Film Club: The Freedom of a Poor Man (secret film)

How free are our choices when the conditions in which we make them are not of our choosing? This stark and unsettling film follows a man living at the mercy of forces larger than himself: poverty, social hierarchy, authority, jealousy and his own increasingly troubled inner world. As the pressures around him accumulate, it raises uncomfortable questions about agency and responsibility. At what point does influence become coercion? Does having alternatives mean that we are genuinely free? And when someone acts badly, how much should we judge the choice — and how much the circumstances that made it possible? Join us to watch the film and discuss choice, free will, responsibility and the limits of human agency. Pre-explore via augmented RationalGrid here (spoiler alert!) This year’s films all revolve around the theme of “choice” – plenty of opportunity for philosophical exploration! Details of specific films will be revealed closer to the time of each event. PFA Film Club hosts free screenings of thought-provoking films, followed by a discussion about the raised philosophical issues, for general public. In 2026 meetings are held every third WEDNESDAY of the month at the Cafe of St. Hilda's East Community Centre, 18 Club Row, London E2 7EY. The nearest station is Shoreditch High Street on the Overground. The screening starts at 6:30 pm (or at 6pm for longer films) and we need to vacate the building by 9:00pm. We offer complimentary light refreshments during the event. For the most up-to-date schedule of the upcoming film club events, visit our website.