FILM SCREENING: The Fantasy of Deer Warrior

Waltham Forest Cinema Project in collaboration with Queer East showcase a decadent Taiwanese queer fantasy from 1961, fit for the twenty first century furry in your life (dressing up optional!). 

Actors dress up as animals in this inventive Taiwanese curiosity from 1961, in which the happy lives of the forest creatures are shaken when a pack of wolves suddenly attacks. Amidst this threat, the Sika Deer is busy fighting with the Elk for the love of the demure Miss Deer, which arouses the jealousy of the manipulative Foxy. Apparently intended as a children’s film, The Fantasy of Deer Warrior now has queer camp appeal for its animal cosplay, while some viewers have sensed political undertones. Is it anti-communist? Anti-nationalist? Or just an ingeniously designed and costumed adventure? Whimsically incorporating elements from Aesop’s Fables, Zhang Ying’s film is a uniquely imaginative gem.

We will be running a bar during the event with beers and wines from Waltham Forest suppliers Gravity Well Brewing and Renegade Wines. Soft drinks also available. We will also be selling tajín popcorn and other snacks.

With the support of Good Shepherd Studios volunteers, staff and community, we are able to offer some free tickets to each cinema screening. These are 'pay what you can' tickets, no questions asked.

Good Shepherd Studios is able to provide step free access. Please select the option during check out if you require this. Please message us if you have any queries about access and we will do what's possible to accommodate any needs you have.

The Fantasy of Deer Warrior has an advised 12A certificate. The Fantasy of Deer Warrior (大俠梅花鹿) / Directed by Zhang Ying / Taiwan / 87 mins