Classic films, one-of-a-kind locations: Bristol Film Festival returns this month
Posted on: 09 Feb 2022Choose from a long list of hit films and cult classics as part of the much-loved annual festival's 2022 edition.
Throughout the first half of 2022, Bristol Film Festival is screening a diverse and meticulously curated selection of movies in iconic and unique locations in the city.
View a film in an underground network of caves in Redcliffe, beneath the wing of a Concorde aeroplane in Patchway or on the pews of the centuries-old Bristol Cathedral, among other venues.
Head to the film festival's website to find a comprehensive list of screenings or read on to browse a selection of our favourites scheduled to take place this spring.
UP @ Clifton Observatory I Sunday 20 February
Hard-hearted elderly widower Carl sets out on an adventure to fulfil a lifelong promise to his wife, Ellie: to relocate their home to the faraway Paradise Falls. However, unbeknown to him, there's a stowaway on board, in the form of eager boy scout, Russell.
Having already fixed an eye-watering number of balloons to the chimney of his home and set off, Carl reluctantly allows his uninvited guest inside and thus begins what becomes the adventure of a lifetime for the pair.
Clifton Observatory, known as a hot spot for viewing the world-famous Balloons that fly over Bristol, provides the perfect setting for this screening.
Grand Budapest Hotel @ The Avon Gorge Hotel I Sunday 27 February
Set in a popular 1930s European ski resort, passionate and diligent concierge Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes) becomes the prime suspect in the murder of one of his guests after being named the recipient of a priceless piece of artwork belonging to the deceased.
The Avon Gorge Hotel, overlooking Clifton Suspension Bridge, provides the perfect backdrop for Wes Anderson's grandiose and stylish epic.
Rebecca @ Arnos Vale Cemetary I Friday 4 March
After the death of his first wife, Rebecca, aristocrat Maxim De Winter remarries. As his new spouse explores his stately home and encounters the staff, she begins to realise that although Rebecca is gone, she is not forgotten, and her memory holds sway over the house's occupants.
Arnos Vale Cemetary, a Victorian graveyard in BS4, provides an appropriately haunting setting for this event, with the movie being screened in the on-site Anglican chapel.
Catch Me if You Can @ Aerospace Bristol I Wednesday 16 March
After the divorce of his parents, young Frank Abignale Jr takes to scamming for money like a duck to water. Soon making millions of dollars from his increasingly bold schemes, Abignale Jr begins to attract some unwanted attention in the form of FBI agent Carl Hanratty.
At times embodying the persona of an airline pilot to scam for money, Aerospace Bristol seems a fitting venue, with the audience seated underneath the wing of a Concorde jet.
In Bruges @ The Station I Thursday 17 March
After a botched hit job, two assassins - rookie Ray and veteran Ken - are ordered to lie low in Bruges by their boss, Harry. Attempting to do some sightseeing, the trip goes awry when one of the assassins is ordered to kill the other.
Bruges is famous for its fine beer, so it seems fitting that stalwarts of the Bristol beer scene, Lost and Grounded, should provide the kegs on the night, with the screening taking place at BS1's The Station.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail @ Redcliffe Caves I Saturday 26 March
In this absurd take on Arthurian legend, God orders King Arthur to find the coveted holy grail. Obliging, the monarch and his Knights of the round table set off on a quest with many perils along the way.
One of the most fascinating venues in Bristol, Redcliffe Caves were originally carved in the 17th century as sandstone glass mines and provide a truly memorable setting for this event.
Some Like It Hot @ Clifton Observatory I Sunday 3 April
In prohibition America, two unlucky jazz musicians witness a mob shooting and are forced to flee Chicago for their lives. Disguising themselves as women and escaping with an all-female jazz band, the pair's alter egos begin to attract romantic attention that threatens to derail their plan.
Kick back and enjoy this screening with artisan gin and tonic, with incredible views of Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge on either side of the venue.
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George is a journalism graduate and writer passionate about music and culture. Get in touch via email at george@365bristol.com
