Programme 2026

The full 2026 programme is now live, featuring our biggest and most ambitious line‑up to date. Across four days, audiences can explore an expanded selection of short films, features, documentaries, music videos, Q&As, workshops and masterclasses — all presented across our three fully equipped festival venues.

Discover bold new voices, award‑winning international cinema and a diverse range of stories from emerging and established filmmakers.

View the full programme and plan your festival experience:
Explore the 2026 Programme

Emma Crompton
Inside The Casting Room

What really happens inside the casting room? Acting coach and former casting director Emma Crompton lifts the lid on the realities of casting from both sides of the table. Explore how filmmakers should approach casting directors, what they're looking for in auditions, and how actors can prepare, present themselves, and make confident, informed choices. A practical, honest session designed to deepen understanding between filmmakers and performers and demystify a critical part of the industry,

Book your place

Story Pitching
With the Festival Judges

Unlock the secrets to crafting a compelling screenplay
with our esteemed panel of festival judges. Whether
you have a brilliant idea for a new film or need help refining
your story, this workshop is for you. Learn what
makes a film resonate with audiences, the industry,
and festivals. Pitch your stories and ideas to the panel
and receive constructive feedback to help you on your
writing journey. This is a unique opportunity to gain
valuable insights from industry experts!

Book your place

Rebecca Rose
Get it made!

Discover how to launch your filmmaking career with award‑winning producer‑director Rebecca Rose, creator of the The Removed, starring Georgie Glen and this year's Official Selection, Grain. Drawing from her own path from early projects to acclaimed festival success, Rebecca will share practical, honest guidance on making your first films count. From shaping your creative voice to building the right team and navigating the festival landscape, this session is packed with insights for emerging filmmakers ready to take their next step. An essential talk for anyone looking to turn ambition into action.

Book your place

The Life of a Stunt Person
Ryan Green

The coast's own stunt performer Ryan Green, whose credits include 1917, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, House of the Dragon, Star Wars and The Marvels, shares how he broke into the stunt industry from the Fylde Coast and what life on set is really like. From the training and teamwork behind major productions to the challenges of performing high-risk sequences. Ryan offers an inspiring look at the craft and commitment that drive screen action.

Book your place

Will Jewell
Films that land

How do you create stories with impact? And how do you get them funded! Bafta-winning filmmaker, Will Jewell share his insider knowledge on how to craft narratives that resonate with both filmmaker and audience and how to navigate the world of funding. Will's award-winning Wired continues to dominate the circuit and his latest film, The Healer, screens as part of this year's festival. For anyone looking to break into the industry and to get their work seen, this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear from a filmmaker leading the way in independent cinema.

Book your place

Hands-On Horror FX
Jayson Barnard

Step inside the world of practical horror effects with Jayson Barnard of Horror Craft UK. In this hands-on session, Jayson demonstrates how to create prosthetics, build severed limbs, and achieve convincing gore on a budget. From materials and moulding to application and on-set tricks, this workshop offers an accessible look at the craft behind low-cost, high impact horror visuals. Ideal for filmmakers trying to elevate their practical effects skills.

Book your place