THE OLD OAK

THE OLD OAK – United Kingdom –France-Belgium,  2023, 110 min., Drama

Director: Ken Loach

Writer: Paul Laverty

Cast: Debbie Honeywood, Andy Dawson, Dave Turner, Ebla Mari

The Old Oak is a special place. Not only is it the last pub standing, it is the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once thriving mining community that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years of decline. TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) the landlord hangs on to The Old Oak by his fingertips, and his hold is endangered even more when The Old Oak becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees who are placed in the village. In an unlikely friendship TJ encounters a young Syrian, Yara (Ebla Mari) with her camera. Can they find a way for the two communities to understand each other? So unfolds a deeply moving drama about loss, fear and the difficulty of finding hope.

2023, Cannes Film Festival

Nominee:  Golden Palm – Best Picture