CORNWALL FILM FESTIVAL 2026 BRINGS WORLD-CLASS CINEMA, OSCAR-WINNING TALENT AND INDUSTRY LEADERS TO CORNWALL
An ambitious programme of international premieres, acclaimed filmmakers, competition shorts, premier feature selections and special events across Cornwall this November.
Cornwall Film Festival returns this November with one of its most ambitious programmes yet, bringing internationally acclaimed cinema, Oscar and BAFTA-winning talent, industry professionals and emerging filmmakers together for a celebration of film across Cornwall.
Running throughout November, with its main festival week from 16–22 November at The Poly in Falmouth, the 24th edition combines major international features, documentaries, short films, immersive experiences, a young people's programme, music and industry events.
The festival opens with I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning, the fifth feature from acclaimed British director Clio Barnard. Other highlights include Tender Loving Care from festival patron and Oscar-nominated director Mike Leigh, Only What We Carry from Jamie Adams, and Josephine, alongside Fatherland from Oscar-winning filmmaker Paweł Pawlikowski, Wild Horse Nine from Martin McDonagh, The Debut from Jesse Eisenberg and Hope from Na Hong-jin.
The programme also features La Bola Negra, The Education of Jane Cumming, alongside documentaries including Bug Boy, American Doctor, and Cornish environmental documentary No Trees, No Seas. The Just Stop Oil doc We, The Hated and iconic classic Rocky. From established masters of cinema to distinctive new voices, the festival offers audiences an opportunity to discover extraordinary films on the big screen.
Dedicated programmes showcase 54 shortlisted short films in international, UK, regional, student and experimental filmmaking, including Cornish & South West tallent in BEST OF THE WEST, FRESH and INTERMISSION, including THEY, directed by Oscar-winning actor Renée Zellweger.
CORNWALL FILM FESTIVAL ON TOUR takes cinema beyond Falmouth, with screenings and events in Penzance, Truro and community venues across Cornwall including Mabe, Redruth & Saltash. Working with local film societies and cultural partners, the festival continues its commitment to making independent cinema accessible to audiences across the county.
INDUSTRY DAY | THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER | THE POLY
One of the South West's key screen industry gatherings, Industry Day brings Oscar and BAFTA-winning filmmakers, leading industry professionals, funders and creative decision-makers to Cornwall. The programme offers practical insights into funding, career development, making ambitious films and finding audiences, alongside Made in Cornwall, networking and small-group industry surgeries.
Beyond the screen, the festival welcomes acclaimed film critic Mark Kermode and Jenny Nelson for The Stories of Movie Music, alongside Drop the Needle, immersive sound experiences, filmmaker mixers, animation workshops and family events. Schools and young audiences are also at the heart of the programme through free Into Film screenings and creative learning opportunities.
Festival Director Louise Fox said:
"This is one of our most ambitious programmes, bringing extraordinary international cinema and some of the industry's most celebrated creative voices to Cornwall. We're creating opportunities for audiences to discover films they might never otherwise see, while connecting emerging filmmakers with Oscar and BAFTA-winning professionals. It's about celebrating the power of cinema, supporting new talent and making Cornwall a place where the film industry comes together."
TICKETS AND VENUES
The festival takes place at The Poly, Truro Plaza, the Ritz Penzance, King Charles Hall, and community venues across Cornwall.
Standard tickets at The Poly are £8.50, £7 for seniors and £5 for under-25s and concessions. Short film programmes offer Pay What You Can tickets from £2. Three-film, five-film passes are available, with selected special screenings priced separately.
FULL PROGRAMME AND BOOKING
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Established in 2002, Cornwall Film Festival is a BIFA and Grierson-accredited festival delivered by Mor Media Charity, championing independent cinema, creative talent, education and access to film across Cornwall and the South West.
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