Conquest Returns In 4K As Fulci Classic Hits Forbidden Worlds

Bristol’s Forbidden Worlds Film Festival is set to host the UK premiere of a newly restored 4K edition of Conquest, bringing Lucio Fulci’s 1983 fantasy feature back to the big screen as part of this year’s programme dedicated to myth and legend.

The screening, scheduled for 26 April at the Bristol Megascreen, will present the film in a restoration courtesy of Minerva Pictures. Directed by Fulci, often associated with Italian horror, Conquest occupies a distinct position within his filmography, combining swords and sorcery imagery with the director’s established visual sensibilities. The story unfolds in a mythical realm where a young archer joins forces with a warrior to confront a sorceress who rules through violence and fear.

The restoration arrives with renewed attention on European genre cinema from the period, with the festival positioning the screening as part of a broader retrospective strand. Music for the film was composed by Claudio Simonetti of Goblin, whose work on Deep Red remains widely recognised within horror circles, while the cast includes Mexican actor Jorge Rivero.

Sharing the same day is the UK premiere of a 4K restoration of Star Knight, a 1985 Spanish production also known as The Knight of the Dragon. Directed by Fernando Colomo, the film blends medieval storytelling with science fiction, centring on an alien visitor mistaken for a mythical creature by a rural community. The production featured a reported high budget for Spanish cinema at the time and cast internationally recognised performers including Harvey Keitel and Klaus Kinski alongside Spanish singer Miguel Bosé.

Although Star Knight faced difficulties upon its original release, it has remained in circulation as a curiosity within European genre filmmaking. Its inclusion in the festival programme reflects ongoing interest in revisiting titles that fell outside mainstream success but have since developed a following.

Forbidden Worlds, launched in 2022, has established itself as a platform for repertory screenings of fantasy, horror and science fiction cinema. The event utilises the former IMAX venue in Bristol, now operating as the Megascreen, to showcase restored prints and archival presentations. Previous editions have incorporated introductions from filmmakers including James Cameron and Guillermo del Toro, highlighting the festival’s connection to both contemporary and legacy figures in the industry.

This year’s line-up extends beyond the premieres of Conquest and Star Knight, with additional screenings including Excalibur, Highlander, The Brotherhood of the Wolf, The Clan of the Cave Bear, The Legend of the 8 Samurai, Fire and Ice and Clash of the Titans. Guest appearances are also scheduled, with actor Beatie Edney attending a screening of Highlander, alongside contributions from the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation.

The festival runs from 23 to 26 April, with the UK premieres of Conquest and Star Knight forming part of its closing weekend programme. For more information and to get tickets, visit: forbiddenworldsfilmfestival.co.uk/2026