Cannoli & Gun screen food-related films, curating pairings of cinema and cuisine at unique locations around Bristol: think 'The Silence Of The Lambs' at Rosemarino, with sage tagliatelle, chicken liver, fava beans and a nice Chianti on the menu. Clever, eh?
In an age where we're no longer content with a weekly trip to our local multiplex, we caught up Cannoli & Gun's Tim Popple to find out how it all began, what to look out for, and how this creative way of screening cinema has become so popular with the people of Bristol...
Who’s behind Cannoli & Gun?
I'm a certified cineast who eats and sleeps cinema (and have done both during films before...). I moved to Bristol six and a half years ago, and love the way it embraces film in all its forms; from the multiplexes to independent cinema and film clubs. I have two children who I'm slowly indoctrinating into the cult of cinema.
How did it all start?
After a year or two of really getting into Bristol's foodie scene, and Bristol's aforementioned love of cinema, I realised that the two things belonged together. One of those 'so obvious - why didn't I do it before?' things. So I started writing a list of food films. It's a long list...
Even the name ‘Cannoli & Gun’ is a clever movie reference – can you explain more?
I had originally chosen a much more prosaic name but, on reflection, wanted something a bit more unusual. Something that people would be drawn to either out of curiosity, or because they got the reference.
For those who don't recognise it, it's a reference to a scene in 'The Godfather' where prior to leaving to have Paulie Gatto killed for his betrayal of Vito Corleone (um, spoilers, I guess), Peter Clemenza's wife asked him not to forget to pick up the cannoli. After Rocco had killed Gatto, Clemenza returns to the car and says, 'leave the gun; take the cannoli', which was resting on the back seat. Rest assured, 'The Godfather' will be screened with cannoli at some point!
What’s been your favourite project to date?
The events have all been so diverse that it's hard to pick a favourite. 'When Harry Met Sally' was arguably the best pairing so far. And it's such an enjoyable film, that adding food is only going to make it even better. Especially when you could have what she's having.
What’s been the toughest?
Probably the first, 'Inglorious Basterds', at Stock Exchange. The unknown, the pressure of technical glitches ... but it was exhilarating and, since it all went smoothly, it was all the more satisfying!
All of your events sell out – what do you think Bristol loves so much about them?
Bristol loves film, and Bristol loves food - it was never not going to love the two together! When you look at the price of multiplex tickets and food, you're spending nearly £20 on just a ticket, drink and popcorn.
With Cannoli & Gun you're getting a classic film with great food that complements it for the same or less. And it's going to be a more memorable evening, too. Where else can you watch 'Aladdin' on the big screen with a Middle Eastern mezze feast?
Presumably the film comes first, but has there been anything else that's inspired you?
In the case of 'Aladdin', it was actually the venue that came first - Falafel King approached me and, once I saw the Khan Cavern downstairs, I knew I had to screen 'Aladdin' there. It really is a hidden gem, and more people need to know about it.
What preparation goes into each screening?
There's the usual advertising – posters, printed by the excellent folk at Minuteman Press – and making sure the website and social media is up to date. But there's also the liaising with venues to find the right date and the right food, for the right price. And Bristol has no shortage of great venues - just look at the recent Bristol Good Food Awards, and the wealth of variety available.
What do you love about Bristol’s alt-cinema scene?
This month, there's an initiative called Scalarama, which happens every September and aims to fill the land with cinema – there's a host of events and screenings all over the country, and Bristol has a great selection.
But the truth is, in Bristol we're lucky to have that variety every month. In any given week there's at least one alternative cinema option available, whether it's the Hellfire Video Club at the Cube, the Bristol Bad Film Club, Bristol Sunset Cinema's new outdoor screenings, or the oddities shown at seventyseven at the Arts House Café. Cinema in Bristol is thriving.
You’ve done everything from Disney films and rom-coms to thrillers and gangster classics… Are there any you think wouldn’t work?
When I told a friend I was screening 'The Silence Of The Lambs' with liver and fava beans, she thought I'd gone too far. But it sold out in three days, so I've put on a second event! But there are some that I wouldn't screen.
I considered 'Lady And The Tramp' with spaghetti, but truth be told the film just doesn't hold up that well. The film has to be great, and the venue has to fit. It's not enough to just find a film with food in it.
What does the future hold for Cannoli and Gun?
Other than 'The Silence Of The Lambs', we have a lighter option in November, with Mel Brooks' Star Wars spoof 'Spaceballs', showing at Crofter's Rights with pizza, shamelessly cashing in on the by-then near-feverish hype for the new Star Wars film.
After that, well, there's going to be a Christmas film, and then in 2016 we have some *very* exciting things planned. More comedy, something a little bit special, and a first birthday event too.
What would be your death-row meal and movie combo?
Well, this is grim ... I'd want to go out laughing and eating something tasty. I'm hesitant to say, because my answer would be the film planned for January! As they say, watch this space...
Cannoli & Gun
The next Cannoli & Gun screening – 'Goodfellas at Vincenzo's on September 21 – has already sold out. The next event where tickets are available is 'Silence of the Lambs' at Rosemarino on October 19. Tickets are available here.
Find more movie news and reviews here.