The programme at the National Film Theatre, South Bank, London SE1, includes Conversation with the Beast, starring Germany’s best-known film star, Armin Mueller-Stahl, as Adolf Hitler, still alive in a Berlin basement, aged 103, and the actor’s directorial debut, Exit Shanghai, which traces the lives of Jewish exiles in Shanghai before and during the Second World War. The festival is supported by the Goethe-Institut London. Details: 0171 928 3232.

UNTIL JULY 12 AT THE PICTURES

Whitstable Museum, Whitstable, Kent, takes a nostalgic look at key moments in cinema history through film posters, images of the stars and ephemera and photographs relating to the town’s picture houses. Items from the museum’s Peter Cushing collection are attracting a visit from film star Dave Prowse (Darth Vader in Star Wars). Details: 01227 276998.

UNTIL AUGUST 31 ENDOF YEAR SHOWS

The work of over 1,000 students will be displayed at the London Institute, 65 Davies Street, London W1, in 60 end-of-year shows from Camberwell College of Arts (contact: Richard Frost, 0171 514 6303), Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design (Edward Goldswain, 0171 514 7000 ext. 7022), Chelsea College of Arts and Design (Elizabeth Gregor, 0171 514 7755), London College of Fashion (Diane Lucas, 0171 514 7413) and London College of Printing and Distributive Trades (Simon Pamplin, 0171 514 6509).

JUNE 15 NATIONAL CINEMA DAY

All films shown nationwide will be charged at just Pounds 1 each. The programme at Pictureville Cinema, Bradford, includes a preview of Grosse Pointe Blank, an acclaimed new romantic comedy from America; and Room at the Top, based on John Braine’s Bradford-set novel. Details: 01274 727488.

JUNE 17 AND 18 LONDON EDUCATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SHOWS

Hammersmith and West London College, W14, and Lambeth College, SE1, are hosting these free shows, which comprise an exhibition and seminars on multimedia authoring using Medi8or (ABLAC Learning Works); audio-conferencing and the Internet (British Telecom); and computers and further education resources (BBC). Complimentary buffet. Details: 01189 714000; e-mail:Kevin_Still_AA@Compuserve.com JUNE 21 THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO (5. 30pm)

JULY 2 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (7.30pm)

Two events at Croxteth Hall and Country Park, Liverpool, this summer. The first is a new English version of Mozart’s masterpiece to be performed by the Mastersingers. The audience can picnic on the lawns or terrace during the interval. Tickets: Pounds 7. The second will be performed outdoors by Heartbreak Productions. Tickets: Pounds 4.50-Pounds 7, Pounds 18 (family). Details: 0151 228 5311.

JUNE 24 PARTAKE

Inset day for teachers and governors at Homerton College, Cambridge. Andrew Baxter, director of education, Cambridgeshire, will discuss opportunities for arts education in the county. Workshops will include: photography, image-making (without a darkroom) and computer image manipulation; film-making, storyboarding and visual literacy; creating wire kinetic sculptures; dance and music; staging Macbeth and Robin Hood; and Caribbean stories and music. Fee: Pounds 35. Details: Judith Hammond, 01223 507111.

JULY 1 WAPPING PUDDLE’S CENTENARY

Wapping Road School, Bradford, is looking for the oldest person to have learned to swim in its pool, the country’s first school swimming bath. It was opened by the educational reformer, Margaret McMillan, and is still in use today. Former swimmers and pupils are invited to the centenary celebrations, which will include historical displays, drama, tours and history talks (2pm and 7.30pm). Other events include sponsored swims and, on June 28, a centenary field party, 11am-4pm, with stalls, maypole dancing and a band. Details: 01274 726648.