MEMBERS of the Colchester Film Society are enjoying their new season of films in a new home this year.

Following their move to the Firstsite art gallery from the Headgate Theatre, the group have announced a series of films they hope will make use of the new facilities they have at the £28million building in the High Street.

The programme started last month with a showing of Road to Morocco.

It continues on February 8 with Federico Fellini’s classic Italian fantasy piece, 8½, which stars Marcello Mastroianni as a famous director struggling with his new film. Allen Martin, the society’s secretary, says: “We’ve been to Firstsite once already and I have to say it’s an excellent place to hold our screenings.

“We had it in mind for some years to move to the gallery when it opened. As a society we were getting too big for the Headgate.

“There have been a number of benefits to our members. There’s the state-of-the-art projection facilities, the seats are very comfortable and we have our own designated bar.”

Allen adds the society’s membership has now increased to about 150 members, but because of the move it could now accommodate another 30 to 40 members. Now in it’s 13th year, the society holds film screenings on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.15pm.

Highlights for the rest of the year includes Neil Simon’s the Sunshine Boys with George Burns and Walter Matthau; the Millionairess with Sophia Loren and Peter Sellers; and the Oscar-winning Depression-era tale Grapes of Wrath, based on the book by John Steinbeck and starring Henry Fonda.

Membership fees are £25, £20 for over-60s and students.

For more information, call 01206 735133 or e-mail allenmartin@supanet.com