Some big events in Bath have sadly had to be postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis, but it’s been confirmed – the FilmBath 2020 festival is going ahead!

Formerly known as the Bath Film Festival, the event is now in its 30th year. Taking place from 13th-17th November, the hugely popular FilmBath Festival will focus all of its efforts on screenings at the fabulous Green Park Station. 

A unique pop-up cinema will be created just for the festival, using a 23-foot inflatable screen and a high-end cinema projector. 

Organisers are aiming to make the event as ‘COVID-secure’ as possible, implementing a number of measures so that the event can go ahead safely. Green Park Station should be the ideal venue for this. The former railway station, first opened in 1870, is covered with a roof and enclosed on three sides. But crucially, it’s open at one end so plenty of fresh air can circulate. 

Other COVID-related safety measures will include socially distanced seating, and extra sanitisation in all parts of the venue. Audience members will be given a fully sanitised radio and headphones to ensure all audio is crystal clear. Groups of over 6 people will not be able to book tickets, in line with government coronavirus rules. 

Film screenings – what’s on? 

There will be a total of 19 films screened during this year’s FilmBath Festival, including:

• Nomadland – Friday 13th November, 6pm & 8pm

Directed by Chloé Zhao and starring Oscar-winning actor Frances McDormand, Nomadland is being tipped as an Academy Awards frontrunner itself. It’s been described as “A unique portrait of outsider existence” by The Hollywood Reporter. 

• Miss Juneteenth – Saturday 14th November, 6pm 

The debut film from director Channing Godfrey Peoples’ takes a refreshingly unpredictable approach to portraying mother/daughter conflict, in what the Rolling Stone describes as ‘’A keenly observant and emotionally resonant debut film that feels authentically lived in’.

• Supernova – Tuesday 17th November, 6pm 

An intimate and heart-breaking British film, Supernova features standout performances from Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci – starring as a couple trying to cope with the devastating effects of early-onset dementia. 

What’s more, the festival will feature special screenings and Q&A events with film directors. 

There’s also an online event planned, called AMPLIFY! Launching on 6th November, at least 50% of the global films screened during the digital film festival will be directed by women.  

Film buffs – plan your visit

If you plan to visit Bath for the FilmBath Festival 2020, the first thing to do is head to the organiser’s website to check out the schedule. From here, you can see full film details, view trailers and book your tickets. They cost from £12 for a standard ticket, but £6 concessions are also available. 

When heading to Green Park Station for your screening, bring along your face mask to wear as you find your seat and during the screening. 

And make sure you book your accommodation as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! Our Green Park Garden Apartment is just next door to the pop-up cinema, but there are also plenty of other beautiful city centre apartments to choose from – take a look here.