Comics Come Alive
Cinema Rediscovered 2026
Over the past few decades, the mainstream cinema has been dominated by America’s DC and Marvel Comics movie franchises. So, it was something of pleasant surprise to discover the source material of Mario Bava’s recently restored 1968 film Danger: Diabolik.
Born in Milan in the 1920s, the Giussani sisters, Angela and Luciana, struck an unconventional pair. It was the eldest sister Angela who married into a publishing dynasty and whose entrepreneurial spirit led her to break out on her own. Noticing that Milanese commuters were reading the popular French comic Fantômas on their train journeys, she developed her own pocket-sized comic-book character, Diabolik, and, with the help of her sister, created a publishing phenomenon which spawned films and TV series and is still published and popular across the world.
Comics Come Alive brings together a selection of live-action film adaptations from a range of alternative comic-book sources - some may be familiar and hopefully some will surprise.
This strand is part Other Ways of Seeing, an initiative supported by BFI awarding funds from National Lottery.
Upcoming screenings & events in this season
Danger: Diabolik Hotline + Meet the Giussani Sisters
Comics Come Alive
Relationship trouble? Choosing dinner? Look out for our Danger: Diabolik Hotline. Dial for Diabolik: the suave super-villain from the Giussani sisters’ camp 1960’s comic. To join in, find the phone booth in Watershed’s Café & Bar and ask for counsel from our very own agony-aunt. Warning - follow his advice at your own risk!
UK Premiere: Danger Diabolik
classified 12ASubtitled screening
Based on an iconic Italian comic, Mario Bava’s stylish cult classic has been an inspiration to many from the Beastie Boys to acclaimed British filmmaker Edgar Wright, who will present a pre-recorded introduction to the film.
Josie and the Pussycats Pre-show Craft & Chat
Comics Come Alive
Join in a Chat & Craft drop-in workshop facilitated by Watershed's Cressida Williams.
Josie & The Pussycats
classified PG Comics Come Alive
Beneath the glitter and pop lies a razor-sharp critique of corporate manipulation and manufactured fame, way ahead of its time. Gather your friends, cats and kitties and join Party Girl Productions to celebrate this classic on its 25thanniversary.
Ghost World
classified 15 Comics Come Alive
Break-out roles from Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson, and also starring Steve Buscemi, this cult classic adapted from Daniel Clowes’ graphic novel remains a sharp, funny, and deeply relatable portrait of youth, identity, and not fitting in.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
classified 12A Comics Come Alive
A twentysomething aspiring musician’s romantic life takes a dramatic turn when he meets the (literal) girl of his dreams, Ramona. Brace yourself for Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz)’s high energy adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s cult comic book.
Oldboy
classified 18Subtitled screening
Comic book Japanese style with a Korean twist: the Oldboy manga is brought to screen by maestro Park Chan-wook, a masterpiece of visceral violent vengeance.
American Splendor
classified 15 Comics Come Alive
Real comic-book artist Harvey Pekar is brought to cinematic life in this sweet, funny and off-kilter take on his highly idiosyncratic, autobiographical work.
Modesty Blaise
classified 12 Comics Come Alive
Joseph Losey’s screen adaptation of the 1960s British comic strip Modesty Blaise is a camp, star-studded pop-art romp that brilliantly satirises the Bond-mania of the time.
Individual events and screenings unless otherwise stated:
£12.00 full (plus 12% booking fee*)
£9.50 concessions / Refugees and Asylum Seekers (plus 12% booking fee*)
£6.50 24 or under (plus 12% booking fee*)
Concessions apply to Full Time Students, Job Seekers Allowance and Employment Support Allowance, 66+ who have retired, Equity and BECTU members and disabled people. Where applicable please produce proof of eligibility when collecting a ticket.
*Booking fee applies to online and phone booking only.
Complimentary tickets are available for Personal Assistants accompanying customers who are Deaf / Disabled and can be booked through the Box Office, or online after joining our Access Register.
Cinema Rediscovered Festival Pass
The Cinema Rediscovered Pass allows you to select from 60+ Cinema Rediscovered screenings and events between Wed 22 - Sun 26 July. Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply. Buy your Pass here. Pass holders get 25% off monthly or annual subscriptions to streaming platform Cinelogue.
Pass prices: £130 full / £100 concessions / £80 24 and under.
Multi-Ticket Package Offer
Get 15% off the regular ticket price when you book 4-10 Cinema Rediscovered screenings and/or events. The discount will automatically apply when you add the tickets to your basket.
Club Shed members get 15% off all individual Cinema Rediscovered tickets.
All Cinema Rediscovered Pass and ticket holders can get 20% off any 6 O'Clock Gin & Tonic (including Watershed’s very own) at the Café & Bar and Undershed Bar during the Festival. Pass and ticket holders can also enjoy 20% off Wiper and True draught products after 20:00 at the Café & Bar and Undershed Bar during the Festival.
Please note: the Cinema Walks, Projection Tours, Improv Workshops, Family Workshops and the Film Quiz are excluded from the Pass and Package.