THE poignant Finnish tragi-comedy, The Other Side Of Hope, will be Ilkley Film Society's next screening on Sunday, October 22 at Ilkley Playhouse from 8pm.

Khaled is a Syrian refugee who arrives in Finland as a stowaway, and is searching for his sister who is “somewhere in Northern Europe”. Waldemar is a former travelling salesman who uses a windfall to buy what may be the world's worst restaurant, The Golden Pint. When Waldemar hires Khaled as a cleaner to supplement his deadbeat staff, an unlikely friendship develops as the employer becomes increasingly concerned with Khaled's plight.

The film is the 17th to be directed by Aki Kaurismaki, Finland's master of deadpan comedies about people on the margins of society, and after winning the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin Film Festival, he announced that it will be his final work for the cinema. Lovers of the work of this unique and influential film-maker can only hope that he changes his mind.

A few membership places are still available for the new season. Non-members are welcome as guests (£4) but their admission cannot be guaranteed unless they reserve tickets in advance by phoning Dave Howell on 01943 430097. More information about the Film Society's current season can be found at www.ilkleyfilmsociety.org.uk