Ilkley Film Society presents its traditional Christmas double bill on Sunday 10th December at Ilkley Playhouse.

The society’s first-ever film from Bolivia, Utama, screens at 6pm telling the story of an elderly couple, Virginio and Sisa, who have lived for decades in the high plains of the Andes where they graze llamas. There has been no rain for a year, Sisa has to make a long daily journey on foot to fetch water, and her husband is unwell. When their grandson visits from the city and offers them a place in his home they must choose between the hardship of their present life and the hardship of leaving their beloved herd.

Featuring a non-professional cast speaking mainly in the Quechua language, Utama is a poignant portrayal of a vanishing way of life, and writer-director Alejandro Loayza Grisi’s film won the Grand Jury Prize at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.

A very different kind of non-professional cast can be seen at 8pm in the heartwarming and frequently hilarious documentary film, A Bunch Of Amateurs. They are the members of Bradford Movie Makers, one of the world’s oldest film-making groups but now struggling to keep going with crumbling premises and a dwindling, ageing membership.

Director Kim Hopkins shows us that despite these difficulties, the remaining bunch are indefatigable in their determination to make and screen their short films – not least Harry, whose dream project is to remake the opening “Oh What A Beautiful Morning” scene from Oklahoma! with himself in the starring role, regardless of the disadvantage of being 80 years old and unable to ride a horse.

In the interval between films complimentary mince pies, tea and coffee will be served. Guests can see both films for a single £5 ticket, but should phone Dave Howell on 01943 430097 to ensure admission.

Information about the second half of the film society season, which resumes on 7th January will be found online at www.ilkleyfilmsociety.org.uk.