The Paracinema Film Festival, Derby’s celebration of cult, horror, and genre cinema outside the mainstream, is returning to QUAD for the May bank holiday weekend from May 3rd through the 6th. Supported by the BFI with funds from the National Lottery, the festival offers movie fans a unique opportunity to experience offbeat and unconventional films on the big screen.
Paracinema has developed a devoted following by showcasing an eclectic lineup of features, shorts, and classics that defy conventions and explore the fringes of filmmaking. This year’s four-day event promises another diverse slate of horror, sci-fi, underground hits, and cult favorites rarely seen in theaters.
From chilling premieres to anniversaries of beloved genre classics, audiences can expect a curated weekend celebrating daring, imaginative visions in cinema. The festival provides an unparalleled chance to discover gems outside the Hollywood machine and celebrate movies that push creative boundaries.
With individual tickets and full festival passes available, Paracinema caters to both the cult film devotee and the casually curious viewer seeking to expand their cinematic horizons. QUAD serves as the perfect setting for this annual gathering of fans eager to collectively experience the weird, wonderful, and unorthodox on the big screen.
Festival Highlights
This year’s Paracinema has something for every cinematic taste, delivering a healthy dose of nostalgia while introducing fresh and innovative voices from the fringes. Kicking things off are a pair of classic screenings guaranteed to delight longtime fans. The landmark found-footage horror The Blair Witch Project celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special screening that will undoubtedly reignite the dread and mystery that made it a cultural phenomenon. Fans of gothic rock and cult musicals can also revel in the return of Repo: The Genetic Opera, brought back by the hugely popular Cult Film Club.
But Paracinema is just as dedicated to shining a light on bold new works. The festival’s British film day on Sunday, May 5th is a true embarrassment of riches for supporters of homegrown talent. The noir-thriller Burnt Flowers, the unnerving horror anthology The Pocket Film of Superstitions, the gritty Derbyshire-set crime drama Nothing Goes, and the dystopian mind-bender Interlopers will all make their case for being among the UK’s most exciting up-and-coming voices in cinema. Adding to the intrigue, the four directors will take part in a can’t-miss panel discussion diving into their work and the ups and downs of the British film industry.
Horror aficionados have plenty to sinktheir teeth into as well. The Activated Man brings together genre icons Kane Hodder and Tony Todd for a delightfully deranged and imaginative frightfest. Meanwhile, HP Lovecraft fans are in for a treat with a fresh adaptation of the chilling classic The Old Ones, proving that cosmic horror remains as unsettling as ever.
In a major coup for the festival, Paracinema will host the UK premiere of Earthbound, USA, a fascinating documentary that pulls back the curtain on the unlikely and controversial creation of the iconic video game Earthbound/Mother 2. This special screening offers a rare glimpse into an unsung chapter of gaming history.
As if the stacked film lineup wasn’t enough, Paracinema also delivers a host of enticing special events and programming. Sarah Appleton, director of the cult found-footage hit The Curse, will lead a talk digging into the popular genre’s history and impact. For those who have ever wondered about the countless Star Wars imitators that emerged after the 1977 classic, film historian Darrell Buxton’s panel on Star Wars “ripoffs” is sure to be an amusing exposé. And no Paracinema would be complete without the beloved and challenging quiz testing attendees’ knowledge of all things cult and obscure cinema.
Finally, the festival will showcase a trio of short film programs gathering some of the most exciting up-and-coming talents from around the world. From bite-sized horror to mind-bending sci-fi experiments, these curated showcases are the perfect opportunity to sample the next generation of filmmakers pushing boundaries.
“We’re really excited to welcome Paracinema back for another great year. We’d encourage all film fans to pop to QUAD during the May bank holiday to check out a film or two to broaden their movie horizons!”
“This year’s line-up for Paracinema is vibrant and varied, and with both individual tickets and passes available people can either dip their toe into the waters or take the splash and join us for all four days! We’ve got some fascinating movies that you’re not likely to see on the big screen elsewhere, and I can’t wait to get stuck in!”
– Festival coordinator Alex Davis
Ticket Information
For those looking to sample just a film or two from Paracinema’s enticing lineup, individual tickets will be available for each screening. However, the festival also offers passes for the true cult cinema diehards who want to immerse themselves in the full four-day experience.
Whether you opt for a single screening or the complete weekend pass, the process to get your tickets is simple. Visit https://paracinema.co.uk/ to browse the full schedule of films, events, and pricing information. From this website, you can conveniently select your preferred screenings or purchase your festival pass online.
Don’t miss your chance to partake in this annual celebration of daring, provocative, and unorthodox cinema. Head to https://paracinema.co.uk/ now to book your tickets and secure your spot for Derby’s one-of-a-kind Paracinema Film Festival!
About QUAD
Serving as the cultural heartbeat of Derby, QUAD is the city’s vibrant arts hub that has celebrated cutting-edge creativity across multiple disciplines since opening its doors in 2008. This multifaceted venue houses a three-screen cinema, an acclaimed contemporary art gallery, digital workshop spaces, and an award-winning cafe/bar.
Cinema remains one of QUAD’s core focusses, with its theaters providing a home for the latest independent and arthouse releases, as well as unique festivals like Paracinema. But the venue’s offerings extend well beyond film. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions by visual artists from around the world, while the workshop spaces nurture digital creativity through classes and resources.
In addition to Paracinema, QUAD organizers two other major annual festivals – FORMAT, one of the UK’s leading international photography festivals, and Derby Film Festival, shining a light on emerging filmmaking voices.
This wide array of programming cements QUAD’s reputation as Derby’s go-to destination for innovative, thought-provoking arts experiences that inspire and challenge audiences.
QUAD operates as a partnership between Derby City Council and Arts Council England, ensuring it remains an artistic center enriching the local community while achieving national and international acclaim.
