People from Amsterdam like to live dangerously. As if they weren’t content with living their whole lives practically under sea level, they’re even prepared to spend part of their leisure time underwater amongst fish and weird sea creatures, as long as they keep their feet dry. Well at least on Saturday October 29th, when Rocket Cinema dives between the electric eels and basking sharks in the monumental Aquarium building.

Written by Angela Tabak

Inspired by this year’s theme ‘Adventure’, DJ collective Quartier Mustache accompany Baron Prasil (Karel Zeman, CH, 1961) on a voyage from the surface of the moon to the belly of a whale and back in the opulent surroundings of this 19th Century underwater paradise. Baron Prasil is a surreal interpretation of the adventures of Baron Munchausen and tells the story of his travels and exploits in an imaginative style that can best be described as a combination of animation and collage which must have been an inspiration for Terry Gilliam in his work for Monty Python – the similarities are uncanny.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, take a plunge and enjoy the soundwaves as Dirk Diggler battles with The Creature From The Black Lagoon (USA, 1954). Inspired by the myth of half-man, half-fish creatures living in the depths of the Amazon, Jack Arnold directed this cult monster movie, terrorizing millions of teenagers at drive-ins all over America in the ‘50s.

It’s a familiar storyline; prehistoric mutant living in an inhabited part of the world is discovered by hunters, falls in love with and kidnaps beautiful girl. No big deal. But in the darkness of the Aquarium, with a slithery monster lurking in the shadows, we guarantee that no-one will dare to go to the bathroom halfway into the film.

Ever wanted to have a stab at making a film soundtrack? Now’s your chance.

Celebrating the 150th birthday of French cinematic pioneer Georges Melies, Rocket Cinema challenges DJs, musicians and all other wannabe-soundtrack-makers to jump in at the deep end and make a musical backing track for 2 of Melies’ shorts: The Mermaid (1904, 5 min.) and 20.000 Leagues under the Sea (1907, 10 min.).

Send an email to [email protected] for your own 15 minutes of fame.

BLEND Magazine and Rocket Cinema are giving away 2×2 tickets for The Creature from the Black Lagoon on the 29th of October. Post a comment below and tell us about your favorite movie classic. First come, first serve.

Angela Tabak is Assistent Producer for Paradiso. For the coming weeks she will report on the events around Rocket Cinema Festival. A Movie festival celebrating old classics in a new style, starting October 28th in Amsterdam.

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Rocket Cinema