Join Encounters Film Festival for a truly special opening night as we celebrate 30 years of bold storytelling with two of cinema’s most visionary artists.
Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman – the creative minds behind groundbreaking films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Being John Malkovich, and The Science of Sleep – reunite on stage for an intimate conversation with Anna Higgs about their extraordinary careers, creative process, and the experimental spirit that has inspired generations of filmmakers.
Following the on-stage discussion, they’ll present a special screening of their beloved masterpiece Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on the big screen.
This landmark evening kicks off encounters Film Festival’s 30th edition, celebrating three decades of championing emerging talent and fearless artistic vision in film and animation.
Presented by Encounters Film Festival
Format: Reserved seating
Age: 15+
Film contains strong language, sex references, drug use and brief nudity
Performance times
Doors: 18.30
Start: 19.00
Charlie Kaufman & Michel Gondry: 19.10
Interval: 19.55
Film starts: 20.10
Finish: 22.30
All timings are approximate and subject to change
a love story that’s impossible to forget
The Guardian
Last and First Men by Neon Dance
As part of Encounters Film Festival, we will also be hosting: Last and First Men by Neon Dance – a one-of-a-kind live event fusing music, film and dance in it’s UK premiere. This is the only chance to experience this extraordinary performance with live music in the UK.
About Beacon Hall
Our new flagship venue at Bristol Beacon
View Beacon Hall
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View Beacon Hall
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Seating plans
Seating plans
Beacon Hall has three levels that can be used in a seated or standing format. View seating plans, auditorium entrances and exits and accessible viewing areas.
Venue information
Venue information
Take a closer look at our beautifully restored venue, see what’s on and view detailed information about the performance space.
The venue
Beacon Hall
at Bristol Beacon
Getting to the venue
Location: Beacon Hall is located within Bristol Beacon. Head to Level 1 and follow signs to find the auditorium.
Address: Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
Bicycle
Bicycle racks can be found in front of the main entrance on Trenchard Street, Colston Street, and on the city centre promenade. Find your nearest cycle routes using Cycle Planner.
Car parking
Trenchard Street multi-storey car park is 200m away, directly behind Bristol Beacon.
Bristol Clean Air Zone
Bristol Beacon is inside the Bristol Clean Air Zone. Check if your vehicle will be charged and how much you’ll have to pay.
Bus
Most bus services stop in and around the city centre promenade, 250m from Bristol Beacon.
Access
Mobility
Spaces for wheelchair users are in:
- row S in the centre of the rear Stalls (10 spaces)
- row Z in the left and right wings at the back of Lower Tier (4 spaces, 2 on each side),
- row Z on the right only at the back of Upper Tier (2 spaces)
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs and emotional support animals are allowed in the performance space. Seats in row F are most suitable. If you prefer, you can leave your animal with a member of staff during the performance.
Hearing Facility
A Sennheiser MobileConnect assistive listening system is installed in the venue. Download the free App and use your own mobile device and headphones to listen to the performance. (Devices are available on request.)
Eat & Drink
Eat & Drink
We’ve got plenty of places for you to relax and refill. From coffee and cake, to delicious sharing boards, to full menus.
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