Film / Forbidden Worlds
Cult classic film screening at fantasy film festival
Fans of the 1980s cult classic Highlander will get to watch it on the city’s biggest cinema screen alongside one of its stars as part of a fantasy film festival.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved fantasy epic, Highlander and Poldark star Beatie Edney is joining Forbidden World’s film festival for a Q&A screening on Friday, April 24.
The film stars Christopher Lambert as the immortal Highlander Connor MacLeod as he fights his way through the centuries to 1980s New York City, where the remaining immortals fight until just one remains.
Edney as Heather MacLeod alongside co-star Christopher Lambert – photo: Forbidden Worlds
Edney, who starred as Macleod’s wife, Heather, in the 1986 original and the 2000 sequel Highlander, will speak with author Johnathan Melville about making the iconic film and the legacy of the franchise at Bristol Mega screen.
Despite being branded a box-office failure, the 1986 film spawned four theatrical films, two live-action series, and a remake starring Henry Cavill and directed by John Wick director Chad Stahelski is on the way.
The screening will be hosted by Forbidden World, billed as “Bristol’s biggest repertory film festival”, which this year is celebrating classic and cult fantasy films.
“It’s clear that the fantasy genre has never been bigger,” says Forbidden Worlds co-director Timon Singh.
“However, when it comes to film festivals, it is very rarely represented, with genre programmers often tending to favour sci-fi or horror. That is why this year, we’re all out with a wide range of classic and cult films featuring swords and sorcery.”
The festival will run from April 23-26 – photo: Forbidden Worlds
Highlights from the three-day event include screenings of a new 4K restoration of Arthurian classic Excalibur, fantasy Samurai adventure The Legend of the Eight Samurai and a special 45th anniversary screening of Clash of the Titans.
It will also feature other special guests, including renowned armourer Terry English, who made Excalibur’s stunning costumes and swords and has created armour for many classic film productions, including Aliens, First Knight, Batman and Robin and Gladiator.
Attendees will be able to examine some of his handmade armour and props and enjoy the festival’s short film showcase, featuring new action, horror, sci-fi and fantasy shorts from local and international filmmakers.
The festival will run from April 23-26. Go here for tickets and further information.
Main photo: Forbidden Worlds
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