Due to controversy surrounding the film’s director, An Officer and a Spy has not been screened in the UK. This gripping drama about the Dreyfus Affair, with a script by Robert Harris (who wrote the script for Conclave) deals with the prosecution of a Jewish officer, Alfed Dreyfus, on false charges of treason. It shows how the rapid rise of antisemitism in France in the 1890s penetrated powerful French institutions, especially the army and the Catholic church. For publishing his protest, J’Accuse!, in 1894, the great French novelist, Emile Zola, was prosecuted for defaming the army. He fled to England in 1898 where he remained for a year. Eventually, the truth was revealed but Dreyfus was never officially exonerated.

Repeatedly requested by Garden Cinema members, the film deserves to be seen. It won the Grand Jury prize at Venice and many other awards throughout the world. Zola said of his campaign in defence of Dreyfus: The truth is on the march, and nothing shall stop it. To show An Officer and a Spy allows this march to continue and adds an impressive film to the current campaign against antisemitism.

Please note, screenings taking place in our new Screen 3 will not yet have step-free access whilst we wait for our platform lift to be installed.

Cast:
Jean Dujardin, Louis Garrel, Emmanuelle Seigner, Grégory Gadebois