The biennial festival, themed 'Cary On The Go!', will transform Bristol into a hub for classic cinema and public engagement. It brings together screenings, talks, and events inspired by the life and career of Cary Grant, from his first appearance in Singapore Sue (1932) to his final film, Walk Don't Run (1966).
Hosted primarily at Bristol Megascreen, the festival aligns with Professor Crofts' research into film heritage, audience engagement, and screen tourism, highlighting Bristol's designation as a UNESCO City of Film.
Professor Crofts stated, “Cary Grant's story is inseparable from Bristol's story. Although he became one of the most recognisable faces in world cinema, he never forgot the city where he grew up as Archibald Leach. Cary Comes Home uses his remarkable career as a way of exploring Bristol's place within global film culture while creating opportunities for people to come together through a shared love of cinema. The festival combines classic Hollywood glamour with contemporary conversations about heritage, identity, representation and the power of film to connect communities.”
Beyond celebrating Grant's legacy, the festival supports Professor Crofts' research on activating film heritage through public engagement. This year's programme includes collaborations with film historians, community organisations, and academics, featuring a strand on Hollywood's representations of East and South East Asia through Grant's career, including Made on the Moon CIC.
The event also contributes to discussions about Bristol as a film city, showcasing its contemporary screen industries and rich cinematic heritage. Professor Crofts added, “As Bristol continues to develop its international profile as a UNESCO City of Film, it's important not only to celebrate new filmmaking but also to understand and reinterpret the histories that shaped our relationship with cinema. Cary Grant provides a unique lens through which to explore those connections. The festival brings together research, heritage, tourism, public engagement and cultural participation in a way that reflects the distinctive role universities can play within the cultural life of a city.”
The festival attracts visitors from across the UK and internationally, offering students and early-career researchers experience in cultural production and event management. UWE Bristol students will again support the festival through volunteering and work-based learning.
The programme features twelve screenings across three themed days, expert introductions, panel discussions, live music, community activities, and a special festival edition of Show of Strength's 'From Bristol to Hollywood' Cary Grant walking tour.
Founded in 2014 by Professor Charlotte Crofts, Cary Comes Home has become a significant part of Bristol's cultural calendar, exploring the life and legacy of one of cinema's most enduring stars.
For further information and tickets, visit: www.carycomeshome.co.uk.
