This summer, independent film lovers have much to look forward to at the Ropetackle Arts Centre, as it launches an ambitious arthouse film programme. It starts with the breathtaking Memoir of a Snail at 7.30pm on Wednesday 14th May.

Directed by Academy Award® winner Adam Elliot, Memoir of a Snail is his long-awaited second full-length “clayography” — a distinctive blend of clay animation and biography — and the highly-acclaimed follow-up to Mary and Max.

The adult aminated feature tells the bittersweet story of a solitary book-lover, Grace Pudel, who retells her fascinating life story to a garden snail named Sylvia.

Handmade using traditional stop-motion techniques, the film’s production spanned 33 weeks, involved over 7,000 handcrafted props and characters, and was brought to life in 135,000 meticulously captured frames —with absolutely no computer-generated imagery (CGI.)  The voice cast includes acclaimed actors Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Eric Bana, Dominique Pinon, Jacki Weaver, and a special cameo by musician Nick Cave.

Memoir of a Snail explores themes of loneliness, trauma, and emotional resilience, blending poignant storytelling with touches of dark humour and warmth.

Ropetackle’s marketing manager, Nicky Thornton, said: “The addition of arthouse film to our popular film programme has come after listening to our customers and catering to a new audience. Memoir Of A Snail is a work of art in the traditional sense and really deserves to be seen on the big screen.”

Future screenings include Vermiglio on Wednesday 4th June, and Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat on Wednesday 2nd July.

For tickets and more information, click here