Welcome

Cheltenham International Film Festival

Cheltenham International Film Festival brings together filmmakers, guest celebrities, emerging talent and audiences to celebrate the best in world cinema: premieres, previews, features, shorts, films by legendary and emerging directors, anniversary films, live events and more. Every year we add to our programme; television, comedy and in 2025 music in film.

We also organise a series of film screenings and live events throughout the year. To keep updated, go to our news page or sign up to our newsletter.

MEXICAN CINEMA FIESTA

Our Country in Focus for 2025 is Mexico – a hotbed of celebrated directors. Between 2013 and 2018, Guillermo del Toro, Alejandro González Iñárritu and Alfonso Cuaron, between them, won five Oscars for Best Director. We shall present the best of new Mexican cinema and the classics, with special guests.

‘ECHOES OF THE OSCARS’

A concert of Oscar-winning and nominated film music.

Saturday 20th September 2025 7pm
Princess Elizabeth Hall, Cheltenham Ladies College

Cheltenham International Film Festival is always evolving, bringing fresh and exciting elements to our programme each year. In 2025, we launch Music in Film as a brand-new strand for our audiences to explore and enjoy. 

NEWS

Stay up to date with the latest from Cheltenham International Film Festival on our News page. Throughout the year, we will host film screenings, live events, and offer early ticket sales for special performances—such as Chinese New Year Special: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Don’t miss out—click here for updates!

SUPPORT US

As a charity, we rely on the generous support of our community to help us to fulfil our mission of translating creative and artistic values into meaningful social and economic benefits for Cheltenham. Whether you would like to join us as a Friend, Community Partner, or Sponsor, your support makes a difference. Click here to learn how.

CINEYOUTH

CineYouth was created by Cheltenham International Film Festival to inspire and connect with young people in our community. In partnership with local education authorities, we introduce the culture of cinema and the delight of collective viewing to new audiences, while encouraging young people to engage with the art of filmmaking.

SUBMIT YOUR FILM

If you would like to submit a film – feature or short, narrative or documentary – for consideration by Cheltenham International Film Festival 2025, you are invited to go direct to our page on FilmFreeway to make your submission.

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.

OUR Guests

Dame Judi Dench

Simon Pegg

Stephen Frears

Mike Leigh

Ken Loach

Timothy Spall

Steven Berkoff

Monica Dolan

Carol Morley

Alice Lowe

Jan Komasa

Patricia Hodge

Lulu

Josie Rourke

Tony Palmer

Stephen Cookson

Win £25,000

…and support the Festival by playing the Cheltenham Borough Council Lottery