South West Silents: Wild West Double Bill

Sat 17th Jan 12pm

Marking the 40th anniversary of the classic comedy western ¡Three Amigos! (1986) South West Silents is very excited to present a special double bill connecting two classic comedies from two classic Hollywood eras; both of which play we the concepts of reality and illusion of cinema and the Wild West.

From the silent era, and starring one of the all-time greats, Douglas Fairbanks; Wild and Woolly (1917) is one of the best action-packed comedies ever to be produced from the golden age of Hollywood. Fairbanks plays Jeff Hillington, a millionaire who is obsessed with the folklore of the ‘Wild West’, so much so he would love to ‘live in it’. Taking advantage of his passion, Jeff is invited to a town out West, but unbeknown to him, the town’s “wild” days are long over. The townspeople are all after Jeff for his money, so they humour his taste for the “West”.

But reality catches up with the townsfolk when a real bunch of “Wild” bandits role into town. In classic Fairbanks style, the films plays out with some of the best stunts and funniest moments on film.

From the silent era we jump to the height of the 1980s with comedy classic ¡Three Amigos! (1986). Starring Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short and directed by John Landis. Lucky Day (Martin), Dusty Bottoms (Chase) and Ned Nederlander (Short) are a trio of silent film stars, known as the ‘Three Amigos’, who have been dropped by their studio.

When they receive a telegram inviting them to put on a show in a remote Mexican village, they are forced to accept. However, there is one problem; the villagers mistake them for real daring caballeros, and the banditos they are being paid to take on fire real bullets. Will the Amigos save the day, or have they bitten off more than they can chew?

With thanks to FPA Classics France, Park Circus and MGM Studios.

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust

Bristol’s Hidden River – Short Film Screening with Q&A, and Art Exhibition

Thu 22 Jan 7pm

The UK premiere of our short film, with a Q&A session, and an exhibition showcasing art from communities around the River Frome.

Welcome to Bristol’s Hidden River – Short Film Screening with Q&A, and Art Exhibition at Bristol Megascreen in Bristol Aquarium. Join us on January 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM for an evening filled with creativity and inspiration.

This short film follows the River Frome from its quiet rural origins into the heart of Bristol, channelled beneath the city through hidden culverts. Along its journey, the film uncovers the surprising resilience of the river’s wildlife, and celebrates the dedication of local communities working tirelessly to protect, restore, and reconnect people with this often-overlooked river.

Arrive at Bristol Aquarium to welcome drinks and an exclusive art exhibition, showcasing river-themed artwork and sculptures from communities local to the Bristol Frome.

The screening will be followed by a panel of filmmakers and BART staff for a Q&A.

Entry to the screening is free, however any donations to contribute towards Bristol Avon Rivers Trust’s vital work would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made on our website.

Learn more about Bristol Avon Rivers Trust

Slapstick Festival

Heavenly Laughs: For Heaven’s Sake & The Pilgrim

Wed 4th Feb 6:30pm

Continuing Slapstick’s opening-day exploration of comedy, faith and irreverence, this special double-bill presents two silent-era masterpieces that find humour and humanity in the search for redemption.

In For Heaven’s Sake (1926), Harold Lloyd plays a millionaire playboy whose misadventures in evangelism spark both chaos and compassion. In The Pilgrim (1923), Charlie Chaplin’s Tramp dons the robes of a minister in a story that turns mistaken identity into a meditation on grace, guilt and forgiveness.

With reflections and introduction from Robin Ince alongside others, this evening celebrates how Chaplin and Lloyd used laughter not to mock belief, but to reveal the kindness and folly of being human. With synchronised scores.

Slapstick Festival

South Park – Bigger, Longer & Uncut

Wed 4th Feb 8:30pm

Ages 15+

Exploring the uneasy line between humour and heresy, join Slapstick for a riotous 25th-anniversary screening of South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999), Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s outrageous, sharp-witted musical satire that took the world by storm.

Presented on the giant Bristol Megascreen, this one-off celebration revisits the film that pushed boundaries, shocked censors and became a cult classic for its fearless take on morality, religion and freedom of speech, all set to an unforgettable, Oscar-nominated musical soundtrack.

Panel: Before the screening, a 20-minute panel discussion chaired by Robin Ince (The Infinite Monkey Cage) explored the topics of satire, blasphemy and free speech. Special guests (TBA) will sit alongside Shazia Mirza, acclaimed stand-up and writer known for her bold, thought-provoking comedy tackling faith, feminism and cultural taboos.

Slapstick Festival

Desert Island Stan & Ollie: The Shorts

Wed 5th Feb 7pm

Our special guest host joins Robin Ince for a joyous cinematic trip to their very own Desert Island Stan & Ollie. In this special edition, they will select two of their favourite Laurel & Hardy shorts, both newly restored and screened in pristine condition — the titles to be revealed on the night.

Together they’ll explore what makes these early films timeless: the rhythm, warmth and perfectly judged chaos that shaped two of cinema’s greatest clowns. Expect laughter, rare insight and a big-screen celebration of the duo’s funniest early gems.

Slapstick Festival

Desert Island Stan & Ollie: The Features

Wed 5th Feb 7pm

Our guest host returns to the Megascreen to present their ultimate Desert Island Stan & Ollie choice, a newly restored feature, with the title kept secret until the lights go down. Join us for an affectionate, insightful and laughter-filled exploration of Laurel & Hardy’s genius and one of their very best movies adored for generations.

A must for comedy lovers and anyone who’s ever been charmed by “the boys.”

DJ Cheeba Presents: The Warriors (Live Re-Score)

Sat 20 Sep 7pm

The Warriors is more than a cult classic. Its influence on urban culture, music and style is well documented and has inspired this dynamic and technical live re-score project. Bespoke remixes by longtime collaborator Indeed, era-defining hip hop and a selection of the countless tracks that have sampled the famous dialogue are all cut up with Cheeba’s unique style and turntable flare. CAN YOU DIG IT?”

This very special Bristol event will also bring a host of extras:

Original theatrical release version
DJ Powercut – 1979 themed DJ set in the foyer
Additional projections and SFX
Craft beer bar by New `Bristol Brewery
Popcorn and general treats kiosk
Panasonic laser projection filling the full 19m wide IMAX screen
Huge IMAX sound
Merch stall with strictly limited edition prints and tees from NewAnalog

Entry requirements: 18+

Sunset Seas: Jaws 50th Anniversary

With Forbidden Worlds Film Festival

Sat 29 Aug 6pm

Welcome to Sunset Seas at Bristol Aquarium – JAWS Edition! Celebrating 50 years since the iconic film’s release with Forbidden Worlds. 

Join us on Friday 29th August, from 6.00pm to 10.00pm, for Sunset Seas: JAWS Edition – an adults-only (18+) evening at Bristol Aquarium, blending after-hours exploration with cinematic thrills.

As the sun sets on Bristol, wander through the aquarium’s winding pathways and see our marine world in a whole new light. Experience the tranquillity of our sun-drenched botanical houses in full bloom, then head below the surface to witness our nocturnal sharks stir into life.

Enjoy our themed event cocktails and mocktails, get hands-on with real shark artefacts, and uncover the fascinating truths behind shark behaviour. 

Then, after exploring the aquarium we will be screening Jaws for it’s 50th anniversary celebration on the Bristol Megascreen — the biggest cinema screen in the city – with a special introduction about how Jaws has impacted shark conservation.

Whether you’re here for the science, the spectacle, or just a night with bite — Sunset Seas: JAWS Edition is a unique evening to be enjoyed by cinephiles and marine enthusiasts alike! 

Doors Open: 6.00PM

Aquarium Displays Open 6.00PM to 7.30PM

Cinema Doors Open: 7.15PM

Introduction and Film: 7.30PM

Event End: 10.00PM

SOLD OUT

Cinema Rediscovered: Diva

18

Sat 26 Jul 3:20pm

Two tapes, two Parisian mob killers, one corrupt policeman, an opera fan, a teenage thief, and the coolest philosopher ever filmed.

Director Jean-Jacques Beineix, most well-known for his sensual erotic romance Betty Blue (1986), launched the “Cinéma du look” movement with Diva, a stylish cult thriller that remains as visually striking today as when it premiered in 1981.

Jules (Frédéric Andréi), a young postal carrier, illegally tapes a concert of a reclusive opera singer (American soprano Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez). Jules’ attempts to woo the diva are interrupted when Taiwanese bootleggers come after the recording. His problems worsen when a prostitute slips another tape, one that incriminates a police chief, into his bag. Now, Jules must escape the police chief, the cop’s henchmen and the bootleggers to keep both precious tapes safe—and to stay alive.

Featuring a celebrated – and much imitated – chase through the Paris Metro and an early appearance by Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Delicatessen 1991, Amélie 2001) favourite actor Dominique Pinon, Diva earned César Awards for Beineix, Vladimir Cosma’s (Le Bal 1983) sumptuous music and Philippe Rousselot’s (Henry & June 1990) visceral cinematography.

With an introduction by film historian, repertory programmer and video essayist Jonathan Bygraves.

Queer Vision: Brokeback Mountain

Sat 5 Jul 8pm

Why can’t I quit you? 

In honour of its 20th anniversary, we are thrilled to present queer cowboy classic, Brokeback Mountain.

A film with such an extraordinary, yet complicated legacy – but nonetheless, wholly synonymous with LGBT+ cinema for bridging the gap with the mainstream.Taking place at the Bristol Megascreen (the former IMAX) on Saturday 5 July this is your chance to see this iconic film and breath taking cinematography and the largest cinema screen in Bristol!

Ang Lee’s beautiful, epic western tells the story of Ennis del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal); two ranch hands hired to herd sheep on the pastures of Brokeback Mountain during the summer of 1963. Whilst the pair are initially standoffish with each other, the solitude of their environment brings them together, culminating – one night during a storm – in a highly-charged sexual encounter. This relationship becomes complicated when they return to their former lives, where they must learn to either embrace or deny their true feelings against the traditional societal views of masculinity.

We are presenting this as double bill with The Wedding Banquet with a special discounted combination ticket available

We’re encouraging everyone to don their rootinest tootinest rodeo and brilliant bridal looks to be in with a chance of winning some great prizes! There is a bar onsite as well as a special pop up cocktail bar with specially themed cocktails for the event.

Festival of Nature: Behind-the-scenes talk: Ocean with Silverback Films

Sun 15 Jun 1:45pm

Join Silverback Films for a behind-the-scenes talk about their new feature length documentary ‘Ocean with David Attenborough’

David Attenborough explores the planet’s undersea habitats, revealing the greatest age of ocean discovery and emphasizing the ocean’s vital importance while exposing its problems and highlighting opportunities for marine life recovery.

Forbidden Worlds Film Festival 2025

Wed 28th May – Sun 1st Jun

Ahead of the 50th anniversary re-release of Jaws this August, Forbidden Worlds invites audiences to dive into new depths of fear and excitement with FORBIDDEN WORLDS OF THE DEEP, featuring a line-up of classic and cult films set on, around and under the water.

Events include a special 30th anniversary screening of Waterworld (1995), which will see the extended European ‘Ulysses Cut’ shown theatrically for the first time in the UK; The Whale God (1962), a rarely screened Japanese-take on Moby Dick with stunning life-size practical effects; cult horror Blood Tide (1980) featuring the late, great James Earl Jones as a secretive treasure hunter; an in-depth look at the world of Jawsploitation films with screenings of the new 4K restorations of Orca (1977) and Alligator (1980); and Below (2002) –  a WWII-horror film featuring supernatural occurrences onboard a submarine from David Twohy, director of Pitch Black (2000) – screened theatrically for the first time in the UK!

The festival will also honour and celebrate the career of Gale Anne Hurd by naming her as this year’s FORBIDDEN WORLDS LEGEND. Hurd has had unprecedented success as both a film and television producer on some of the biggest films and TV shows of all time including The Walking Dead universe. Initially hired as an executive assistant to the legendary Roger Corman, Hurd rapidly rose through the ranks to become head of marketing at his independent film company, New World Pictures. 

After launching her own production company in 1982, Hurd produced her first film, the science fiction classic The Terminator, setting the stage for her meteoric rise in the entertainment industry. Forbidden Worlds will be hosting special in-person Q&A screenings with Hurd for three of her most iconic and influential films – Aliens (1986), Tremors (1990) and Battle Beyond The Stars (1980).

Pulled FROM THE VIDEO SHOP ARCHIVES of Bristol institution 20th Century Flicks also comes special screenings of French fantasy The City of Lost Children, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and Amblin Studios adventure Young Sherlock Holmes that marks its 40th anniversary.

The festival will once again be celebrating the GENRE FILMMAKERS OF THE FUTURE with the return of its short film showcase where attendees can enjoy new action, horror, sci-fi and fantasy shorts from filmmakers both local and international.

The festival will also be hosting the WORLD PREMIERE of Bristolian film-maker Arthur Cauty’s new documentary The Big Picture which tells the story of how the Bristol IMAX, a state of the art cinema, was left forgotten for over a decade in the middle of the city, and how it came to find a new lease of life as a new community space – Bristol Megascreen.

Forbidden Worlds Film Festival is Bristol’s leading genre film festival dedicated to screening repertory fantasy, action, science-fiction and horror films from around the world, and celebrating the people who made them.

Mega Silents: City Montage Season

Double Bill

Battleship Potemkin (1925)/The Battle of Algiers (1966)

Sat 29 Mar 12pm

Over the course of three weekends, South West Silents, in collaboration with Future City Film Festival, will showcase the use of montage and cutting in silent film and its impact on future films in the history of cinema. These specially curated events will include introductions, screenings notes and live musical accompaniment to some of the silent films presented.

Battleship Potemkin (1925) Director: Sergei Eisenstein Starring: Aleksandr Antonov, Vladimir Barksy, Grigori Aleksandrov Music: Live Musical Accompaniment by John Sweeney USSR / 72mins / PG

Declared the greatest film of all time at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair and one of only two films to have appeared on all of Sight & Sound’s critics’ polls (1952–2022), Sergei Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin is one of the true masterpieces in the history of cinema.

In essence, it tells a five-part story of a naval mutiny leading to full-blown revolution, but while this material could be crudely propagandist in other hands, Eisenstein uses images of such dynamic compositional strength and editing of such frame-perfect precision that it’s hard not to be swept along, regardless of personal politics.

Widely censored as much out of fear of the perceived influence of its ideas as for any contentious material on screen the film would later be banned outright in Britain until 1954 and X-rated until 1987.

For ten decades Eisenstein’s 1925 masterpiece has remained the most influential silent film of all time. South West Silents presents one of the true classics of cinema on the big screen with live music by John Sweeney for its 100th anniversary.

The Battle of Algiers (1966) Director: Gillo Pontecorvo Starring: Jean Martin, Saadi Yacef, Brahim Haggiag, Tommaso Neri ITA, ALG / 121mins / 15

One of the most influential political films in history, The Battle of Algiers, by Gillo Pontecorvo, vividly re-creates a key year in the tumultuous Algerian struggle for independence from the occupying French in the 1950s. As violence escalates on both sides, children shoot soldiers at point-blank range, women plant bombs in cafés, and French soldiers resort to torture to break the will of the insurgents.

Shot on the streets of Algiers in documentary style, the film is a case study in modern warfare, with its terrorist attacks and the brutal techniques used to combat them. Pontecorvo’s tour de force has astonishing relevance today.

Bristol Megascreen presents: Ghost in the Shell

Sun 9 Mar 7pm

Doors open 6:30pm

Ages 15+

Celebrate three decades of cyberpunk brilliance with a rare cinematic experience of Ghost in the Shell (1995), brought to life on the largest screen in Bristol! Join us on Sunday, 9th March, at the Bristol Megascreen for an unmissable evening that pays tribute to one of anime’s most iconic masterpieces.

As a special treat, attendees of the Bristol Anime and Gaming Convention enjoy an exclusive discount on tickets—because we know true anime fans won’t want to miss this! (This discount only applied to those with purchased tickets to the convention which needs to be shown as proof on entry to the Bristol Megascreen).

One Last Farm, One Last Chance

Free entry!

2 Film Screenings & Panel Discussion

Friday, 28th Feb 6pm

THE FILMS

One Last Farm: A poignant documentary about Bristol’s last working farm and its fight to protect a unique wildlife habitat from development. Produced by Nikki Dodd.

Save Our Wild Isles: Hungry for Change: An award-winning film from Nick Gates and Silverback Films that brought together experts from three of the UK’s largest conservation organisations. The National Trust, the RSPB and WWF reveal the impact of the food system on UK nature and crucially what could be done to reduce its impact. 

THE CONVERSATION

How can we feed the nation and farm sustainably? At this event, the filmmakers will speak with leading voices at the intersection of food production and nature conservation. They’ll discuss how farming can be a crucial ally to combat the ecological crisis and climate change. Speakers include Nikki Dodd (director of One Last Farm), Nick Gates (Silverback Films), Patrick Holden (Sustainable Food Trust), Sumita Hutchison (West of England Nature Partnership), Guy Poultney (Bristol City councillor), and Catherine Withers (Yew Tree Farm).

The evening concludes with a drinks reception, an invaluable opportunity for attendees to connect with one another. 

We hope you can join us for this very special evening.

Slapstick Festival: The Great Dictator (1940) with Alasdair Beckett-King & Robin Ince

Thu 13 Feb 2025 8pm

Alasdair and Robin introduce this special big screen outing of Chaplin’s masterful and timely satire.  They will explore how Chaplin masterfully used comedy to take aim at authoritarianism, racism, and war. Released before the USA entered WWII, The Great Dictator was Chaplin’s first talking picture, and he didn’t hold back. His brilliant lampooning of Adolf Hitler made the film both a courageous act of defiance and a masterclass in using humour as a political weapon.

Despite being banned in Nazi-occupied territories and doubts about its success elsewhere the film became Chaplin’s highest grossing film. The film’s closing speech—a moving appeal for peace and humanity—remains strikingly relevant in today’s turbulent world. One of cinema’s most daring and significant works on the big screen.

Slapstick Festival: Hundreds of Beavers – with Ryland Brickson Cole Tews

Wed 12 Feb 2025 8:30pm

Made on a lowly $100,000 budget, this surprise independent hit about a trapper (Ryland Brickson Cole Tews) battling malevolent beavers is already heading towards cult classic status, having picked up scores of awards from festivals worldwide, earning glowing reviews from top critics & audiences and getting a 97% score on the Rotten Tomatoes’ tomatometer. It is also such a masterful homage to slapstick hits of the silent era that its makers are being awarded the Slapstick Legacy Medal.

With introduction and post show conversation hosted by Robin Ince awith co-writer/ lead actor Ryland Brickson Cole Tews Plus Q&A

“Genuinely bananas and genuinely funny” – Mark Kermode. 

Cary Comes Home Festival 2024

Fri 29 Nov – Sun 1 Dec 2024

Celebrate one of Bristol’s biggest icons on Bristol’s biggest screen with 8 classic films across 3 days.

Cary Grant Festival celebrates their 10th anniversary this year! This year the festival explores Cary’s acrobatic prowess and his lasting impact on action cinema.

Under the Sea Technicolor Double Bill

1–5pm, November 10th, 2024

A Technicolor underwater masterpiece featuring BBC TV’s nature film icons, Dr. Hans and Lotte Hass, UNDER THE CARRIBEAN / UNTERNEHMEN XARIFA (1954) offers the opportunity to explore the underwater realm with Hass and his team in an especially immersive fashion in this new subtitled digitisation from a vintage Technicolor print by Filmarchiv Austria, screened with kind support from Dr Michael Jung.

Furthermore, thanks to the Royal Film Archive of Belgium – CINEMATEK, we explore THE GREAT BARRIER REEF in Pierre Levie’s 1969 film that has been likened to Cousteau’s best works, features footage by shark experts Ron and Valerie Taylor (JAWS) and remarkably reflects some of the ecological issues sadly threatening the ocean realm in the present.

Wildscreen

13 – 18 Oct

Wildscreen Festival is the world’s leading wildlife and environmental film festival. Immerse yourself in our Official Selection of unique and original productions about the natural world, created by storytellers from across the globe.

Forbidden Worlds Film Festival: The Big Scream

11th – 12th Oct

Forbidden Worlds looks at the perils of stranger danger with six selections from around the globe: the cult British folk horror of The Shout; a brand-new 4K restoration of VHS favourite The Hitcher, starring the much-missed Rutger Hauer; Dario Argento’s audacious Opera, also presented in a brand-new 4K restoration; the creepy and influential Cure from Japan; teen horror fave I Know What You Did Last Summer; and the quintessential ‘stranger danger’ horror, When a Stranger Calls.

South West Silents: Witchcraft Double Bill

Sat 28 Sep, 2pm

South West Silents are teaming up with Hellebore magazine to bring you this double bill of classic tales of witchcraft and folklore. Häxan (1922) followed by The City of the Dead (1960).

Deep Blue Sea – 25th Anniversary

Sat 21 Sep, 7.30pm

A team of scientists at a remote underwater facility conduct genetic research on Mako sharks in hopes of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, their experiments take a terrifying turn when the sharks become smarter, faster, and far more deadly.

Cinema Rediscovered: The Conversation

Sat 27 Jul. 6:15pm

From legendary director Francis Ford Coppola, Gene Hackman stars as Harry Caul, a reticent surveillance expert, gets into trouble when he suspects the couple he secretly recorded is going to be murdered by his client. With intro by Adrian Utley.

Cinema Rediscovered: Paris, Texas

Sat 27 Jul, 2pm

One of the most iconic films of the 1980s, Harry Dean Stanton stars as a man wandering out of the desert and in to the ghosts of the past.

Tucker & Dale Vs The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 1974

Sun 21 Jul, 3pm

Horror Without End and 20th Century Flicks, the team that brought you ThreadGames, invite you to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the greatest horror film ever made… followed by one of the funniest.

Queer Vision: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Sat 6 July 2024

Showing as part of Bristol Pride’s Queer Vision film festival, this classic comedy celebrated it’s 30th anniversary at Bristol Megascreen with a performance from the Bristol Show Choir and Bristol’s very own drag icon, Tess Drive.