Bolton International Film Festival proudly returns for its tenth edition from Wednesday 30 September to Sunday 4 October.
The BAFTA, BIFA and Grierson qualifying short film festival will showcase 305 short films, including 39 World, 22 European and 78 national premieres, selected from nearly 4,000 submissions. With filmmakers representing more than 120 countries, the programme reinforces Bolton International Film Festival's reputation as one of the premier events on the international short film circuit.
The anniversary programme brings together new work from emerging filmmakers and films by internationally recognised directors.
Kathryn Ferguson, whose acclaimed documentary “Nothing Compares” chronicled the life of Sinéad O'Connor, appears with her short film “Nostalgie”, while BAFTA-winning director Aneil Karia presents “VOTE GAVIN LYLE”. Australian filmmaker Nash Edgerton, renowned for his award-winning short films and feature work, also joins this year's line-up with “Candy Bar.”
The programme brings together an outstanding cast of established and emerging talent, with live-action and animated films featuring Jeremy Irons, Liv Tyler, James Cromwell, Maxine Peake, Christopher Eccleston, Rufus Sewell, Siobhan Finneran, Jack Lowden, Aidan Gillen, Ralph Ineson, Sally Phillips, Jason Watkins, Michael Smiley, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Nabhaan Rizwan and Ruth Codd.
Beyond the screen, the festival presents more than 25 industry events, with talks, masterclasses, networking and professional development for filmmakers.
Highlights include acclaimed documentary filmmaker Marc Isaacs, award-winning writer-director Naqqash Khalid, and Bolton School alumnus and acclaimed producer Andy Paterson, whose credits include “Girl with a Pearl Earring”, “The Railway Man” and “Hilary and Jackie”. BAFTA Breakthrough filmmaker Paul Sng will also appear in conversation with Mandy Chang, CEO of the Documentary Film Council and former Commissioning Editor of BBC Storyville.
Bolton International Film Festival has built its reputation by discovering and championing filmmakers at the beginning of their careers. Among those selected for the inaugural edition in 2017 were Chris Overton and Rachel Shenton, who went on to win the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film with “The Silent Child”. Ten editions later, they return with the £10,000 Slick Films Short Film Fund Pitch, giving emerging filmmakers the opportunity to bring their next projects to life. Previous recipient Jordon Scott Kennedy won the Slick Films Fund after pitching “Rocket Fuel” at Bolton Film Festival, and the completed film went on to receive a 2026 BAFTA Television Award nomination.
The tenth edition also welcomes the Northern Doc Pitch to Bolton International Film Festival for the first time. Now in its third year, the initiative supports documentary filmmakers from across the North, with two awards of £3,000 available. Together with the £10,000 Slick Films Short Film Fund Pitch, filmmakers will have the opportunity to secure £16,000 in funding during this year's festival.
Festival Director Adrian Barber, said:
“Reaching our tenth edition is an incredible milestone for the team, but what makes me proudest is seeing the filmmakers who began their journeys with us continue to achieve extraordinary success.
“Bolton International Film Festival has always been about discovering great talent early and creating opportunities that last beyond the festival itself. Whether that's through our industry programme, our pitch initiatives or simply introducing audiences to remarkable new voices - our aim is to help shape the future of filmmaking.”
With more than 300 films, 25+ industry talks and events, a 1:2:1 filmmaker market and new funding opportunities, the tenth edition reflects how Bolton International Film Festival has grown beyond a traditional film festival.
This year’s launch of the North West Producers Forum alongside a growing relationship with Bolton Film Office, strengthens the connections between the festival, the town and the wider regional screen industry. Together, these strands support a growing filmmaking community in Bolton and across the North West - establishing the town as a place where films are not only screened, but developed and made.
Cllr Debbie Newall, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, said:
“Film plays an important part in Bolton’s visitor economy as we continue to grow as cultural destination, through events such as the Bolton International Film Festival and encouraging filming in the borough.
“The festival offers filmmakers and enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to come together, and to celebrate our local and regional talent.
“It is wonderful to be able to welcome these filmmakers and enthusiasts alike to Bolton”.
Full programme, tickets and industry events: www.boltonfilmfestival.com
Bolton International Film Festival
Wed 30th Sept – Sun 4th Oct
The Light Cinema, Market Place, Bolton, BL1 2AL