Bolton International Film Festival Set To Return For 9th Edition

The Bolton International Film Festival proudly returns for its ninth edition, running from Wed 1st Oct to Sun 5^th, Oct, the BAFTA and BIFA accredited short film festival will showcase 283 short films, including 34 World premieres, 16 European and 62 National premieres – cementing its reputation as one of the premier 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.

From BAFTA winners to household TV favourites, this year’s programme features a stellar line-up of talent both on screen and behind the camera.

Miriam Margolyes (The Age of Innocence, Harry Potter) and Stephen Fry (Blackadder) appear in A Friend of Dorothy, while Ashley Walters (Adulthood, Top Boy) leads Softy. BAFTA-winning Nicola Walker (Last Tango in Halifax, Unforgotten) stars in Hot Mess, and Joanna Scanlan (After Love, The Thick of It) appears in Rhubarb Rhubarb.

Comedy favourites Sandi Toksvig (QI, The Great British Bake Off) and Paterson Joseph (Vigil, Peep Show) share the screen with Ewen Bremner in Odd Socks. The festivals patron Maxine Peake (Funny Cow, The Theory of Everything) delivers a powerful performance in Poppy Day, while Marvel’s Sophia Di Martino (Loki, Flowers) takes the lead in Undeletable.

Susan Wokoma steps behind the camera to direct “Dark Skin Bruises Differently” and the acclaimed comedian Joe Lycett returns with his third short film as a director, Dating Mark Silcox, bringing his signature wit to the big screen once again.

Industry Programme

• The Slick Films Pitch – Oscar winners Chris Overton and Rachel Shenton (All Creatures Great and Small) host a live pitching competition where five teams battle for a £10,000 prize and a tailored mentoring journey with Slick Films.
• Mick Audsley – Legendary British editor (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Twelve Monkeys) shares insights on story, pacing and emotion, drawing on decades of collaborations with top directors.
• Amy O’Hara – Development Executive at Film4 discusses how bold new voices are discovered, nurtured and taken from first draft to screen.
• Simon Nelson – BBC Development Executive explores how to write for film and TV, create characters that resonate and adapt stories for different audiences.
• Rick Joaquim SASC – Award-winning cinematographer (Sundance, Cannes, Clermont-Ferrand) on crafting a visual language, lighting strategies and the balance between precision and creativity.
• David Arthur – BAFTA and RTS-winning editor (God Help the Girl, Winners, Electric Malady) on the editor’s role in shaping rhythm, pace and emotional impact.
• Mike Moloney – Bolton born CEO of Art & Graft reveals how the award-winning studio behind campaigns for Apple, Google and the BBC creates striking animation and motion design.
• Greg McLeod – BAFTA-nominated animator offers a candid and humorous take on the realities of independent animation and carving out a unique voice.
• Shorts to Features – Writer/director Harry Sherriff discusses his journey from self-funded shorts to his first feature “Misper” that just premiered at Edinburgh, and how he achieves amazing results on budgets that others would shy away from.
• Still Pushing Pineapples – Director/producer duo Kim Hopkins and Margareta Szabo discuss the making of their latest documentary about a Black Lace singer,  and on collaboration, trust and ethics in long-term documentary filmmaking.
• BFI Filmmaker Roundtable – A rare chance to meet the BFI talent team, explore funding opportunities and build connections.
• International Programmer Panel – Programmers from Tribeca, Encounters, POFF and Manchester Animation Festival explain how festivals select films, what makes them stand out, and how to reach global audiences.

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, and there is a FREE pop-up cinema within the Market Place Shopping Centre at the KUDOS gallery. On Thursday 2nd Oct 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.

Bolton International Film Festival Director, Adrian Barber said:

“As we return to The Light Cinema for our ninth year, it feels especially rewarding to present such a rich and diverse line-up in what has been a very challenging time for the arts. This edition has only been made possible through the commitment of our team and the invaluable support of our funders and sponsors. The 2025 programme brings together outstanding short films from across the globe and a stellar line up of industry speakers.

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 highlights local and regional talent.

“Bolton is known for being a successful film location, bringing both big names and major investment to our town, as well as supporting local artists, education organisations, and businesses.

“Now in its ninth year, we continue to welcome artistic talent and entertainment, and encourage everyone to take advantage and visit the festival.”