Gothic: The Dark Heart of Film across the UK

Witches, vampires, werewolves and spectres will be unleashed upon film audiences across the British Isles as Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and all the English regions work together as part of this new and dynamic film network to capture the imagination of the British public. BFI FAN will enable film fans across the nation — who cannot easily access a broader variety of films — to experience a diverse range of activity, through screenings, education, community projects and archive events. GOTHIC is just the start of a whole range of other extraordinary film experiences BFI FAN will bring to local audiences.

Thrilling GOTHIC highlights in every part of the UK include:

• Wales Goes Dark: Abertoir Horror Film Festival: UK premiere of Welsh film The Darkest Day, Aberystwyth (19 October), plus Abertoir partnering on festivals at Theatr Clwyd Cymru, Gwyn Hall, The Torch Milford Haven and more to be added
• Cardiff: Darkened Rooms: Dracula screens at Cardiff Castle (29 October — SOLD OUT), (5 November — NOW ON SALE)
• Newport: Night of the Demon at Tredegar House, Newport (30 October)
• Leeds: Gothic Film Festival classic Gothic screenings and events in the beautiful ruins of Kirkstall Abbey for Halloween weekend (31 October – 3 November)
• Belfast: Burn Baby, Burn! Witchcraft on film season at the Queen’s Film Theatre (1-5 November)
• London: The Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Experience! brings classic Mexican horror films, live music and immersive theatre to the Rich Mix (1 and 2 November)
• Hereford: The Elephant Man: A Freakish History in the Black Lion Pub’s attic with introduction and post-film discussion led by Gothic horror expert, Prof. Ian Conrich (2 November)
• Glasgow, Edinburgh & Dundee: Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages with a new score in Glasgow Film Theatre, Filmhouse Edinburgh and Dundee Contemporary Arts
• Derry-Londonderry: The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, open-air screening under the city walls (15 November)
• Brighton: a complete Svankmajer retrospective (17 November – 1 December) at Cinecity, Brighton Film Festival
• Bristol: The Corridor Sessions present The Shining at Watershed (29 November)
• Manchester: a British Gothic Double Bill at Cornerhouse (Saturday 26 October)

Thanks to the allied forces of BFI FAN, new collaborations are opening up a dazzling array of special events, screenings, lectures and musical accompaniments offering unprecedented riches for audiences with special guests, education events and more. Screenings in a gothic library, haunted houses, a bombed out church, late nights and children’s events are among the delights in store.