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Shane Meadows Headlines + Joe Lycett Named First Patron As 2026 Forward Film + Television Festival Opens In Birmingham

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11 hours ago

Oct 1, 2026

Birmingham’s Forward Film & Television Festival opens today, Thursday 1 October, with Joe Lycett as its first patron and a sold-out appearance by Shane Meadows set to lead a four-day programme of premieres, screenings and industry events.

Running until Sunday 4 October, the festival will be returning for its second edition at The Mockingbird Cinema and Alfresco at Alfred Works in Digbeth, bringing new regional filmmaking together with established screen talent and international releases.

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and actor, writer and broadcaster Adil Ray OBE have also backed Forward, whose official selections were chosen from more than 400 submissions, according to the organisers.

JOE LYCETT BECOMES FORWARD’S FIRST PATRON

Lycett’s appointment was announced on 22 September. Forward described the comedian, artist and filmmaker as a longstanding supporter of the festival and of the arts across Birmingham and beyond.

He received the inaugural Pushing Forward Champion award at the festival’s first edition for his contribution to filmmaking in the region. Joe said:

“I’m buzzing to see more love for filmmaking in our beloved Digbeth in the form of Forward Film & Television Festival.”

A FESTIVAL BUILT TO KEEP REGIONAL STORIES IN THE REGION

Festival co-founder Cassie Smyth said:

“Year one put Forward on the map. Year two is about cementing Birmingham as a serious destination on the UK screen calendar.

“The festival is growing fast because the appetite is real; from filmmakers, from audiences, and from the industry.

“2026 is our most ambitious edition yet, and we’re only just getting started.”

SHANE MEADOWS: TELLING STORIES WHERE THEY BELONG

Meadows, the BAFTA-winning filmmaker behind This Is England, Dead Man’s Shoes and The Virtues, joins Film Stories’ Simon Brew at Alfresco on Saturday 3 October for an In Conversation event that has already sold out.

The director said:

“Forward is exactly the kind of festival this country needs more of – one that backs regional voices, connects them with international peers and inspires our next generation of filmmakers to set and tell their stories where they belong.

“Not expect ’em to hitch hike down to London like Dick or Donna Whittington and hope for the best.

“As a filmmaker born and raised in the West Midlands, to be part of this festival in Birmingham means a lot. I can’t wait!”

Audiences can also revisit his work at The Mockingbird, with a 20th-anniversary screening of This Is England on Saturday 3 October and A Room for Romeo Brass on Sunday 4 October.

MICHELLE YEOH, SUE JOHNSTON AND BIRMINGHAM-MADE ACTION ON THE BIG SCREEN

Michelle Yeoh stars in the European premiere of It’s My Time at The Mockingbird on Friday 2 October at 7pm. Screening out of competition, the film follows a rebellious 70-year-old who teams up with a former cubing champion and sets her sights on international competition.

Sue Johnston and Chris Simmons star in The Broken Arrow, receiving its European premiere on Saturday 3 October at 8pm. The film follows a fallen darts champion confronting his demons and attempting a comeback.

Birmingham-made action feature Lotus, directed by Phillip Ray Tommy, receives an exclusive preview on Saturday 3 October at 3pm. Tommy will also be leading a stunt workshop at Alfresco from noon to 1.30pm, followed by a free Music Video & Animation Showcase from 2pm to 3pm.

Families can join Overlap for the UK premiere of animated feature Monster Mia on Sunday 4 October at 11am.

Elsewhere, the programme includes CatVideoFest, Pop Up Puppet Cinema and The Rocky Horror Picture Show with live drag, alongside short films and documentaries.

AN £8 INDUSTRY DAY – AND AN AWARDS FINALE

The festival opens with its Industry Day at Alfresco today, Thursday 1 October, from 10.30am to 4pm.

Sessions on funding, production, apprenticeships and acting bring together guests including David Avery, Jo Enright, casting director Jo Farrugia and Full Fat TV’s Colette Foster.

Sponsored by Production Central and Create Central, the day costs £8 for the full programme or £5 for either the morning or afternoon sessions.

BACKING FROM BIRMINGHAM SCREEN TALENT

Actor, writer and broadcaster Adil Ray said:

“Birmingham has never been short of stories, or the talent to tell them and Forward Film & Television Festival puts regional voices alongside international ones.

“That’s what Birmingham has always been: a place where the world meets.

“And that’s what Forward is – something I’m proud to get behind.”

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight CBE adds:

“Birmingham has always been a city of creativity and innovation.

“Forward Film & Television Festival will continue that legacy by championing the next generation of storytellers – offering a platform where new voices can shine and find their audience.”

The festival closes with the Forward Film Festival Awards at Alfresco on Sunday 4 October, hosted by broadcaster Kathryn Stanczyszyn. Doors open at 6.30pm, with the ceremony beginning at 7.30pm.