“This film demonstrates how an artwork made in time and from time can offer a glimpse into eternity”
CINEMA DOORS: 14:30 | FILM BEGINS: 14:40
Join Bristol Film Festival at Clifton Summer Screenings!
Taking place in the beautiful Mall Gardens in the heart of Clifton Village, this is outdoor cinema with a twist. With covered seating, a state-of-the-art LED screen and wireless headphones, enjoy your film come rain or shine - this is an outdoor experience that’s not to be missed.
We’re delighted to present a rare public screening of The Mystery Of Picasso. Henri-Georges Clouzot’s innovative technique of filming Picasso painting on a semi-transparent surface allowed him to create magical stop-motion animations of the artist’s creations; hailed as one of the all-time great art documentaries, the French government declared it a national treasure in 1984.
The screening will be introduced by a brief talk from local art experts The Hidden Gallery, discussing Picasso’s work and life. They say:
“The Mystery of Picasso is an extraordinary film that highlights the genius of Picasso's creative process. An instinctive draughtsman, he once said that "I begin with an idea and then it becomes something else". Following an idea across multiple images and watching it develop was a key element of his work as an artist, and nowhere is this more true than in his prints. Each printmaking technique - whether it was etching, lithography or linocut - offers its own technical demands that he subverted and overcame, creating beautiful and startling images in the process. At Hidden we're honoured to exhibit a wide variety of his graphic work, demonstrating the extraordinary scope of his career and the visual daring that made him the 20th century's most influential artist. He put everything into his prints and there's an incredible tale to tell.”
About The Film
1956 | U | 81 mins
In 1955, director Henri-Georges Clouzot joined forces with his friend Picasso to make an entirely new kind of art film "a film that could capture the moment and the mystery of creativity." Devising a unique filming set-up, Clouzot thus captured a perfect reverse image of Picasso's brushstrokes and the motion picture screen itself becomes the artist's canvas. Here, the master creates, and sometimes obliterates, 20 works (most of them, in fact, destroyed after the shoot), ranging from playful black-and-white sketches to Cinemascope color murals "artworks which evolve in minutes through the magic of stop-motion animation. Unavailable for more than a decade, The Mystery of Picasso is exhilarating, mesmerizing, enchanting and unforgettable.
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EVENT INFORMATION
Getting Here
The Mall Gardens is located in the centre of Clifton Village, just off The Mall.
The main entrance to the venue is on Caledonia Place (opposite The Ivy Brasserie)
Parking in Clifton Village is limited and subject to restrictions.
Buses 8 & 9 both stop in Clifton Village, a short walk from the Observatory. The nearest train station is Clifton Down.
Wherever possible, we encourage walking the use of public transport when travelling to our events.
FAQs
Accessibility
The Mall Gardens Clifton has an alternative entrance for those who require level access. Please contact us directly for further instructions about how to access this.
Whilst the site is flat, some areas may be uneven, or have grass or matting underfoot
If you require a designated wheelchair space please let us know in advance.
If you are attending an event as a registered carer for a disabled guest, please bring appropriate proof of eligibility such as proof of blue badge, access card, cinema for all card, letter from a professional or evidence of DLA/PIP. If you are uncertain, please contact us.
A wheelchair-accessible toilet will be available at the event.
Headphones: this event requires wireless headsets to be used during the film. If you are concerned about this, please get in contact for further detail.
Subtitles: please contact us if you require a film to be screened with subtitles. Many of our screenings can accommodate subtitles; however this varies depending on the film.
Event Information
Cinema Opens: 14:30
Film Starts: 14:40
Approx. End Time: 16:15
The gardens and garden bar are open to ticketholders throughout the day. Please note: access to The Garden Bar may be restricted after your screening.