BILLY ELLIOT at The Wardrobe Theatre
A new venue, and an anniversary screening of a modern British classic
Join us this Spring at a very exciting new location - the Wardrobe Theatre. Our first screening there is a 25th anniversary screening of the coming-of-age comedy-drama Billy Elliot. Jamie Bell’s stunning, award-winning debut performance as the eponymous boy who wants to learn how to ballet dance is still a tour de force, and a highlight of 21st Century British cinema.
COCOON at The Planetarium
Like its OAP protagonists, this comedy-drama has aged beautifully
For April’s Planetarium outing, we’re hosting a double bill of sci-fi films from the acclaimed director Ron Howard. First up is a 40th anniversary screening of Cocoon. This heartwarming tale may have E.T. influences, but it’s got a very human heart as it explores youth and ageing in a timeless manner. No wonder actor Don Ameche took home an Oscar for this gem.
THE BREAKFAST CLUB at Averys Wine Cellars
Saturday detention. Starting at 7pm prompt in Averys Wine Cellars.
1985 was a fantastic year for film, and we’re celebrating another 40th birthday at Averys with the 80s teen smash hit The Breakfast Club, which helped to launch the careers of “the Brat Pack”. We’ll be pairing wines with the characters from the film in a personality-based match-up!
![THE ITALIAN JOB at Aerospace Bristol [Extra Screening]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f1811b47a7edc2eea4892b4/1670070614648-OZEZAQ5C27PKL8XY40OD/ITALIAN+JOB+POSTER.jpg)
THE ITALIAN JOB at Aerospace Bristol [Extra Screening]
Join us for a celebration of innovation at Aerospace Bristol
Due to huge demand in February, we’re back for another screening of The Italian Job! Released in the same year as Concorde’s maiden flight, it helped make the Mini Cooper an international star, and remains a cornerstone of British pop culture. Expect an evening celebrating innovation and icons as we take you back to the 60s for an evening of comic capers and high-octane car chases!
HIGH FIDELITY at Averys Wine Cellars
TOP 5 MUSICIAN CAMEOS IN CINEMA HISTORY? THIS HAS GOT TO BE ON THE LIST…
Turn up the hi-fi this May for a 25th anniversary screening of High Fidelity, the romantic comedy-drama based on Nick Hornby’s beloved novel. John Cusack leads a cast full of excellent cameos and a story full of great music, with a breakout turn from Jack Black straddling both. For the first time at a Vintage Screening, we’ll be pairing it with some wines inspired by music…!
WALL•E at The Planetarium
In space, no-one can hear you clean
Due to demand, we’re presenting another screening of the perennial Festival favourite WALL•E. This delightful sci-fi misadventure is both an epic voyage into humanity’s future, and a nod to silent comedy cinema. It’s perfect for a date night, or for the entire family.
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA: Film & Fashion
A special event celebrating Film & Fashion
Delve into the world of film & fashion with this exciting event at Armada House. Screening The Devil Wears Prada, discover style and beauty tips from local experts and uncover new trends.
HEAVY TRIP at The Station
Roll over Spinal Tap - prepare to meet Impaled Rektum…
We’ve got special permission to screen Finnish cult comedy Heavy Trip, for a celebration of all things heavy metal. Expect a pop-up record shop, great beer, head-banging pre-film soundtrack, then enjoy this hilarious & affectionate satire on the metal genre, with a recorded intro from some of the cast and crew. Brought to you in collaboration with Bristol’s own metal pub The Gryphon!
IN BRUGES at Wiper & True Taproom
“GO TO BRUGES, HAVE A NICE COLD PINT, AND WAIT FOR ALL THIS TO BLOW OVER…”
We’re partnering with our friends at Wiper and True throughout 2025 for a series of cult comedy screenings. Our March screening is the day after St Patrick’s Day, so naturally we’re showing a film set in Belgium (albeit with Irish actors!). It’s the perfect pairing of deliciously dark comedy and gorgeous local beer at this screening of In Bruges. Ticket includes welcome pint on arrival.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Arnos Vale Cemetery
An all-singing horticultural horror show!
Little Shop Of Horrors is the first of our screenings this year at Arnos Vale Cemetery. Featuring an awkward romance, back-talking plants, and a stellar soundtrack join Seymour and Audrey(s) for an unforgettable screening.
ST ELMO'S FIRE at Averys Wine Cellars
“I never thought I’d be so tired at 22…” - HOW ABOUT 40?
Does life begin at 40? Tell that to the Brat Pack characters of cult classic coming-of-age film St Elmo’s Fire! With its standout ensemble cast and killer 80s soundtrack, it’s a timeless ode to the chaotic transition into adulthood. We’ll be pairing it with some wines that are similarly coming of age, to prove that patience is a virtue in the winemaking world!
THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY at The Planetarium
Don’t panic: this Adams-approved adaptation is a triumphant misadventure
This March we’re dedicating an evening to a double bill of two of the more eccentric entries into the sci-fi canon, starting with a 20th anniversary screening of The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy. Douglas Adams himself co-wrote the script shortly before his death, and the ensemble cast is bolstered with cameos and nods back to the both the radio & TV series (under-30s, ask your grandparents).
THE ITALIAN JOB at Aerospace Bristol
Join us for a celebration of innovation at Aerospace Bristol
We’re bringing another British icon to Aerospace Bristol this November with a screening of The Italian Job. Released in the same year as Concorde’s maiden flight, it helped make the Mini Cooper an international star, and remains a cornerstone of British pop culture. Expect an evening celebrating innovation and icons as we take you back to the 60s for an evening of comic capers and high-octane car chases!
GHOST IN THE SHELL at The Planetarium
A 30th anniversary screening of an anime classic
Join us at the Planetarium to mark the 30th anniversary of the release of Ghost In The Shell, the sci-fi anime that has inspired countless works since, including The Matrix.
![LOST IN TRANSLATION at Lexus Bristol [LIMITED TICKETS]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f1811b47a7edc2eea4892b4/1737636599362-IWX4APQDB7C62SW0PX5X/LOST+IN+TRANSLATION+POSTER.jpg)
LOST IN TRANSLATION at Lexus Bristol [LIMITED TICKETS]
An exclusive invitation to a celebration of all things Japanese at Lexus Bristol
With cars that embody the spirit of Japanese craftmanship, Lexus Bristol is the perfect setting for this very special evening. In addition to a screening of Sofia Coppola’s Tokyo-based Oscar winner, Lost In Translation, enjoy a night that encourages you to discover the best of Japan right here in Bristol via a range of displays from some of our event partners.
WALL•E at The Planetarium
In space, no-one can hear you clean
This Valentine’s Day, we’re presenting another screening of the perennial Festival favourite WALL•E. This delightful sci-fi misadventure is both an epic voyage into humanity’s future, and a nod to silent comedy cinema. It’s perfect for a date night, or for the entire family.
CHOCOLAT with TEDxBristol at 1532 Theatre
A sweet treat in time for Valentine’s Day
Our February collaboration with TEDxBRISTOL presents a sweet treat in time for Valentine’s Day. We’re joined by Carlos Ayala, a local chocolatier, and will be screening the whimsical French romance Chocolat.
WITHNAIL & I at Wiper & True Taproom (Extra Screening)
Chase away the January blues with the ultimate cult comedy, in a brewery
We’re partnering with Wiper & True for a screening of Withnail & I to liven up the deep midwinter this January. Head to this award-winning local brewery’s taproom in Old Market and enjoy Bruce Robinson’s riotous dark comedy. Enjoy a complimentary welcome pint, plus a range of delicious alcohol-free beers in support of Dry January participants!
THE 39 STEPS: Burns Night Screening at Averys Wine Merchants
Celebrate Burns’ Night with a Vintage Screening with a twist - and a 90th anniversary of a Hitchcock classic…
We’re hosting a special 90th anniversary screening of The 39 Steps on Burns’ Night. This Hitchcock classic will be accompanied by a Scotch whisky tasting flight to complement both the film and the annual celebration of Scotland’s beloved poet. Slàinte!
GROUNDHOG DAY at Averys Wine Cellars
OK campers, rise and shine - the cult comedy is back this January
To start our 2025 Vintage Screenings, we’re bringing one of our favourite films back to Averys just a few days before its namesake celebration - it’s the one and only Groundhog Day! In keeping with the time loop theme, we’ll be tasting wines that are all from the same family - you’ll keep hearing the same name again and again, but each new wine has its own unique twist…!
WITHNAIL & I at Wiper & True Taproom
Chase away the January blues with the ultimate cult comedy, in a brewery
We’re partnering with Wiper & True for a screening of Withnail & I to liven up the deep midwinter this January. Head to this award-winning local brewery’s taproom in Old Market and enjoy Bruce Robinson’s riotous dark comedy. Enjoy a complimentary welcome pint, plus a range of delicious alcohol-free beers in support of Dry January participants!
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL at Clifton College Chapel
There’s magic in the air in this quintessentially Muppet take on a classic
Due to huge demand, we’ve added an extra screening of one of the all-time great Dickens adaptations, The Muppet Christmas Carol. In addition to all of the usual ensemble cast of Kermit and friends, Michael Caine plays it straight as Ebenezer Scrooge, in a career highlight performance that underpins the trademark Muppet zaniness with real pathos that will warm even the sternest of hearts.
MEN IN BLACK at The Planetarium
Something’s bugging earth’s foremost extraterrestrial experts - something big…
It’s back to the 90s again for our screening of the darkly comic action sci-fi, Men In Black. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones team up to save the planet from a seriously ugly alien menace (no offence, Vincent D’Onofrio!) in this tongue-in-cheek misadventure from the director behind Addams Family Values.
WALL•E at The Planetarium
“In space, no-one can hear you clean”
An extra screening of the family-friendly sci-fi fantasy hit, presented back on the big screen at the Planetarium. The eponymous robot is a global sensation in waste allocation - until he embarks on an out-of-this-world misadventure…
THE HOLDOVERS at The Mount Without
“Giamatti and Payne are a movie match made in heaven” - Movieweb
Join us at The Mount Without for a Christmastime screening of last year’s award-winning comedy-drama, which reunited director Alexander Payne and star Paul Giamatti, who first worked together on another festival favourite, Sideways. Funny, poignant and heartwarming, with a beautiful retro visual style, it’s sure to become a staple of the season.
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL at The Mount Without
There’s magic in the air in this quintessentially Muppet take on a classic
Join us on Advent Sunday as we start the festive season with one of the all-time great Dickens adaptations, The Muppet Christmas Carol. In addition to all of the usual ensemble cast of Kermit and friends, Michael Caine plays it straight as Ebenezer Scrooge, in a career highlight performance that underpins the trademark Muppet zaniness with real pathos that will warm even the sternest of hearts.
WHISKY GALORE!: St Andrew's Day Screening at Averys Wine Merchants
Back due to demand! Celebrate Tartan Day with a Vintage Screening with a twist…
Due to massive demand on Burns Night, we’re hosting another special 75th anniversary screening of Whisky Galore! on St Andrew’s Day. This classic Ealing Comedy will be accompanied by a Scotch whisky tasting flight to complement both the film and the annual celebration of Scotland’s patron saint. Slàinte!
SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS at Averys Wine Cellars
This gloriously madcap misadventure is barn-raisingly good fun
The Oscar-winning musical comedy Seven Brides For Seven Brothers turns 70 this year; it features some stunning choreography, including "one of the most rousing dance numbers ever put on screen.” In honour of the eponymous Pontipee brothers, we’re focussing on wines from around the world made with multiple grape varieties, showcasing how producers carefully balance their blends to create signature styles.
IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT at Averys Wine Cellars
The grandfather of all romcoms, and one of the finest of all time
This November, we’re celebrating the 90th anniversary of one of the all-time great comedies, It Happened One Night. Frank Capra’s screwball romcom prototype is one of only three films to date to win ‘The Big Five’ at the Oscars – Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Actress – so we’re pairing it with wines from around the world that have won a similarly impressive number of awards and accolades.
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Averys Wine Cellars
It’s pronounced “Fronkensteen”, actually - common mistake…
we’re thrilled to be concluding our trio of Halloween-themed Vintage Screenings with a 50th anniversary screening of Mel Brooks’ frightfully funny comedy-horror spoof. We’ll be pairing it with a flight of wines from Eastern Europe, showcasing countries and varieties that are at last beginning to earn their rightful reputation in the international scene.
WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS at Averys Wine Cellars
This cult comedy with bite shows off the lighter side of vampire lifestyles
We’re starting off a trio of Halloween-themed Vintage Screenings with one of the Festival’s favourite films, Taika Waititi’s vampire mockumentary. We’ll be pairing it with some delicious New Zealand wines in homage to the film’s Wellington setting, for what’s becoming a tradition of Halloween Vintage Screenings.
A SHOT IN THE DARK (THE PINK PANTHER) at Averys Wine Cellars
There's nothing he won't do to track down a body - dead or alive!
2024 marks 60 years since Peter Sellers’ second outing as Inspector Clouseau in this hilarious standalone sequel to The Pink Panther. In honour of both the bumbling detective and the film’s story - a mysterious murder in a château - we’ll be pairing it with some delicious French wines, highlighting a range of the country’s finest regions.
KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS at Averys Wine Cellars
Eight heirs to murder, four wines to taste, one unmissable evening
Voted by the BFI as the 6th best British film ever made, enjoy Ealing comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets in Averys Wine Cellar - with a ‘variation on a theme’ wine tasting - as part of our celebration of several Ealing comedies’ 75th birthdays in 2024.
GALAXY QUEST at The Planetarium
In space, no-one can hear you laugh
Our long weekend return to the Planetarium concludes with the hilarious sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest. This loving parody of Star Trek and similar franchises is also a homage to the power of fandom, and we’re thrilled to be screening it for the first time at the Festival in its 25th anniversary year!
WALL•E at The Planetarium
A return to a beloved venue, with a suitably beloved sci-fi film
We’re relaunching our space and sci-fi screenings at the Planetarium with a long weekend leading into the August Bank Holiday, starting with the perennial Festival favourite WALL•E. This delightful sci-fi misadventure is both an epic voyage into humanity’s future, and a nod to silent comedy cinema, which will delight the entire family,
AMÉLIE at Averys Wine Cellars
This magical realist misadventure is the ideal rom-com
Due to massive demand on Valentine’s Day, we’ve added an extra screening Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s delightful romantic comedy Amélie this June. More than two decades since its release, it’s lost none of its charm and joie de vivre - and of course, we will be pairing it with some suitably splendid French wines!
BRASSED OFF at Screening Room
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you might even want to take up the flugelhorn
April’s Screening Room selection is Mark Herman’s poignant comedy-drama Brassed Off. Pete Postlethwaite leads an ensemble cast in this story of Grimley Colliery Band and their dual struggle to reach the National Brass Band Finals against the backdrop of the increasing uncertainty about the future of the local mine. 40 years on from the miners’ strikes, this underrated gem of modern British cinema has lost none of its pathos and charm.