Cheltenham Film Society: What It Is and How to Join

Cheltenham Film Society (CFS) is a volunteer-run film society founded in 1945 that screens international and independent cinema at the Bacon Theatre between September and April. It is aimed at people in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire who want foreign-language and independent films rather than mainstream multiplex releases. Admission is normally by annual membership, which covers 18 films across the season, but non-members can buy guest tickets on the door for individual screenings.

What Cheltenham Film Society shows

CFS describes itself as offering "the best of foreign language and independent cinema in Gloucestershire." Its programme leans toward films that rarely reach mainstream UK cinemas, mixing established international directors with first-time selections for the society.

Recent and upcoming titles give a sense of the range:

The society also runs a film ratings feature, where members record and compare scores for current and historic seasons. That is a useful way to gauge whether the programme matches your taste before committing to a membership.

When and where screenings happen

• Venue: the Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham.
• Season: September to April, split into two halves — September to December and January to April. The split is deliberate, giving the selection panel flexibility in programming.
• Frequency: screenings are held on Tuesdays, every two or three weeks during the season.
• Volume: an annual membership gives access to 18 films across the year.

Because screenings are fortnightly or every third week rather than weekly, the schedule suits people who want a regular film night without a weekly commitment.

How membership works

CFS is currently in its 81st season, and membership remains open. The mechanics are straightforward:

1. Existing members should receive a renewal invitation and can renew through the membership page.
2. New members join by going to the Membership section of the website.
3. Membership covers the full season — 18 films — rather than individual tickets.

For current pricing and the exact membership form, check the membership page directly, since the society directs all up-to-date membership details there.

If you don't want to join

You don't have to become a member to attend. Guest tickets for a single film can be bought on the door. This is the practical option if you want to try a screening or two before deciding whether a full season membership is worth it — particularly useful given the programme includes less familiar titles such as The President's Cake or Hen.

How to check the programme before you go

• Film Programme — the current schedule of screenings.
• News — announcements, including membership updates and season notes.
• Film Ratings — current season scores and historic film scores, showing how members rated past selections.
• About → Film Selection Process — how films are chosen, useful if you want to understand the society's curatorial bias.
• Contact — for direct questions about membership or screenings.

The site also links to broader Cheltenham cinema resources, including The Eclectic Cinema and local film festivals (FilmChelt and Cheltenham Film Festival), which is helpful if you want to compare what else is showing in the area.

Who it suits

CFS fits you if you want international and independent films, are comfortable with subtitled cinema, and prefer a membership-based society run by volunteers over a commercial cinema. It suits you less if you want weekly screenings, mainstream releases, or walk-up tickets without planning around a fortnightly Tuesday schedule. If you're unsure, buy a guest ticket for one of the October or November films and see how the format works for you.