In a heartwarming revival story, Bristol's forgotten IMAX screen is witnessing a resurgence as a beloved community cinema space, celebrated in the documentary The Big Picture by director Arthur Cauty. This documentary, which will premiere in May, encapsulates the cinema's journey from its inception at the turn of the millennium to its closure in 2007, followed by a decade of neglect and its eventual grassroots revival.
Originally regarded as a cutting-edge venue in the southwest of England, the Bristol IMAX boasted a massive 19 by 15 metre screen and was equipped with a projector that rivalled the size of a small car. Unfortunately, financial mismanagement and shifting market dynamics led to its closure, leaving the grand auditorium largely abandoned. Arthur Cauty, who lived in Bristol for ten years before discovering the cinema, reflected on its strange disappearance from the public consciousness, noting, “I knew the building—a cylindrical, red brick tower in the harbour side—but as it was right next to the aquarium, I’d assumed it was a giant fish tank.”
Cauty’s curiosity compelled him to explore the reasons behind the IMAX's neglect and its eventual transformation. This exploration reveals a broader narrative: Bristol’s rich cinematic heritage, which includes being the birthplace of notable figures like Cary Grant and motion picture innovator William Friese-Greene. The city was once home to forty cinemas, and its status as a UNESCO City of Film underscores its vibrant cultural landscape.
The revival was spearheaded by Timon Singh and Dave Taylor, two local cinephiles who recognised the potential of the dormant space. Singh, known for his Bristol Bad Film Club, and Taylor, the owner of the iconic 20th Century Flicks video shop, sought permission from the Bristol Aquarium—now responsible for the site—to launch the Forbidden Worlds festival in 2022, marking the 40th anniversary of the video shop. What began as a simple celebration of cult cinema quickly gained traction, bringing audiences back to the previously forgotten IMAX.
However, the road to revival was fraught with challenges. The duo could not utilise the original IMAX projector, forcing them to depend on their own equipment, which led to moments of tension, as illustrated by Taylor’s nervous explanation of how a misstep during lamp changes could be catastrophic. Their efforts, described by Taylor as being akin to “squatting” in the cinema, relied on community creativity and collaboration, shining a light on the power of grassroots initiatives in an era of commercialisation.
The reformed cinema has been rebranded as the Bristol Megascreen and now offers an eclectic mix of screenings, from cult horror to sci-fi classics, significantly contributing to the city’s independent cinema culture. Dr Charlotte Crofts, a professor of cinema arts at UWE Bristol, emphasised that the resurgence of the Megascreen is a “profoundly significant moment” for local cinematic experiences, highlighting how the venue has re-energised Bristol's cultural landscape. Crofts further noted, “Its revival has injected a vital energy into a landscape that thrives on unique cinematic experiences,” signalling the importance of community-driven efforts in maintaining cultural spaces.
As the Big Picture documentary gears up for its premiere during the Forbidden Worlds festival, it stands as a testament to the resilience of local cinema communities. The film, along with screenings of cult classics such as Aliens and Tremors, will serve to reinforce the collective memory of the IMAX and honour its journey from abandonment to renewed relevance. In an age where streaming services dominate the film industry, the revival of Bristol’s Megascreen offers a fresh reminder of the enduring magic of shared cinematic experiences, enriching the city’s film narrative as it steps back into the limelight.
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Source: Noah Wire Services