Dedicated to broadening local filmgoing options, Auckland Film Society is a link in New Zealand's only alternative non-profit film exhibition network. As a largely voluntary organisation, the Film Society plays an important role in bringing a variety of international cinema to this country's screens. Dedicated to broadening local filmgoing options, Auckland Film Society is a link in New Zealand's only alternative non-profit film exhibition network. As a largely voluntary organisation, the Film Society plays an important role in bringing a variety of international cinema to this country's screens.We open our 2004 Season with Terrence Malick's Days of Heaven (1978), one of the most gorgeously photographed films ever made and one that must be seen on the big screen. Also screening in March are Charade (1963) Stanley Donen's stylish romantic thriller starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, and Dames (1934), a spectacular Busby Berkeley musical.

Belgian brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne have made some striking films in recent years. Evincing an almost documentary-like feel for their characters, their films are masterpieces of purposeful observation. Rosetta (1999) and The Son (2002) return to New Zealand cinemas for the first time since their screenings at the Film Festivals.

In May and June we screen Visions of Africa, a retrospective of West African cinema., with the support of Creative New Zealand.

In September, with the support of the French Embassy, we feature a season of documentaries by Nicolas Philibert, including Etre et Avoir (To Be and To Have), the most successful documentary feature to date in France.

Rounding out the year are four films by Preston Sturges, the father of screwball comedy -- The Lady Eve, Sullivan's Travels, Hail the Conquering Hero and Unfaithfully Yours.

New Zealand films on the programme this year include Magik and Rose, Mana Waka and a programme of short films. The 2004 Season screens with financial assistance from the New Zealand Film Commission.

Auckland Film Society's 2004 season opens on Monday 15 March with the screening of Days of Heaven, 6:30 pm at the Rialto. Memberships on sale before all film society screenings. Season Pass $135/$125; Three Film Pass $25.

Brochures out now. For more information tel 817 9362 or visit the website

www.aucklandfilmsociety.org.nz