CHELTENHAM FILM FESTIVAL
Founded 2019 — Inspiring Audiences, Supporting Filmmakers, and Engaging Communities
FROM THE WORLD TO CHELTENHAM
A Celebration of Film and the Moving Image
Founded in 2019 as Cheltenham International Film Festival, we have grown into a respected cultural fixture that brings world cinema to Cheltenham and connects filmmakers, audiences, and industry guests. From premieres to conversations with award-winning talent, the Festival has become a platform for creativity and discovery. Now operating as Cheltenham Film Festival, our streamlined name reflects how we are recognised by both the public and the film industry alike, standing alongside Cheltenham’s other festivals of culture – Music, Jazz, Literature and Poetry.
UNPLUGGED
Taking Film to the Heart of the Community
The curtain has fallen on Cheltenham International Film Festival 2025, but the energy lives on. This year’s Festival brought audiences together under a bold new banner — Unplugged — a programme created to take film beyond traditional screens and into the heart of the community. Through events in theatres, schools, cinemas, church halls, pubs, and more, we inspired, encouraged, and connected people to film wherever they gather.
CINEYOUTH
Educate. Inform. Entertain. Inspire.
Our year-round CineYouth programme builds on the Festival’s mission to educate, inform, entertain — and inspire a new generation of cinema lovers and filmmakers. Through screenings, workshops, and mentoring, CineYouth opens doors for young people to experience the art of film, both for pleasure and as a potential career. It’s about developing young audiences for the culture of cinema, discovering stories, developing skills, and shaping the future of film — one young voice at a time.
THE MOVING IMAGE
Expanding the Story
While the Festival remains our flagship event, we are evolving with exciting new projects for 2026 and beyond — from anniversary screenings to film-and-music collaborations and appearances by leading filmmakers. Our commitment to community, creativity, and cinematic excellence continues year-round through Cheltenham Film Festival Plus, expanding our programme across all areas of the moving image.
SUPPORT US
Now in its seventh year, Cheltenham International Film Festival has screened hundreds of films and hosted some of the UK’s most celebrated guests — enriching the town’s cultural life and putting Cheltenham on the international cinema map. Your support helps us bring world-class cinema, celebrated guests, and lively events to our community, while nurturing the next generation of film lovers and creators.
ARCHIVE
Over the years, we’ve brought unforgettable moments to Cheltenham through film screenings, live events, celebrity appearances, and more. Take a journey through our past film festivals with our Archive and relive some of the highlights.
PREVIOUS CELEBRITY GUESTS
Dame Judi Dench
Simon Pegg
Stephen Frears
Mike Leigh
Ken Loach
Timothy Spall
Steven Berkoff
Monica Dolan
Carol Morley
Alice Lowe
Terry Gilliam
Patricia Hodge
Lulu
Josie Rourke
Tony Palmer
Stephen Cookson
Note: Cheltenham Film Festival is the trading name of Cheltenham International Film Festival. We are not affiliated with any other organisation using a similar name. Cheltenham Film Festival™ is a pending UK trademark. The name is used in good faith as part of our ongoing brand identity and programming. All rights reserved.