CINEMA enthusiasts in Harwich will soon have new opportunities to appreciate the art of film thanks to a newly formed society.

Movie buffs have established Film183, a film society to support the historic Electric Palace and foster appreciation of film throughout the community.

Members of Film183 will be able to enjoy free access to 12 films a year on the last Monday of each month.

There is a one-off annual subscription fee of £96, which is payable in advance.

In total, this represents an admission fee of £8 for each film shown with all proceeds going to support the Electric Palace Trust as part of its regular fund-raising initiatives.

For the Film183 members, their participation in the programming of film society movie presentations will be invited with the members able to put forward suggestions for upcoming film themes and titles on a regular basis.

There will be three themes of four films each annual season.

The first four films selected by the Founding Committee will screen at 8:00pm.

They are as follows: On January 29, it will be the 1986 musical Absolute Beginners, directed by Julien Temple and featuring David Bowie.

On February 19, the screening will be 2004’s Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, directed by Michel Gondry and starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet and Kirsten Dunst.

On March 25, members will be watching 2014’s The Grand Budapest Hotel while April 29 offers up 1998’s The Big Lebowski.

A spokesman for the Electric Palace said: “Suggestions for films with a Latin American theme for the months of May to August 2024 will be invited following the showing of Absolute Beginners and at the same time members will be able to submit their ideas for subsequent film themes.

“With Christmas coming up, this represents an ideal time for providing a film-loving family member or friend with the perfect gift for a whole year of movie enjoyment.”

Film183’s founding committee members are Simon Ashley, Nigel Caleno and Nick and Victoria May, with Michael Offord, operations manager Electric Palace, and Hayley Forrest, Education Office Electric Palace.

For further information and enquiries, contact Simon at film183electricpalace@gmail.com.