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.

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+

Johnny Jewel is a multi-instrumentalist producer, composer and visual artist.

He is known for using all-analog equipment and for his work with bands including Chromatics and Glass Candy; he has also produced for the likes of The Weeknd and Casisdead. His music has featured in Nicolas Winding Refn’s film Drive, Lost River (Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut), Bronson and Jewel performed his own music in David Lynch’s Twin Peaks: The Return.

This show will see Jewel present a rare live performance accompanied by a film screening, bringing together two key strands of his creative world.

Heal the Land is a compelling, inspiring and hopeful film about the transformation of a former intensive dairy farm in Somerset into a thriving new place for nature and people.

This beautiful 25-minute documentary, filmed entirely at the Heal Somerset site during 2024, is a journey of drama, discovery and insight into the start of this rewilding journey. The film features astonishing new arrivals, a remarkable array of wildlife and insightful commentary from experts and the Heal team. Above all, it shows the extraordinary resilience of nature and how quickly wildlife comes back if we give it space and allow it to thrive.

With England currently one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth, the challenge to restore biodiversity and kickstart nature recovery has never been more urgent.

This screening will be followed by a live Q&A. Two panel discussions will explore both the rewilding journey and the filmmaking process, chaired by Sumita Hutchison, Chair of West England Nature Partnership.

Speakers include film director Tom Francome, producer Hayley Smith, Heal Rewilding CEO Jan Stannard and rewilding ranger Daniel Hill, Eva Bishop from the Beaver Trust and Nick Patel, expert wildlife guide.

Screening sponsored by Triodos Bank UK