THE Jordanian desert drama Theeb is Ilkley Film Society’s next screening on Sunday, May 20 (8pm, Ilkley Playhouse).

It is 1916, with the Middle East a theatre of war between Britain and the Ottoman Empire. When his brother Hussein is hired by a British officer to guide him across the desert, the young Bedouin boy Theeb is intrigued by the mysterious box guarded by the soldier and disobeys his family to follow them. He finds himself in great peril, not from military action but from other Bedouin tribesmen – since the Turks opened the Hejaz railway a few years earlier, the tribes who previously made a living escorting pilgrims towards Mecca, have been reduced to attacking and robbing travellers.

Before making the film, the writer, producer and the first-time British-born director Naji Abu Nowar spent a year living with a Bedouin tribe in Jordan’s desert to learn their way of life and, except for the British officer, all the roles are played by non-professional actors. As well as being nominated for an Oscar, Theeb won a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Director.

Non-members are welcome as guests (£4) but their admission cannot be guaranteed unless they reserve tickets in advance by phoning Dave Howell on 01943 430097.

With just one further film before the end of the current season, prospective new members should visit www.ilkleyfilmsociety.org and leave contact details if they wish to receive an application form.