Film society president Janet Heard said the organisation was formed in 1967 by a group of people interesting in viewing films outside the mainstream.

Initially, the film society screened its films at the Horsham Theatre, before switching to the Horsham Town Hall supper room for better sound and light quality.

The society switched back to Horsham Centre Cinemas in the late 1980s.

“The film society gained a reputation as a place where people could see alternative-type films and then discuss them with other like-minded people,” Mrs Heard said.

Opening night is on February 27 and features The Fencer, a drama jointly produced by film teams from Finland, Estonia and Germany. The film has won six awards around the globe.

Mrs Heard said the screening, at the cinemas, was a catered event.

Doors open at 6.30pm for drinks and nibbles before the film screening at 7.30pm.

Mrs Heard said the experience had evolved throughout the years.

“Initially, the films were shown either on 16mm or 35mm,” she said.

“These days we keep to the alternative spirit but the films are in digital format.

“The format might be different but the films shown always attract a vibrant conversation afterwards.”

She urged anyone with an interest in cinema to join the society.

“There is a lot more access to film in the home than there used to be, but nothing quite compares to watching something on the big screen,” she said.

This year’s program includes 10 films, with three major screenings run as catered events.

There will be an increased focus on comedies this year following consultation with members.

Society members will see a range of award winning movies from Germany, Finland, Italy, Ukraine, Turkey and New Zealand-Samoa, among others.