One of the world’s most acclaimed filmmakers, Ken Loach has, over five decades, made films that have moved and inspired audiences. A tireless activist through his art, Loach has continually championed the underprivileged and working-class citizens of the world while challenging the establishment and any oppressor of human rights. Loach’s remarkable body of work includes Poor Cow, Kes, Hidden Agenda, Riff Raff, Raining Stones, Æ Fond Kiss, and his 2006 film, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Our special evening on October 10 will begin with a clip reel, followed by the first area screening of his latest film, It’s A Free World (Ken Loach, UK 2007, 96 min., 35mm). When the sexy and brash Angie (Kierston Wareing in an engaging performance) is laid off from her job in London, she partners with her best pal Rose (Juliet Ellis) to start their own recruiting agency. Angie and Rose are at first able to succeed because of the large number of Eastern European immigrants who provide a cheap, and legal, labor pool for England, but soon it becomes necessary for the two partners to begin recruiting illegal immigrants. Loach’s first feature since The Wind That Shake’s the Barley is a funny, dramatic, and incisive look at personal ambition and social ethics. Mr. Loach will also receive the title of George Eastman Honorary Scholar and the evening will conclude with a discussion of his work in film.

Tickets $10; $8 members and students. Advance tickets are available online by clicking the link below, by phone at (585) 271-3361 ext. 295, and also in person at the admissions desk, or Dryden Theatre box office. No Take-10 tickets or passes.

Cathy Come Home, originally scheduled as part of this evening, will now screen on October 10 at 6 p.m. and again on October 11 at 6 p.m. Admission is included with purchase of ticket to An Evening with Ken Loach.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 6 p.m. and WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 AT 6 p.m.: CATHY COME HOME (Ken Loach, UK 1966, 75 min., 16mm). The story of a young woman (Carol White) who is left homeless by the bureaucratic British welfare system, Loach’s powerful drama launched his career in features and forced changes in UK public policy.