AVENING holds a special connection to one of the country's greatest partnerships in the history of cinema. 

Two of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's classic films will be shown as part of an event by Stroud Film Festival in November at Avening which holds a special connection to the duo.

Cinema Unbound, organised by the British Film Institute, celebrates these two creative  giants of the film industry with screenings all over the country as well as  coverage across TV, radio and the press.

Avening is where Michael Powell lived and is buried and two of the classic films will be screened at the Memorial Hall. 

The first on the afternoon of Saturday, November 18 is Black Narcissus.

Film director Martin Scorsese, who acknowledges the influence of Powell and Pressburger on his own work, said last year: “I still find it extraordinary that I knew Michael Powell personally for 16 years and throughout that time he was not only a support, but a guide, pushing me along, giving me confidence, keeping me bold in my own work.

A Matter of Life and Death is described by film critic Mark Kermode as  ‘Quite simply, one of the greatest movies ever made’.

This hugely influential film is on Saturday, November 25 followed by a Q&A with film historian Ian Christie.

Derrick McLean of Stroud Film Festival said: "Powell and Pressburger films were very popular when they were released and what’s special is their originality, creativity  and daring choice of subject which is part of the enduring influence on the world of film."

The Memorial Hall is close to Michael’s burial place in the churchyard and both events include an opportunity to consider  the director’s special connection with the village.