William Shakespeare died 400 years ago, yet has inspired more films than any other writer. His influence on cinema has been profound, and in turn cinema has wholly transformed access to his work.

Every Sunday at noon throughout June, we’ll be screening classic film adaptations exploring the influence of the playwright’s life, work and legacy on cinema. From legendary German stage director Max Reinhardt and William Dieterle’s lavish 1935 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Sun 5 June); Roman Polanski’s anarchic, visceral no-holds-barred adaptation of Macbeth (Sun 12 June); Derek Jarman’s terrifically evocative, homoerotic adaptation of Shakespeare’s final play The Tempest (Sun 19 June); to Akira Kurosawa’s undoubted masterpiece Ran (Sun 26 June) and its famous interpretation of the Bard’s King Lear.

In addition to the Sunday Brunch screenings we also have a rare screening of 1917 silent film Amleto (Thu 23 June 18:00) with a live accompaniment and introduction by Film Historian Luke McKernan, presented in partnership with South West Silents. And in May we play host to a special screening of Henry V (Fri 27 May 18:15) followed by a satellite Q&A with one of Northern Ireland’s most acclaimed talents Kenneth Branagh broadcast live from Belfast’s Queen’s Film Theatre. Let's step once more into the breach, dear friends.

Explore Shakespeare in Bristol this summer with us and Bristol Shakespeare Festival - how many famous Bristol locations can you spot in this video?

Part of BFI presents Shakespeare on Film programme.

In collaboration with Bristol Shakespeare Festival.

Tickets: £6.50 full / £4.50 concessions and 24 and under. Sunday screenings ticket holders get £1.00 off meals over £7.00 in the Café/Bar on the same day with your ticket.

Image: Akira Kurosawa's Ran

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