Film

BRAM STOKER: FATHER OF DRACULA – Documentary + Q&A

His story has remained largely untold—until now.

Every legend has a creator. Every monster has a father. 

For more than a century, Dracula has stalked the imagination of the world. Since its  publication in 1897, Dracula has become one of the most successful novels in literary  history. Never out of print, translated into more than thirty languages, and sold in over one  hundred and twenty countries, the story of the mysterious Count has captivated  generations of readers and inspired countless films, television series, stage productions,  and works of popular culture.

Today, Count Dracula stands among the most famous fictional characters ever created.  But who was the man behind the legend? 

Despite creating one of the most influential novels ever written, Bram Stoker remains one  of literature’s great enigmas. He left no autobiography and remarkably little first-hand  testimony about his life. Overshadowed by the very character he created, Stoker has  become a shadowy figure in literary history—a man known across the world, yet  understood by very few. 

Edited and directed by IFTA-nominated award-winning filmmaker Jason Figgis and written  by best-selling authors John West and Dacre Stoker – great grand nephew of Bram Stoker,  this compelling documentary journeys deep into the life, inspirations, and hidden  obsessions of the creator of the world’s most famous vampire. 

Drawing upon private journals, personal notes, rare historical documents, and the  recollections of those who knew him, Father of Dracula pieces together the fascinating  story of the dreamer, the writer, and the visionary who gave birth to an immortal legend. 

More than a century after Dracula first emerged from the shadows, the man who created  him finally steps into the light. 

Bram Stoker: Father of Dracula 

The story of the dreamer who created the Prince of Darkness.

Wed 28 October 2026

Doors: 7pm; Starts: 7.30pm

Tickets: £10

Featuring rare period imagery and expert historical research, the documentary explores: 

  • Stoker’s mysterious childhood illness and remarkable recovery 
  • His student years in Dublin 
  • His celebrated career as theatre manager to the legendary Sir Henry Irving at London’s  Lyceum Theatre 
  • The creation of Dracula and the origins of the infamous Count 
  • The folklore, ghost stories, occult traditions, historical figures, and forgotten legends that  helped shape the world’s most famous vampire

Through rare archival material, forgotten documents, and the insights of Bram Stoker’s  own descendant, this documentary reveals how an Irish dreamer transformed ancient  fears, folklore, and imagination into a literary masterpiece that would change popular  culture forever.

“The definitive portrait of Dracula’s creator. Illuminating, heartfelt and essential. Jason Figgis’ loving, meticulous study gives the father of Dracula the tribute he has always deserved.”
Nige Burton • Editor, Classic Monsters of the Movies
 
“The many strands of the origin of Dracula prove to be almost as fascinating and compelling as Dracula itself.”
Stephen Volk • Creator of Ghostwatch and Gothic
 
“Exquisite visuals and atmosphere. The richly researched script captivates, informs and delivers abundant insights into the worlds of writing, theatre and commerce.”
Victor Merriman • Emeritus Professor in Drama
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