About



A Celebration of Film and the Moving Image
Cheltenham International Film Festival, now Cheltenham Film Festival, has quickly become a leading cultural fixture, celebrating the art and power of cinema. Each year, the Festival brings together filmmakers, audiences, and industry guests from around the world for screenings, conversations, and special events that inspire creativity and community.
From its earliest editions featuring acclaimed guests such as Dame Judi Dench, Ken Loach, Sir Stephen Frears, and Timothy Spall, the Festival has built a reputation for curating outstanding independent and international films alongside thought-provoking discussions.
In 2025, the Festival launched Unplugged — taking film beyond traditional venues and into theatres, schools, churches, and pubs across Gloucestershire — and expanded CineYouth, its year-round initiative to engage and inspire young people through education, mentoring, and hands-on filmmaking.
Now evolving under its streamlined title, Cheltenham Film Festival remains committed to accessibility, inclusivity, and cinematic excellence. Whether through premieres, community screenings, or youth workshops, the Festival continues to open doors for audiences and filmmakers alike — making Cheltenham a home for film lovers and a platform for the next generation of talent.