Programming guide: August new releases

Programmer Rosie Beattie (INDY Cinema/Queer Cinema Sundays) shares her guide to August’s upcoming film releases.

Writing just before some of the biggest blockbuster films of the summer hit the screens, it can be a challenge to visualise beyond the epics and superheroes that keep the popcorn flowing over the summer holidays. But it is a delight to know that August is brimming with some exciting new releases so you can build a film programme to keep your audiences nourished.

From a quiet family drama to a sophisticated biopic of a legend, to a hotly anticipated horror, the August film slate has something for everyone. Here are my top five recommendations for new releases coming this August:

The Summer Book

Release Date: 7^th August | Distributor: Conic

Based on the beloved Tove Jannsson novel from 1972, The Summer Book stars Glenn Close as an aging woman living on a small island in the Gulf of Finland whose son and granddaughter spend a summer with her while processing a great loss. A special bond is shared between the grandmother and her granddaughter, Sophia, who explore the islands together, dabble in botany, and share contemplative stories with one another. Beautifully shot, quiet and meditative, this is a perfect end of blockbuster season tonic.

Sunny Dancer

Release Date: 14^th August | Distributor: True Brit Entertainment

In this moving and humorous coming of age film, Bella Ramsay stars as Ivy, a teenager whose parents encourage her to spend a summer at Children Run Free, a camp for young people affected by cancer. At first sceptical about the cringey camp counsellors, Ivy soon finds community in a group of rule-breakers and a romance blossoms with fellow camper Jake (played by rising Scottish star Daniel Quinn-Toye). With an excellent lead performance by Ramsay and strong supporting cast (Neil Patrick Harris, James Norton, Jessica Gunning), Sunny Dancer celebrates friendship and connection in the face of adversity.

Tony

Released: 14^th August (limited) / 21^st August (wide) | Distributor: Picturehouse Entertainment

From Glasgow Film Festival favourite director, Matt Johnson (Blackberry, Nirvanna – the Band – the Show – the Movie), comes this sharp biopic of legendary writer and chef, Anthony Bourdain (who incidentally as well as the director, was a fan of the city of Glasgow). Dominic Sessa (The Holdovers) stars as the 19-year-old Tony who fancies himself as the next Jack Kerouac but winds up cashless in Provincetown, where he starts washing dishes in the kitchen of a seaside restaurant owned by Ciro (Antonio Banderas).

Johnson captures a formative period in Bourdain’s life and career, miles away from the “Parts Unknown” traveller and writer that Bourdain would become best known for. Based on stories from Bourdain’s bestseller “Kitchen Confidential”, Tony is armed with a strong cast of supporting characters who influence the impressionable Anthony for better and worse.

Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma

Release Date: 21^st August | Distributor: Mubi

For fans of director Jane Scheonburn’s cult success, I Saw the TV Glow, comes the directors hotly anticipated new film Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma. The film follows a 29-year-old indie director Kris (Hannah Einbinder) who arrives in a remote location to research her upcoming reboot of 80s slasher franchise Camp Miasma. There she hopes to recruit the original film’s final girl, Billy (Gillian Anderson), now a reclusive living near the original camp. A connection brews between the two women who have both been shaped by the slasher franchise in profound ways.

Psychologically thrilling and visually stunning, Camp Miasma is sure to be draw for audiences who have been feasting on this year’s impressive horror hits from young directors such as Backrooms and Obsession.

Bitter Christmas

Release date: 28^th August | Distributor: Curzon

Pedro Almodovar returns to his roots in this highly stylish story-within-a-story comedy-drama. The film follows a critically acclaimed aging director who is coping with a creative block by dabbling in autofiction. Not too much else can be said ahead of viewing but expect everything you already love from Almodovar’s previous work (immaculate interiors and impressive knitwear included).