Local film lovers are invited to attend the official launch event for 2026’s Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF) on Thursday 30th July at Bournemouth’s Palace Court Theatre. Hosted by Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), one of BIFF’s official educational partners, the launch event marks the beginning of this year’s festival celebrations, before the main event arrives in October 2026. The launch event will include a special screening of Ken Loach’s classic “Kes”, followed by a discussion with industry guests, including local author of ‘A Boy Called Arsenal’, Alan Hill. There will be a chance to network and enjoy drinks afterwards. Tickets cost £14.99 each and can be purchased from https://shorturl.at/tgeNk
What: Bournemouth International Film Festival Launch Event
When: Thursday 30th July 2026, 7-10.30pm
Where: Palace Court Theatre, Hinton Road, Bournemouth
Tickets: https://shorturl.at/tgeNk Tickets cost £14.99 each
The launch event centres around a special screening of Ken Loach’s classic “Kes”, one of Britain’s most influential films and the inspiration behind this year’s BIFF theme of Social Realism. Following the screening, audiences will hear from industry guests, take part in discussions about the enduring power of British cinema, and enjoy drinks and networking with filmmakers, students, creatives and film enthusiasts from across the region.
The location for the launch event, The Palace Court Theatre, has become a hub for educational and cultural activity since AUB brought the historic Art Deco venue back into public use, making it a fitting home for BIFF’s official launch.
The launch event also celebrates BIFF’s growing partnerships across the region, with Arts University Bournemouth playing an important role in supporting the next generation of creative talent through education and industry collaboration.
Festival Director, Steve McCarten, said, “This isn’t just an event for filmmakers. It’s for anyone who has ever fallen in love with cinema.
“We want people to come along, meet like-minded people, discover what the Bournemouth International Film Festival is all about and experience the atmosphere before the main event in October. Whether you’re a lifelong film fan, a student, a creative professional or simply curious, you’ll be made very welcome.”
Steve McCarten added, “Film has an incredible ability to bring communities together. BIFF is about creating opportunities, celebrating creativity and showing that Bournemouth deserves its place on the UK’s cultural map. We hope local people will join us and support this unique film festival right from the beginning.”
Rather than being an event solely for the film industry, BIFF has been designed to bring audiences and filmmakers together. This year’s festival, which takes place in Bournemouth on 9th and 10th October, will feature screenings of independent feature films, documentaries, short films; industry talks and workshops; networking events, and a prestigious Black Tie Awards Night.
The Bournemouth International Film Festival is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company created to champion emerging filmmakers, support underrepresented voices and help grow Bournemouth’s creative economy. Throughout the year, BIFF delivers opportunities for filmmakers, writers, actors, students and local businesses while helping to establish Bournemouth as a destination for independent film and cultural tourism.
For more information about Bournemouth International Film Festival, go to bournemouthfilmfest.co.uk
