presents "THE CHORAL", on March 16th Monday at 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, Room 102 at UNB. 

The Choral is an inspiring drama set in a British town during the darkest days of the First World War. When the war effort depletes the male ranks of the local choral society, the remaining members recruit adolescent boys to perform Edward Elgar’s challenging oratorio, The Dream of Gerontius. They hire the demanding Dr. Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes), a controversial figure due to his appreciation for German culture. Under his strict guidance, the disparate group, including a wounded soldier, finds the transcendent joys of singing together while steeling themselves for impending conscription. The film contrasts the beauty of music with the grim realities of war and social issues like class division.

This is the first original screenplay in over 40 years by Alan Bennett, directed by Nicholas Hytner. The review notes the film is a "twinkly fusion" of wartime resilience and "let's-put-on-a-show" tropes. It largely takes Dr. Guthrie's side that "art counts for a lot more than patriotism." Despite a "deceptively buttery gloss," the film explores deep contrasts and conflicts through the lens of a community using art to process anxieties and generate hope.

With an original screenplay by 91-year-old icon Alan Bennett, this rousing British period drama is packed with colourful people, moving subplots, glorious music and spectacular Yorkshire scenery. Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall 

Poignant and heart-warming stuff. Laura Stott, The Sun (UK)

This term, 15 limited release, independent foreign & Canadian films will be shown. Admission is $10/film, but a film society membership reduces admission cost to $7/film. The series is open to all. Memberships are available at Tilley 102 every Monday night. 

For further info, contact NB Film Co-op 455-1632  info@nbfilmcoop.com https://www.nbfilmcoop.com/monday-night-film-series

The NB Film Co-op in partnership with the UNB Faculty of Arts and the Toronto Film Festival presents the series.

Building: Tilley Hall

Room Number: Room 102