PRESS RELEASE

30 January 2012

Saffron Screen is dedicating the two screenings of THE WELL DIGGER’S DAUGHTER (La fille du puisatier) (PG) to the memory of local teacher, Ann Dodgson. The film will be shown at 8pm on Sunday 5 and Monday 6 February and donations to the Ann Dodgson Foundation will be collected after each screening.

Ann Dodgson, who died at the end of November, was an inspirational languages teacher at Saffron Walden County High School and a keen supporter of Saffron Screen, especially the French films.  Ann’s family has launched the Ann Dodgson Foundation in her memory to provide opportunities for people to find themselves in France, and to discover France.  Ann did this on her French exchange when she was 16.  From that trip grew a passionate love for France and all things French which she passed on to many of her pupils.

The Ann Dodgson Foundation has already raised £10,000 and aims to contribute to making the world a better place by encouraging young people to be comfortable beyond the boundaries of their own culture; to help young people enjoy, understand and be inspired by France – its people, its history and its culture; and to learn about the United Nations – its charter, its range and its value.

Ann particularly loved the films Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources, adaptations of Marcel Pagnol books by Claude Berri which starred Daniel Auteuil. In THE WELL DIGGER’S DAUGHTER, Auteuil chose another Pagnol story for his triumphant directorial debut feature which is set in 1940s Provence. Auteuil also stars as Pascal Amoretti, a well-digger raising his six daughters alone after the death of his wife.  His hopes for 18-year-old Patricia are dashed when she discovers she is pregnant just as her boyfriend Jacques is sent to fight in the Second World War. Jacques’ wealthy family refuses any contact with Patricia; and Pascal, proud and stubborn, faces hard choices about how best to help her.

THE WELL DIGGER’S DAUGHTER is a delightful and well-made French drama with a superb script, likeable characters and superb performances.

Evening tickets: Adults £6.20, Adult Concession £5.20, 18 & Under £4.60

Tickets and listings for all films are available online at www.saffronscreen.com, from the Tourist Information Centre in Saffron Walden, or at the Box Office.  Saffron Screen is a not-for-profit, independent cinema operating at Saffron Walden County High School with cinema seating, a full size screen and Dolby Digital surround sound.   Free parking and reasonably priced tickets and refreshments are also available.

www.saffronscreen.com

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For further information please contact:

Amanda Lightstone, Marketing and Development Manager This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it