MPF and RPS bring the hugely successful German documentary film SEASIDE SPECIAL to the UK for BOP 23, with a film screening in The RPS auditorium followed by a conversation with director Jens Meurer and Martin Parr.

Shot entirely on 16mm film and set in the English coastal town of Cromer, SEASIDE SPECIAL is a German anglophile’s affectionate and humorous attempt to understand why Britain is tearing itself apart after Brexit, and how it might come back together again.

In the sleepy coastal town of Cromer in Norfolk, we meet the colourful cast of its “Seaside Special” variety show – the last of its kind in the world – as well as inspiring and original townspeople and experience a microcosm of modern Britain in the midst of tremendous change.

The film (93 mins) is a tribute to the most wonderful, British place Jens knew – the Cromer End-Of-The-Pier-Show, following how local heroes are preparing for the 2019 summer season. No effects, no celebrities, no digital tricks, but very British, authentic, funny, rousing, with a brass band score by the Fabulous Steve Willaert Brass Band.

“Wonderful…tears both of laughter and emotion. A great healer after Brexit and Pandemic.” – Pernille Rudlin, Norwich Film Festival