Academics feature in documentary exploring the rebirth of Bristol's iconic Megascreen
Professor Mark Bould and Professor Charlotte Crofts, co-conveners of Screen Research at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), are featured in a new documentary about the fascinating journey of the former Bristol IMAX cinema as it transforms into the Bristol Megascreen.
‘The Big Picture’ explores the efforts to reanimate this significant cinematic space, which has been deserted in the heart of the city for over a decade, and highlights its potential to once again become a vibrant hub for film lovers in the region.
The documentary will premiere at the highly anticipated Forbidden Worlds Film Festival on Wednesday 28 May.
Dr Charlotte Crofts, professor of cinema arts at UWE Bristol, said the resurgence of the screen was a ‘profoundly significant moment’ for the city’s independent cinema culture.
Prof Crofts, who is also the director of the Cary Comes Home Festival, which celebrates Cary Grant’s Bristol roots, added: “From a personal perspective, the Megascreen has rapidly become one of my favourite venues in Bristol. The sheer scale of the presentation offers an unparalleled immersive experience.
“The opportunity to present the Cary Comes Home festival on this screen has been particularly rewarding, allowing audiences to connect with classic cinema in a truly communal setting. It underscores the enduring importance of shared theatrical experiences.”
Professor Bould and Professor Croft's involvement in the Megascreen project aligns with their research and wider interest in repertory film exhibition and the broader independent cinema culture within the South West region, including recent collaborations with Horror Without End and 20th Century Flicks video shop.
“The premiere of the documentary at the Forbidden Worlds Film Festival marks an exciting moment for Bristol's film community and UWE Bristol Screen Research is delighted to have played a part in supporting the region's unique cinematic landscape,” said Prof Crofts.
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