Festival Review: Forbidden Worlds Film Festival, Of The Deep
On the 28th May - 1st June, we were BACK BABY for another edition of the fantastic Forbidden Worlds Film Festival. This time the theme was.. Of the Depp, yes we are talking about the watery monsters of the deep!
As always, taking over the IMAX cinema aptly named these days as the Bristol Megascreen we were treated to an array of fantastic water based epics entered around a theme to celebrate Jaws’ upcoming 50th anniversary.. boy does that make me feel old!
It was amazing to be back in the mega screen and getting to share in this beloved genre with deep sea thrills, legendary guests (more on that later) and a heartfelt doc that reminds us why community cinema matters.
City Girl Rating: ★★★★
Location: Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5TT
Ticketing Options: Weekend passes, day passes, and individual screenings.
Accessibility & Safety: The venue is fully accessible, and the auditorium is accessible via rear doors that can be reached via a lift. The festival also states on its website that they “take cinema etiquette seriously and urge you to be part of our attempts to nurture a conscientious movie-going culture.”
Highlights
The Big Picture: A Love Letter to Bristol’s Cinephile Sprit
‘The Big Picture’ was an insightful documentary by Arthur Cauty, highlighting the grassroots film industry in Bristol and its work to restore the forgotten IMAX Cinema that sits within Bristol Aquarium. Launched in 2000, closing soon after in 2007 — the screen was barely used until the ‘Forbidden Worlds’ Film Festival was launched (in collaboration with Timon Singh and 20th Century Flicks).
The documentary detailed how through hard-work, dedication, and amazingly Kitch sci-fi, horror, and fantasy movies, this venue has been brought back to life!Affectionately named the ‘Megascreen’, Bristol IMAX is still a space drenched in nostalgia and comfort. It was obvious that Bristol Cinephiles share a strong sense of community and collaboration.
While queuing for hotdogs, cocktails and merchandise, there was a great hum of excitement, and joyous discussions dissecting a shared love of film.I would recommend any film fanatic or Bristol Community member to check out ‘The Big Picture’. It beautifully pays homage to Bristol’s collaboratively creative-led nature!
Aliens
What a treat Aliens was! A sold-out screening with a wonderfully in-depth Q&A with none other than the producer herself Gale Ann Hurd. Being Bristol Girl, we love hearing from women who have succeeded in male dominated industries and WOW, has Hurd succeeded! Producing films such as Aliens, The Terminator, and The Abyss, she answered questions with both wit and frank honesty, offering insights into the tribulations that go into creating a sci-fi blockbuster spectacular.
If this wasn’t enough of a luxury, the Forbidden Worlds gods gifted us an introduction from Aliens director James Cameron and star Sigourney Weaver! The collective gasps and cheers from the crowd were enough to prove how meaningful these personalised messages were to so many of us.
Once again, the Forbidden Worlds Festival team demonstrated how well they know and value us as the fandom.
Alligator
Introduced by ‘Movie Monsters of the Deep’ author Faith Roswell, the festival finale ‘Alligator’ was my favourite of the whole Forbidden Worlds lineup! Released in 1980, this monster film was self aware, laugh out loud funny, and suprisingly gripping.
I am unashamed to admit there were characters (such as seedy reptile hunter Colonel Brock) that I hoped would be devoured by grown up gator ‘Ramone’. The entire audience came together as a joyful community— experiencing the jump scares, one-liners (and hormone-enlarged reptilians) as one!
The Whale God
‘The Whale God’ was unlike any film I have ever seen before. Made in 1962, I was astonished at how contemporary the cinematography and practical effects felt. Starting bleak and sorrowful, I initially wondered if it would be one of my lower rankings of the festival but was happily mistaken!
Throughout the story’s 100 minute run, I grew to love and appreciate the narrative and artistry at its core. I found ‘The Whale God’ to be a reflection of pride, vengeance, community, and herd mentality. It is both melancholy and beautiful and I am so grateful it was included in the Forbidden Worlds lineup.
The festival is full of cinema’s forgotten and hidden gems and does brilliant work at engaging new audiences with such impactful, evocative stories.
The Experience
W really did love the Forbidden Worlds Festival so much. There is such joy, passion, and community within the atmosphere. I can’t reiterate enough how at home and welcome the team makes us patrons feel - it truly is a collective experience.
It’s more than just a film festival. It’s a space where genre nerds, horror heads, VHS collectors and curious newbies can come together and revel in their shared weirdness. And if I ever find myself missing that monster movie buzz, I know I can always stop by Bristol Bad Film Club or 20th Century Flicks to keep the magic going until next year.
Best Film I Saw
Aliens (1986) - You really can’t beat an intro from Sigourney Weaver herself!
Make sure you are signed up to receive news on the next Forbidden Worlds Festival rendition.. The Big Scream! I’m (Steph) a HUGE horror nerd so I for one can’t wait!
Reviewed by Evie Haworth Galt & Steph Clarke
Disclaimer: We were gifted the festival pass for an honest review. All photos were taken by us.
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