A Sweet Collaboration in time for Valentine’s Day

If you love thought-provoking ideas as much as you love great cinema, then you will love our collaborations with TEDxBristol. Each event features a handpicked film screening, preceded by a TEDx talk that explores themes directly inspired by the movie. With speakers from TEDxBristol’s past and present taking the stage, we’re bringing fresh perspectives to classic stories and giving audiences a whole new way to experience film.

We’re launching this year’s series with the perfect Valentine’s treat: Chocolat, the 2000 romantic drama based on Joanne Harris’ bestselling novel. Starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, it’s a film that blends romance, indulgence, and the irresistible magic of chocolate. But we’re not stopping there! Before the screening, you’ll hear from Carlos Ayala (TEDxBristol 2023), a local chocolatier with a passion for ethical chocolate making. He’ll take us on a journey through the history of chocolate and share how new methods are making it more sustainable and fair. Each ticketholder will also receive a handmade chocolate from Carlos.

For us, this series is about more than just great films and compelling talks—it’s about storytelling in its most powerful forms. As Paul Wiseall, TEDxBristol’s Director, puts it:

“I'm absolutely thrilled that TEDxBristol is joining forces with Bristol Film Festival. This collaboration lets us explore the magic of storytelling in a whole new way, coupling the thought-provoking ideas of TEDx with the power of cinema. It's going to be an amazing experience for our audiences.”

And Bristol Film Festival’s Director, Owen Franklin, shares our enthusiasm:

“We like to consider new and interesting ways for people to experience film, and this partnership allows us to push that even further. It’s not just about watching a film; it’s about engaging with the ideas behind it in a meaningful way.”