THE FILM THREAD š¬šŖ”
Welcome to The Film Thread! My hand-curated, algorithm-free members' community, where film-lovers come together to explore life's big ideas & experiences, slowly & thoughtfully, through the magic of the movies.
Join us and see the world differently, one season, one film, one thread at a time...
Do you ever feel like you want MORE from the movies you watch?
Are you uninspired by your watchlist? Struggling to get excited about the latest multiplex release or whateverās up next in your streaming queue? Bored of the endless scroll to find somethingā¦ different? Something deeper?
Then youāre in the right place!
Because beyond the corporate algorithms, thereās a whole universe of films to explore - across genres, decades and borders. Films that entertain, move and challenge us - but also films that offer a lens through which we can reflect on the big issues in our world today, from the global to the deeply personal.
If youāve been reading Vicki Lesley isā¦ Documental for a while, youāll know that films are at the heart of my life. Iāve been making documentaries for 25 years - and watching films of all kinds for almost twice as long.
From the very first time I saw a film in the cinema (It was Return of the Jedi and I was 6), I was entranced by that feeling: two hours of movie magic that whisked me away into other worlds, other lives, other stories. Film has always helped me make sense of life.
And if you're reading this, Iām guessing the same might be true for you too.
Thatās why I created āThe Film Threadā: a members-only film club, personally curated by me, for people who like to watch widely and think deeply.
HEREāS HOW IT WORKS
The programme in The Film Thread runs in seasons, like the seasons of your favourite TV show or a programmed season of films you might find at your local arthouse or indie cinema.
Each season, typically lasting somewhere between 4 and 6 months, we explore one theme together. And each month within that season, I choose one feature film for us to watch, think about and discuss, along with one or two optional extra short films to go that little bit deeper, should you wish to.
The first theme (running through the rest of 2025):
āļø Atomic Movies ā films that reflect and dissect the nuclear age
The second theme (starting in 2026):
š§©Autism on Film ā exploring neurodivergence, representation, and identity on screen
Each film is chosen with care, drawing from a mix of fiction and documentary, classics and hidden gems, English and non-English language titles. With every selection Iām bringing my documentarianās lens of research, context and curiosity to create a bespoke programme that opens up new ways of seeing.
I also prioritise films that are readily available to watch online, ideally at no cost ie on YouTube or on a streaming platform with ads etc.
And for the most part, theyāll be films Iāve not seen before either - so we can experience them afresh, together.
With each monthly selection, we'll follow a thread - through the past, present or future, the stories we tell, the experiences we share, the truths we hide. And gradually we'll weave together a shared cinematic tapestry capturing how we, as a community, understand the topic at hand.
AS A MEMBER YOUāLL RECEIVE:
š an introductory primer for each film, ā10 Things to Know About...ā written and researched by me
š A live online discussion group for each film, hosted by me and a special guest (replays available if you canāt make it live)
š¬ A private discussion thread for members to reflect, respond & connect
This isn't about hot takes or endless streaming queues.
Itās a slow, thoughtful adventure into culture, curiosity and connection through film - built in the same meandering spirit that underpins everything I do here on Substack and beyond.
If youāre someone who wants more from your movie watchingā¦
If you believe films can open up space for reflection, conversation & discoveryā¦
If you want to connect with others who feel the sameā¦
Then why not sign up today!
Your ticket to The Film Thread VIP lounge is right here ā¬ļø
In case we havenāt met yet, Iām Vicki and Iāll be your guide & host as we follow the threads together.
Iām a mother of two school-aged children, living atop a very steep hill in Brighton, about 60 miles south of London on the English coast.
I love getting out into the wide expanse of nature - walking on the pebbly beach, listening to the waves, exploring the steep wooded hillside that drops away just past the end of our back garden, walking out over the chalk downland and looking at the big skies weāre blessed with here.
But I also love losing myself in films, ideally in a velvet red seat at the cinema, with a packet of fruit pastilles in hand, but these days, more often than not, nestled in the Vicki-shaped indents on our living room sofa.
I have a particular love for documentary. Non-fiction film & TV has been my career since 1999 and Iāve developed and produced countless documentaries for the small screen, as well as two feature documentaries for the cinema (my directorial debut, The Atom: A Love Affair, released in 2020 and most recently 2023ās The Nettle Dress, on which I was a producer).
But I love films of just about every genre (ok, Iām not wild about horror or Westerns - but then again, Iāve seen some great examples of both that have stayed with me long after the credits rolled). Itās the sheer breadth of what cinema is, has been and can be that makes it feel so alive and vital to me and that I want to tap into in bringing The Film Thread to life.
Iāve never been to film school. Iām not a film critic. But I am a fan. And itās the love of a fan - willing, nay eager, to range widely across the cinematic terrain with curiosity & enthusiasm - that Iām wholeheartedly bringing to this party.
Wonāt you join me?
Membership to The Film Thread costs Ā£8 per month or Ā£80 per year.
First film announced: Tues 22nd July
First discussion on Zoom: Sun 3rd Aug
Help build the pre-release buzz and ensure your place for āOpening Nightā by signing up before the end of July for 50% off.
You can also sign up with a friend, or on behalf of members of your university, company or other institution, for a further 10% off with a group subscription.
I canāt wait to talk about some movies with you!