Bolton International Film Festival returns for its eighth edition

The BAFTA and BIFA accredited short film festival, which is proudly sponsored by Bolton Council, will showcase 300 short films, including 34 world premieres, 10 European and 61 national premieres, cementing its reputation as one of the leading events on the festival circuit.

Film enthusiasts are invited to The Light Cinema in Bolton to experience the latest works from some of the world’s most exciting emerging filmmakers.

After each screening, ticket holders will have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and engage with an industry programme featuring insights from highly respected figures from the film and television industry.

There will also be a special headline event with Oscar winners, Chris Overton and Rachel Shenton (All Creatures Great and Small) returning to Bolton with The Slick Films Pitch, a live competition where five film teams will pitch their projects to a panel of industry experts for a chance to win a £10,000 prize.

This year’s festival boasts an exceptional line-up of speakers:

• Sean McAllister: BAFTA-nominated and Sundance-winning documentary filmmaker, known for pushing the boundaries of documentary filmmaking with works such as Working for the Enemy, The Minders, The Liberace of Baghdad, and Japan: A Story of Love and Hate.

• Mick Audsley: Renowned British film and television editor with over thirty film credits, including The Personal History of David Copperfield, Murder on the Orient Express, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Twelve Monkeys.
• Jack Thomas-O’Brien (Producer, Sixteen Films) and Laura Carreira (Director) will share insights on overcoming the challenges of making Laura’s debut feature On Falling, which will premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
• Amy O’Hara: Film 4 Development Exec will be in conversation with Grammy and Grierson award-nominated filmmaker Dylan Southern.
• BBC Development Executive Simon Nelson will share advice on writing for film and television and developing compelling characters.
• Robin Shaw: Emmy, Annecy, and British Animation Award-winning animator, known for Mog’s Christmas, which won the longform prize at the British Animation Awards.
• Gina Lyons: Award-winning producer, credited with the BAFTA Cymru-winning pilot In My Skin (2018) and the International Emmy-nominated Dreaming Whilst Black (2021).
• BFI Filmmaker Roundtable – An opportunity to meet the BFI team, find out more about funding and career development support they provide, and connect with fellow filmmakers.
• Festival Programmers: Varun Raman (London Short Film Festival), Jamie Allen (Sheffield Doc Fest), Isabelle Croissant (Manchester Animation Festival), and MarBelle (Directors Notes) will provide insights into the programming process.
• And many more… over 25 industry events across the festival.

Among the films showcased are works featuring esteemed actors, including Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who, The Leftovers), Tamzin Outhwaite (Eastenders), Brod Ní Neachtain (The Banshees Of Inisherin), and many more.

Bolton-born writer and director, Michael Patrick Clarkson (co-creator of BBC’s Red Rose, set in Bolton) also features in the festival this year, with his directorial debut and world premiere of Upholstergeist – a comedy/horror shot at Rivington Barn.

Clarkson said: “Bolton has always been one of my creative playgrounds, so it made sense to shoot my debut short here surrounded by things that inspire me – and it’s so wonderful to have it premiere at BFF.

“Upholstergeist was made with a lot of love by a lot of talented people – the finished product is as beautiful as it is ridiculous.” 

Another local connection is with the Bolton homeless charity, Emmaus, who will be featuring a short film, An Introduction to Emmaus North West, which will air free of charge at a special screening of community films, shown in Market Place Shopping Centre from 1.20pm to 2.50pm on October 5. 

Bolton Film Festival Director, Adrian Barber said:

“It’s wonderful to be heading back to The Light Cinema for our eighth edition, we’re proud to be putting on a strong programme for the region in what has been a tough year for arts organisations.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work to get the festival across the line this year which wouldn’t have been possible without our funders and sponsors.

“This year’s line-up brings exceptional films from all around the world to Bolton, spotlighting the next generation of emerging talent in what must be our strongest line up yet.

“Audiences can look forward to an exciting array of films, including selections from prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Berlinale, Sundance, SXSW, and Annecy, as well as numerous premieres of our own starting out on their festival journey.”

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub said:

“The council is proud to support Bolton International Film Festival, a significant cultural event which serves and highlights local creative talent.

“Whilst continuing with our regeneration programme and now being named Town of Culture, the event plays a major role in attracting more people and businesses to the town.

“This network of creatives also has fantastic objectives for the industry and region, supporting local artists, education organisations, and the community.

“Bolton is also known for being a successful film location, bringing both big names and major investment to our town, as well as having recently organised successful TV and film tours for the public.

“We’re excited that this year welcomes another treat of artistic talent and entertainment for the town that we encourage everyone to take advantage of as there really is something for everyone.”

Accessibility and Ticketing: To ensure the event is accessible to all, the festival offers a variety of ticket options and festival passes to suit all budgets, there is also a FREE pop-up cinema within the Market Place Shopping Centre at the KUDOS gallery.

On Thursday October 3, there is also a BSL-supported screening for d/Deaf audiences.

Tickets and passes are available now, and more details on the event can be found on the festival’s website: www.boltonfilmfestival.com or through its social media channels.