This spooky season, families are being invited to pay a visit to the Watershed in Bristol and step into the mystical world of Lotte Reiniger. On 30 October, they’ll be screening a whole host of short fairy tale films from the pioneer of animated cinema, immersing visitors in magical tales of witches, fairies, and flying horses.
German film director Lotte Reiniger, a trailblazing forerunner in animated cinema, is known for her mesmerizing shadow puppet films. Her work has captivated audiences for generations with intricate details and timeless storytelling, often hailing from the Brothers Grimm.
As the evenings grow darker and Halloween approaches, there’s no better time to explore Reiniger’s atmospheric work.
The films on offer are:
- The Flying Horse
- The Sleeping Beauty
- Thumbelina
- The Grasshopper and theAnt
- Snow white and Red Rose
- Hänsel and Gretel
Spooky dress-up encouraged!
Following the screening, there’s also the chance to join in with a spooktacular family workshop and create your own bewitching stories and puppets, working with a mysterious moving light.
“If you love the world of Disney magic and fairytales, come and enjoy them in a way you’ve never seen before this spooky season at Watershed,” said Dáire from the Watershed. “Lotte Reiniger constructs beautiful and intricate shadow puppet films, creating the perfect entry to introduce children to the magic of cinema outside of what they may be used to seeing.
“Her films capture your imagination and transport you to fantastical lands opening your eyes to new stories and a style of cinema that is rarely seen anywhere else.
“The Watershed is a cultural organisation aiming to produce accessible and inclusive experiences that fire up the imagination. This is the perfect event this autumn to conjure up your kid’s creativity and explore Reiniger’s hidden worlds!”