“Seeing the film over and over again, year after year, I find it never grows over-familiar. It plays like a favorite musical album; the more I know it, the more I like it”
DOORS: 18:45 | FILM STARTS 19:30
On 26th November 1942, Casablanca premiered at the Hollywood Theater, NYC. Exactly 80 years later, Bristol Film Festival invites you to join us for a special anniversary screening of one of the greatest films of all time.
For the first time since 2019, we are returning to the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) after its stunning renovation project. There will be live music and a welcome drink before the film, as well as an opportunity to explore the galleries and view the RWA’s 169 Annual Open Exhibition. After an introduction from Festival Director Owen Franklin, you can sit back and enjoy this timeless classic, which has been beautifully restored in time for this milestone anniversary.
About The Film
1942 | U | 102 mins
Humphrey Bogart stars as Rick, the owner of a nightclub in Casablanca during its Vichy France-Nazi occupation in the Second World War. He claims to be an apolitical man, but the chance arrival of his former lover Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and her resistance fighter husband forces Rick to consider his loyalties and confront his unresolved feelings for Ilsa.
About The Location
The RWA is Bristol’s oldest art gallery and the only Royal Academy of Art housed in its own purpose-built gallery in the UK. Each year we host gala screenings in this stunning venue, showing iconic Academy Award-winning films surrounded by the latest exhibition.
About Our Partners
This screening is hosted in partnership with Arbuthnot Latham and Hydes of Bristol
Arbuthnot Latham
Arbuthnot Latham was founded in 1833. It has evolved and grown over the years and today offers private and commercial banking and wealth management designed around you.
Hydes of Bristol
Hydes of Bristol is a privately owned estate agency in Clifton – Bristol’s most historic and beautiful neighbourhood. Established in 1988, they have over three decades’ worth of impeccable experience, assisting residents to sell their homes in Clifton and the surrounding areas. Their extensive portfolio embraces everything from period town houses and modern apartment blocks, to exquisite town and country residences - in addition, they excel at planning advice.
Watch The Official Trailer
Tickets
Bristol Film Festival’s Red Carpet Club is an opportunity for film-lovers to make the most of our events throughout the year.
Take advantage of advanced booking facilities, discounts on tickets and a range of benefits from our partners and supporters.
Find Out More
Getting Here
There is no visitor parking available at the venue - the closest available is on-street, pay-and-display parking in the surrounding area, as well as multi-storey car parks on Jacob’s Wells Road and Trenchard Street.
The RWA is close to several city centre bus routes - the 1, 2, 8, 9, 41, 42 and 43 all stop a short distance away on Queens Road. Clifton Down station is a 10-15 minute walk from the venue.
Wherever possible, we encourage walking the use of public transport when travelling to our events.
Accessibility
The RWA is an accessible venue; please let us know if you will require use of the lift to reach the upstairs gallery where the event will be taking place.
If you are attending an event as a carer for a disabled guest, then you are entitled to free access. Please select the relevant ticket and 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.
Please let us know if you require seating in a specific area (e.g. close to an exit, end of an aisle) or if you need us to provide wheelchair space.
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.
If you require subtitles, please contact us and we will arrange for a subtitled print of the film to be screened. Please give us as much advance notice as possible to ensure that we can arrange this.
Venue & Event Information
Doors for this event will open at 6:45PM (18:45) - we cannot guarantee access to the venue before this time, so recommend you arrive as close to this time as possible.
There will be a drinks reception and live music upon arrival, as well as the opportunity to view the 169 Open Exhibition. This lasts from 6:45-7:30PM, with the introduction to the film starting at 7:30PM.
Please do not consume food or drink purchased from off the premises during this event.
We strongly encourage all guests to take a lateral flow test before attending this event, for the safety of other guests and event staff.
FAQs
Can I buy food/drink at the venue? Yes - in addition to your welcome drink, we will be providing a limited range of drinks and snacks for purchase.
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.