Leave No Trace continues to perform well in its third weekend, keeping up steady business and interest especially in a weekend dominated (yet again) by sport and fantastic weather. Debra Granik’s story of a father and daughter who live off the grid has captured audiences imagination and has been getting consistently strong feedback.

Paul Schrader’s First Reformed, which brilliantly tackles meaty subjects of faith and belief against a world of environmental catastrophe and terrorism, may well have been too strong-a-brew for summer fare. However it is recommended for screenings at a more sympathetic time of year, as Schrader  – like Leave no Trace – asks the audience to engage in some thoughtful timely provocations. I’d recommend both these films for intro/talks and further discussion. Schrader’s also lends itself to a reflection on his work of the 1970s, especially Taxi Driver, which actually would make a great double bill with First Reformed: “God’s lonely man” revisited.

The challenges of aforementioned sport and weather meant pulling out the big rep stops with 2001: A Space Odyssey, which played well over three single shows at the weekend and a fantastic Monday evening single show. It was great to see a younger audience – a lot late teens/early 20s – who were obviously seeing it for the first time in the cinema. The impact of Kubrick’s 50 year old monumental vision is still awe inspiring.

One-offs also continue to have strong impact with a partnership with Bristol Bad Film Club on a screening of cult classic Enter the Dragon, the NHS70 archive screening and an Ex-Libris special event, all achieving higher than expected audiences.

Looking at the week ahead then, distributors are avoiding going up against Mama Mia, so slim pickings in the indie world. I’m keeping Leave No trace, First Reformed and Summer 1993 – the latter got great reviews and audience responses but is a great example of a small film in danger of getting lost, while the audience deserve the opportunity to reach it. The week also sees the opening of two new British films A Prayer Before Dawn and The Receptionist.

• Mark Cosgrove, Cinema Curator at Watershed