April Film Highlights

Fans of British cult classic The Wicker Man may or may not be pleased to know that the Belmont in Aberdeen is showing The Wicker Tree on 1 April. This prequel, based on director Robin Hardy's 2006 novel Cowboys for Christ, features an evangelical American couple coming to Scotland to spread the good word. Their intentions may be honourable, but will they manage to get their message of God across to the locals? Hardy will be in attendance for a special Q&A session.

Between 13-15 April the Filmhouse in Edinburgh is hosting nine films as part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival. Examining what it means to be human, the selection aims to encourage debate, as well as being a weekend of great films. From classic mad scientist movies like Frankenstein and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, to trashy 80s sci-fi like Robocop, to contemporary think-pieces such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and eXistenZ, there is something for everyone.

The “biggest pop-up film festival of its kind”, Future Shorts Festival arrives at the CCA on 6 April, fresh after its success at the inaugural event in January. The festival, which has travelled the world, showcases a selection of some of the finest short films around, including Nash Edgerton's Cannes and Sundance success Bear, and the latest work from Spike Jonze. Attendees can expect live performance to be included in the event, which promises to be an interesting and entertaining one.

There's a chance to revisit happy childhood memories at the Cameo this month, with three trips down memory lane being screened. On 13 April Ferris Bueller's Day Off is showing, reminding audiences what they wish a day off school was really like, followed by The Goonies a week later, and Raiders of the Lost Ark a week after that. The Goonies, starring a young Sean Astin and Josh Brolin, sees a group of kids go on an epic adventure, while guests can see Indiana Jones uncover the truth behind one of the greatest legends ever, in his first onscreen appearance.

Finally, there are two vampire movies to see this month – Terence Fisher's Dracula, starring Christopher Lee, at the DCA in Dundee on 7 April, and Martin, showing at the GFT on 1 April as part of Mark Millar's Geek Night series. The latter, a low budget gem from George A Romero, was chosen by Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin, who will be attending for a Q&A session.