“One of the best creature features of the early atomic age, ‘Them!’ features effectively menacing special effects and avoids the self-parody that would taint later monster movies”
DOORS: 10:45 | FILM STARTS 11:00
We’re back at Redcliffe Caves for a weekend of subterranean screenings in the Underground Cinema!
Bristol Film Festival's Underground Cinema is an unforgettable way to discover, or rediscover, some of the silver screen’s hidden gems, pop culture milestones and genre highlights. Delve deep into one of the most unique locations in Bristol, and forget about the outside world for a couple of hours. Whether you’re settling down for a favourite fantasy film or a cult classic, it’s sure to be one of the year’s most memorable movie viewing experiences.
Our matinee screenings return to the Caves, with tickets from £10 - and we’re thrilled to be celebrating the 70th anniversary of two of the great sci-fi monster movies this year. Sunday’s matinee screening is Them!, one of the first ‘nuclear monster’ films of the 1950s, and the first film to use insects as the monster. Seven decades on, this Oscar-nominated creature feature remains a highlight of B-movie history.
Please note: Redcliffe Caves is a unique event space - we strongly recommend all guests read the ‘Venue & Event Information’ tab at this bottom of this page prior to booking.
About The Film
1954 | PG | 94 mins
After several mysterious occurrences in the New Mexico desert, the FBI arrive to investigate. They uncover a nest of monstrous ants, mutated due to nuclear bomb testing - worse still, this nest could be just the beginning…
Contains mild threat and horror
About The Location
Redcliffe Caves are one of the most fascinating locations in Bristol. Originally created to mine sandstone glass in the 17th Century, these caves (technically a quarry!) have a rich and varied history, having been used by hermits, prisoners of war, and even as an air raid shelter. Now, they are accessed through a gate on the Harbourside, and are usually closed to the public.
Watch The Official Trailer
See This Venue
TICKETS
ADD-ONS
Pre-Screening Caves Tours
We are delighted to be offering a limited number of spaces on pre-screening tours of Redcliffe Caves; collect a torch and hard hat, then explore far deeper than our ’Screening Cave’ and learn more about the history of this fascinating Bristol landmark from our guides. Tours start 30 minutes before advertised doors.
PLEASE NOTE: due to the nature of the space, all guests on a pre-screening tour must be able to exit the Caves unaided in the event of an emergency. Further details will be emailed to you shortly after booking.
Getting Here
Redcliffe Caves is situated in the centre of Bristol on Phoenix Wharf (postcode BS1 6SR). There will be a large, army style marquee marking the entrance to the Caves, and it is situated on the same wharf as the Benjamin Perry Boathouse (opposite Thekla).
The easiest ways to reach the Wharf on foot are:
- Via the pedestrian ramp that starts in the NCP car park on Redcliffe Parade East
- Following the footpath round from the Ostrich pub
- Heading south onto the Wharf from the entrance by the east side of Redcliffe Bridge
There is no parking onsite. The closest car park is the NCP car park on Redcliffe Parade East.
Wherever possible, we encourage walking the use of public transport when travelling to our events.
Accessibility
There is a small ramp to access the Caves. Access to the screening room is along a flat path with no steps, although there are some uneven patches of ground. Lighting is also low in the Caves. Pre-screening tours are not suitable for individuals with limited mobility.
There is one standard and one accessible Portaloo onsite.
If you require assistance to reach your seat, please ask a member of staff upon arrival.
If you require additional space or to be seated in a particular location (e.g. close to an exit), please notify the team ahead of time.
If you require subtitles, please contact us in advance of making your booking. Many of our screenings can accommodate subtitles; however, this varies depending on the film.
We want to make your visit as enjoyable as possible, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information about this venue’s accessibility.
Venue & Event Information
We cannot guarantee access before the stated doors time on your ticket, so advise you arrive as close to this time as possible.
Seating is provided at this event; however, we encourage guests to bring blankets and cushions if they wish to do so.
Due to licensing restrictions, bringing alcoholic drinks other than those purchased onsite into the Caves is prohibited. Guests are allowed to bring their own soft drinks, and these will also be available from the onsite bar.
Please do not consume food in the Caves.
It is highly recommended that all guests wear warm, sensible clothing, as the Caves are a relatively cool environment.
Any individuals behaving in an irresponsible, offensive, or disruptive manner during a screening will be removed from the venue. Please be respectful of others and of this historic space.
The Caves can be an intense environment, and may not be suitable for younger children regardless of a film’s individual rating. All children attending screenings must be accompanied by an adult.
FAQs
I have booked onto a pre-screening tour - what time should I arrive? If you are booked onto a pre-screening tour , please arrive 30 minutes before the stated doors time on your ticket. You will receive an email before your event with more information about what to expect from your tour.
Is seating provided at this event? Yes, seating is provided.
Can I bring my child to a screening in the Caves? Children are permitted at age-appropriate Caves screenings, but must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the event. As with all of our screenings, children will not be permitted into an event if they do not meet the film’s BBFC age rating (see ‘About the Film’ to check this). We also advise parents to exercise their own discretion, as the Caves can be an unusual and intense environment that may not be suitable for younger children, regardless of the film’s rating.
What should I wear to the screening? We recommend warm, weather-appropriate clothing for a screening at the Caves, as the Caves are naturally fairly cool and temperatures can vary throughout the day. We also encourage you to bring additional blankets and cushions if you wish!
I have a BuyAGift/Red Letter Days/other voucher. How do I redeem this for this event? Head to this page for more information about redeeming Gift Vouchers.
Is my ticket refundable? We operate a no-refunds policy; tickets may be exchanged for event credit to the same value of your ticket up to 48 hours before the start of an event. To request an event credit, please complete our event credit application.