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By Director Louise Fox January – March 2026: A Strong Start to the Year The first three months of 2026 have been an incredibly productive and forward-looking period for Mor Media Charity, as we continue to expand our work across film, heritage, education and talent development in Cornwall and beyond. 🎬 Film Exhibition & Touring We have been progressing plans for the Edge of Summer  regional tour, with screenings and director Q&As now being scheduled across the South West. Following a complex journey to bring the film to audiences, this marks a significant milestone in connecting a locally rooted Cornish story with wider audiences. We are also laying the groundwork for a potential independent distribution strand , using this tour as a pilot model, with projected reach across screenings expected to exceed 350+ attendees Alongside this, we have been developing a new Cornwall Film Festival website , making it easier for audiences, filmmakers and partners to access and engage with our year-round activity. Supported 3 film tours  with Q&As and marketing support, strengthening regional exhibition. 🏛️ Heritage & Community Projects Our Black Tide: The Torrey Canyon Project  continues to gather momentum as we mark the 60th anniversary of the 1967 oil spill. 25 oral histories  recorded to date Recent engagement activity delivered across West Penwith , including work with U3A groups, libraries and the local lifeboat stations Ongoing partnerships with community organisations and heritage networks across Cornwall Development of a new project website , designed to communicate and share the archive more widely This work is building a vital, community-led archive that centres lived experience and ensures Cornish voices are at the heart of this nationally significant story. 🎓 Talent Development & Industry Programmes We have been advancing our Creative Challenge Fund  programme, alongside wider talent development activity. Programme design completed with a target cohort of 14 participants  across Cornwall, Devon and the wider UK 25 participants  engaged through Story Labs exploring writing and visual storytelling 329 submissions  received to date, with 95 pre-selector applications  supporting our programming pipeline Launch of Quick Cut: The 90-Second Film Challenge , creating new entry points for emerging filmmakers Our activity engaged 6 freelancers, strengthening regional employment and the creative economy. Together, these strands are strengthening pathways for creatives at all stages of their careers and supporting a more diverse and connected screen ecology. 🎓 Education & Audience Development We have continued to deliver education and audience engagement activity across the region: Delivered the Into Film Spring Festival across 3 venues in Cornwall 2 animation workshops  delivered for Animate Helston 5 screenings  hosted, supporting access to independent film and shared viewing experiences Our team's attendance at the Berlin Film Festival , building industry connections and insight This work supports the development of creative skills while building future audiences for independent cinema. 🏛️ Advocacy & Sector Leadership We have been actively advocating for the independent cinema sector in response to the Government’s £1.5 billion investment in culture. Direct engagement with MP-level stakeholders Coordinating input from independent cinemas across Cornwall Active participation in the British Arts Festival Association , including conferences and sector meetings Contributing to national conversations on cultural infrastructure, access and regional equity This work positions Mor Media as a strong regional voice within national policy discussions. 🤝 Partnerships, Funding & Growth This quarter has also been a period of significant organisational growth and consolidation. Successful funding applications secured , supporting future programme delivery and sustainability Partnerships strengthened across 10+ organisations  spanning exhibition, heritage, education and industry Continued expansion of our networks locally and nationally Strengthening Impact and Reach These developments are helping to secure Mor Media’s long-term growth and impact. Looking Ahead As we move into spring, we are excited to bring these strands together through live events, screenings and new programme launches. With strong foundations in place, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of growth, connection and impact. We are grateful to our partners, collaborators, team, audiences, Trustees and advisors, whose support makes this work possible, and we look forward to a well-earned pause before the next phase.

Why the BBC’s failure to edit the BAFTA slur highlights a need for better education and production protocols. BAFTA judge Jonte Richardson has announced his resignation following Sunday evening's controversial events during the awards ceremony. In a sharp critique of the incident, Richardson described the events during Sunday night’s awards ceremony as "utterly unforgivable."  Michael B Jordan & Delroy Lindo at the BAFTAs 2026 The Incident   The controversy arose during the presentation of an award by actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. During their time on stage, Tourette's syndrome campaigner John Davidson vocalised a racist slur. While both actors appeared visibly shaken by the outburst, they remained professional and continued with the presentation.  John Davidson is a prominent Tourette syndrome activist whose life story was adapted into an inspirational film, I SWEAR, highlighting the hardships associated with the condition. Following the ceremony, Davidson expressed his distress over the event: “I am deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning. I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette's community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so.” Questions of Editorial Oversight   John Davidson at the BAFTAS 2026 Davidson has worked alongside the BBC on multiple occasions. He suggested that the broadcaster should have been better prepared for the nature of his condition to prevent such tics from being broadcast.  Davidson remembered “there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated.”  Davidson continued, “ I want people to know and understand that my tics have absolutely nothing to do with what I think, feel or believe. It's an involuntary neurological misfire. My tics are not an intention, not a choice and not a reflection of my values.” A Pattern of Scrutiny    This follows previous criticism of the BBC’s management, when the broadcaster faced backlash over the performance by rapper Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, which contained controversial language, and remained on iPlayer for several hours after the live set. The BAFTA incident has placed the BBC under renewed scrutiny. Despite assurances that the ceremony would be edited to remove profanity before airing, the inclusion of the slur has sparked a heated debate regarding broadcaster accountability and the sensitivity required when filming individuals with involuntary conditions.  Key Takeaways Ultimately, accountability for this oversight lies with the BBC. While the broadcaster works diligently to champion diverse and inclusive spaces, more robust measures should have been implemented, not only to prevent the slur from reaching the airwaves but to ensure that both the audience and the presenters were adequately briefed beforehand. For many, encountering the complexities of Tourette syndrome can be a profound shock, particularly when tics involve involuntary vulgar language. While this production failure shouldn't discredit the BBC’s broader commitment to representation, it highlights a clear need for improved protocols. The delay in rectifying the digital broadcast remains a significant concern, yet it also presents a vital opportunity for us all to better educate ourselves on the realities of Tourette syndrome and foster a deeper understanding of the disability. Written by Angelique Cloete

As Director of Cornwall Film Festival, delivered by Mor Media Charity, I’m writing this to raise awareness of a quiet but serious issue facing the UK’s cultural landscape: independent cinemas have been excluded from the Government’s recent £1.5 billion investment in culture . Like many in the sector, we welcome this significant investment and recognise its potential to support sustainable cultural organisations that contribute to economic growth, wellbeing and social cohesion. But the absence of cinemas, particularly independent and community-facing cinema, is deeply worrying. Top left: Merlin Flora Cinema, Helston, The Poly Falmouth, WTW Lighthouse cinema, Newquay. Middle row, Mike Leigh & Mark Kermode at Cornwall Film Festival, the Merlin Savoy cinema, Penzance. Bottom left Merlin Regal Redruth, WTW The Regal Wadgebridge, Newlyn Filmhouse Cinemas are a vital part of the cultural infrastructure Cornwall Film Festival works year-round with independent cinemas and community screening venues across Cornwall, where cinema is often the most accessible cultural experience available locally. In a geographically dispersed county, these spaces are not a luxury; they are essential. Through our partnerships, we: bring UK and international film & filmmakers to Cornwall support early-career filmmakers deliver education and outreach programmes for young people create shared cultural experiences that strengthen community connection Independent cinemas sit at the heart of this ecosystem. They act as cultural anchors, support local economies, nurture creative talent and provide inclusive, affordable access to culture. A sector at risk We welcome the investment but urge the Government to reconsider the exclusion of cinemas from capital funding. Our national partners at the Independent Cinema Office provide this stark evidence: 31% of independent cinemas  do not believe they can remain operational without access to capital funding within the next 3–5 years A further 28% are unsure For many, there is currently no viable route to National Lottery or public capital investment This is not a marginal issue; it’s an existential one. Why this matters in places like Cornwall In regions such as Cornwall, cinemas play a disproportionate role in sustaining cultural life, supporting local creative industries and tackling rural isolation. Treating cinemas differently from museums, libraries, arts venues and heritage buildings risks undermining the long-term resilience of our cultural infrastructure. If we believe culture should be accessible to everyone, not just those in major cities, and cinemas must be recognised as part of that essential fabric. A call for change Today, I have written to Jayne Kirkham , MP for Penryn & Falmouth, asking her to raise this issue with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport . I have also written to Lisa Nandy , Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, urging her to support the inclusion of independent cinemas within future cultural capital funding programmes. Independent cinemas deserve to be supported on an equal footing with other cultural institutions, not as an afterthought, but as a cornerstone of cultural life. If we allow these spaces to disappear, we don’t just lose screens. We lose places of gathering, discovery, learning and shared experience. And once they’re gone, rebuilding them will be far harder and far more costly than supporting them now. Louise Fox Director, Cornwall Film Festival Mor Media Charity

Cornwall Film Festival 2024 Best Narrative and Non-Narrative Short Films Film Programme 2024 Talks Festival flyer Industry VR & AR Best UK Short Films Nov 22, 2024 2:30 PM @ The Poly Tickets Films from around the globe, screening at this years edition of Cornwall Film Festival Irpinia Directed by Jameisha Prescod Irpinia is the story of black British hope from the perspective of the Windrush generation. At the age of 24, Dudley Porteous boarded a ship called the Irpinia in search of a better life in England, the so-called mother country. Now 86 years old, Dudley reflects on his exciting journey to sea and the harsh reality that lay ahead. What We Wished We Could Be Directed by Luke Shelley Based on a true story. Two interwoven moments in the relationship of a couple affected by the contaminated blood scandal, revealing their sacrifices, their love, and the things they never felt safe to say. That Night by Emma Miranda Moore Nat, a young writer, reflects on a chaotic London evening spent catching up with his friend Harry. Replaying the night’s events from memories real and imagined, Nat tries to find a logic in Harry’s behaviour and in what happened afterwards. KEEP Directed by Lewis Rose Gordon, the former keeper of a lighthouse now turned into a museum, is desperate for someone to help him maintain the site. When Musa, an Afghan refugee, comes knocking on his door, Gordon finally finds the helper he has been waiting for. The two men become friends, confronting their respective cultures and pasts with humour and kindness. Turn Up The Bass Directed by Ted Evans 'Turn Up The Bass' tells the remarkable and little-known story of Troi Lee, aka DJ Chinaman, the unstoppable force behind the UK's deaf music and rave scene. Essex Girls Directed by Yero Timi-Biu Navigating adolescence in Benfleet, Essex hasn't been straightforward for British-Nigerian Bisola. She's done her best to fit in, but even her two best friends Charlie & Saffron, who love her to bits, seem to be understanding her less and less recently. However, after an incident at her high school shunts her into the orbit of the only other Black girl in her year - the gorgeous, irrepressible Ashlee, who is everything Bisola wishes she could be - Bisola is plunged into a journey of discovering a whole new side of herself. Muna Directed by Warda Mohamed British-Somali teen Muna (Kosar Ali) is desperate to go on the school trip - to have fun with her mates, escape the monotony of her household and, of course, provide the greatest playlist of all time (!!). But her parents aren't so sure.

We've compiled answers to some commonly asked questions about Cornwall Film Festival below. We also know that some people may have more specific questions, so don't be afraid to ask. We've compiled answers to some commonly asked questions about Cornwall Film Festival below. We also know that some people may have more specific questions, so don't be afraid to ask. Cornwall Film Festival is a global platform inviting filmmakers from every corner of the world to showcase bold, captivating and innovative stories. BOOK TICKETS 11 Best International Shorts Copy of Best International Shorts Best of the Best CFF Awards Screen Stars Student Shorts Best of the West SW Regional Shorts 20 Under 25 Best Cornish Shorts Experimental Videos Press Blog Merch Store TOO MUCH: MELODRAMA ON FILM Talks CFF 25 Industry 2025 FAQ's & Access 2025 Diary & Tickets 2025 Black Tide In Focus 2025 Selected films 2025 Short Films home 2025 QuckCut 90sec FAQ's & ACCESS CAPTION SUBTITLED SCREENINGS SENTIMENTAL VALUE 7:30 PM | WEDNESDAY 19.11.25 | THE POLY A father's seemingly autobiographical script tests his family bonds to breaking point in this sweeping drama. Subtitled screenings that display the dialogue as well as additional auditory information on the screen as marked as captioned subtitled screenings Dir. Joachim Trier | 2025 | 2h 13m | Norwegian (with English subtitles) | Drama | CFF 15 (CS) BOOK TICKETS PETER HUJAR'S DAY 5 PM | SATURDAY 22.11.25 | THE POLY A snap shot in the New York art scene through the life & conversation of the celebrated photographer Subtitled screenings that display the dialogue as well as additional auditory information on the screen as marked as captioned subtitled screenings Dir Ira Sachs | 2025 | 1h 16 mins | Drama | CFF15 (CS) BOOK TICKETS RELAXED SCREENINGS IF I HAD LEGS I'D KICK YOU 5 PM | WEDNESDAY 19.11.25 | THE POLY Linda (Rose Byrne) tries to navigate her daughter's mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist. Dir Mary Bronstein | 2025 | 1h 53m | Comedy/Drama | CFF15 (RS) Everyone is welcome to these screenings, but we have made them especially suitable to those who find standard screenings overwhelming such as autistic people, those with Dementia, those with sensory issues. We will make the following adjustments. The house lights are left on low and the sound turned down a little. There are no pre-feature adverts or trailers and the film starts at the time advertised. During the film, you can use non distracting aids such as personal devices, ear defenders, fidget spinners and chewable jewellery etc. BOOK TICKETS ACCESS Frequently asked questions How do I use my ticket? E-tickets will be sent out on confirmation of your booking. Please keep your email confirmation as proof of booking, you can show the E-ticket, QR code. You don't need to print your ticket - let's support low waste! How much do tickets cost and which one should I get? How much do tickets cost? General Adults £8.50 Seniors £7.50 Children, Students, Under 25's £5 Preview screenings Adults £9.50 Seniors £8.50 Children, Students, Under 25's £7.50 Gala Screenings Adults £14.00 Seniors £11.50 Children, Students, Under 25's £9.50 Pay what you can tickets run from £2 - £10 Do you have any offers and discounts available? To book tickets for the best seats and prices, we recommend you book early. We can offer group discounts for groups bookings - so please bring your friends ! Groups of 10+ receive 15% off for all adults, seniors, preview / gala / special screenings Groups of 5+ receive 10% for all adult, seniors, preview / gala / special screenings Contact the office to get your check out code info@cornwallfilmfestival.com (please put Group codes in the title) We can not offer group discounts for students or Young people as these are already discounted tickets What is Pay what you can? Pay what you can is our innovative affordable ticket scheme, run successfully over the last 2 editions of the festival. We've found the biggest barrier to attending events is not being able to afford the ticket price. In order to overcome that barrier, we're removing the ticket price and asking audiences to simply pay what they can so we can welcome more people to the festival experience and inspire wider audiences. Here are some handy prompts At the £2 - I have no access to savings - I am under or unemployed - I can not afford time off and rarely afford clothes, cinema & books At £4 - -I often stress about how to pay my bills & don't always achieve them - I am employed but don't have regular hours - I can take time off and do go on holidays & occasionally buy new items At £8 - I can comfortably meet my bills and needs - I own private transport and can afford to fuel it - I have access to savings and have my own property or choose where I rent Can I get a festival pass ? Not this year sorry we have too many events to manage a pass - but please tell us if we need to sort this out for next year ! we are always open to suggestions. Can I book in person? Yes, for events at The Poly, please visit the venue, or call the box office on 01326 319461(https://www.google.com/search?q=The+Poly+box+office&rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB1065GB1068&oq=The+Poly+box+office&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRhAMgYIAhBFGEDSAQgzNTg1ajBqN6gCCLACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#) What happens if I lose my tickets? Our Box Office team will be happy to help you. Just go to the counter before the event. You may be required to confirm your name, address and payment method. Could you send me a brochure? We are currently sending most of our communications via email & social networks, however, we can post you a flyer of events. If you'd like to receive news about events and other programmes please join our mailing list. If you have any queries you can contact our Office team at info@cornwallfilmfestival.com Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm. Do you ask for proof of income for Pay What You Want tickets? We WON’T ask you for your ID,proof of earnings or anything else! All we ask is your honesty! Where does the festival take place? The Previews, Gala, Opening & Closing films all happen at our partner venue The Poly in Falmouth, Cornwall. (https://thepoly.org/) Venue address - The Poly 24 Church St, Falmouth UK TR11 3EG Temperance Hall, 32 Lower Market St, Penryn TR10 8BH Falmouth Art Gallery, Municipal Buildings, The Moor, Falmouth TR11 2RT The Fish Factory, Commercial Rd, Penryn TR10 8AG Into Bodmin, The Old Library, Bodmin, PL31 2JX Princess Pavilion 41 Melvill Rd, Falmouth TR11 4AR Launch Pad Falmouth University, Tremough Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE Newlyn Filmhouse 23-31 The Coombe, Newlyn, Penzance TR18 5HS Falmouth Bookseller, 21 Church St, Falmouth TR11 3EG East Pool Mine, Agar Rd, Pool, Redruth TR15 3ED Will you be putting social distancing measures in place inside the theatre ? We are monitoring the current situation and will take action closer to our event if social distancing measures will be necessary. We work closely with our partners and will follow all industry and kitemark standards to ensure that your visit to our new space is both enjoyable and safe for everyone. Where is the best place to sit? The Poly has raked seating that is accessed via steps and rows of padded seating . Please be advised the space has limited accessible and has lots of steps on entry. Our team are happy to give advice if you have specific seating needs, please drop us an email. I am disabled and require a companion to attend the theatre, what is your Access policy and how do I book?" We understand that some of our customers require assistance to allow them to attend a performance. To ensure this is a possibility, we are pleased to offer a free ticket for an essential companion whenever required. The first time you make use of this service you may be asked to show proof of eligibility. We accept the CEA Card, a national card scheme developed for UK cinemas by the UK Cinema Association (UKCA. Free companion tickets are reserved for those who would not otherwise be able to attend. An essential companion must have the ability to assist the customer in the event of an evacuation or other emergency. What is your screening policy? We do not allow any videos to be taken during screenings. The preview screening will have security - this is requested by the distributor and security staff will be in the screen with night vision goggles. Photo's are allowed of Directors but please do use a flash during a Q&A we ask that you are considerate to our visitors. What are your return and refund policies Under normal circumstances, tickets are non-refundable. If the event you were attending is sold out and we are able to re-sell your tickets to another customer, we can issue you a credit note for the ticket price only (excluding any card transaction & booking fees) Do you have any offers and discounts available? Groups of 5+ receive 10% for all adult, seniors, preview / gala / special screenings. We can not offer group discounts for students or young people as these are already discounted tickets. I am disabled and require a companion to attend the theatre, what is your Access policy and how do I book?" We understand that some of our customers require assistance to allow them to attend a performance. To ensure this is a possibility, we are pleased to offer a free ticket for an essential companion whenever required. The first time you make use of this service you may be asked to show proof of eligibility. We accept the CEA Card, a national card scheme developed for UK cinemas by the UK Cinema Association (UKCA. Free companion tickets are reserved for those who would not otherwise be able to attend. An essential companion must have the ability to assist the customer in the event of an evacuation or other emergency. Read more about / apply for an CEA card here.(https://www.ceacard.co.uk/) I have a specific accessibility query. We are committed to meeting the requirements of disabled people. We want you to get the best from your workshop. If you have an impairment and/or learning difficulty such as physical impairment, mental health difficulty, medical condition, hidden disability, please let us know by emailing info@mormediacharity.org, stating whether you would like to discuss this over email or telephone. We will contact you in confidence to discuss any support you may need. FAQ'S Frequently asked questions Tickets Venue Screenings Returns & Refunds Discounts Accessibility How do I use my ticket? E-tickets will be sent out on confirmation of your booking. Please keep your email confirmation as proof of booking, you can show the E-ticket, QR code. You don't need to print your ticket - let's support low waste! How much do tickets cost and which one should I get? How much do tickets cost? General Adults £8.50 Seniors £7.50 Children, Students, Under 25's £5 Preview screenings Adults £9.50 Seniors £8.50 Children, Students, Under 25's £7.50 Gala Screenings Adults £14.00 Seniors £11.50 Children, Students, Under 25's £9.50 Pay what you can tickets run from £2 - £10 Do you have any offers and discounts available? To book tickets for the best seats and prices, we recommend you book early. We can offer group discounts for groups bookings - so please bring your friends ! Groups of 10+ receive 15% off for all adults, seniors, preview / gala / special screenings Groups of 5+ receive 10% for all adult, seniors, preview / gala / special screenings Contact the office to get your check out code info@cornwallfilmfestival.com (please put Group codes in the title) We can not offer group discounts for students or Young people as these are already discounted tickets What is Pay what you can? Pay what you can is our innovative affordable ticket scheme, run successfully over the last 2 editions of the festival. We've found the biggest barrier to attending events is not being able to afford the ticket price. In order to overcome that barrier, we're removing the ticket price and asking audiences to simply pay what they can so we can welcome more people to the festival experience and inspire wider audiences. Here are some handy prompts At the £2 - I have no access to savings - I am under or unemployed - I can not afford time off and rarely afford clothes, cinema & books At £4 - -I often stress about how to pay my bills & don't always achieve them - I am employed but don't have regular hours - I can take time off and do go on holidays & occasionally buy new items At £8 - I can comfortably meet my bills and needs - I own private transport and can afford to fuel it - I have access to savings and have my own property or choose where I rent Can I get a festival pass ? Not this year sorry we have too many events to manage a pass - but please tell us if we need to sort this out for next year ! we are always open to suggestions. Can I book in person? Yes, for events at The Poly, please visit the venue, or call the box office on 01326 319461(https://www.google.com/search?q=The+Poly+box+office&rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB1065GB1068&oq=The+Poly+box+office&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRhAMgYIAhBFGEDSAQgzNTg1ajBqN6gCCLACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#) What happens if I lose my tickets? Our Box Office team will be happy to help you. Just go to the counter before the event. You may be required to confirm your name, address and payment method. Could you send me a brochure? We are currently sending most of our communications via email & social networks, however, we can post you a flyer of events. If you'd like to receive news about events and other programmes please join our mailing list. If you have any queries you can contact our Office team at info@cornwallfilmfestival.com Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm. Do you ask for proof of income for Pay What You Want tickets? We WON’T ask you for your ID,proof of earnings or anything else! All we ask is your honesty! INDUSTRY FOCUS 2025: PRODUCING EXPLORING THE ART AND BUSINESS OF SCREEN PRODUCTION At Cornwall Film Festival 2025, our annual Industry Focus shines a spotlight on the vital and often misunderstood role of the Producer. Whether you're working in short films, feature narratives, factual TV, or digital platforms, producing sits at the heart of the screen industry. This year’s focus explores all facets of producing—from development and financing, to production logistics, distribution strategy, and creative leadership. Through talks, panels, roundtables, and networking, we’ll be lifting the curtain on what it really takes to get a story from script to screen. READ MORE STORIES FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD - OUR FUNDERS & PARTNERS

Booking Page for all Cornwall Film Festival 2024 Screenings What's On - booking page for Cornwall Film Festival 2024 We're excited to introduce a new booking page for all our events this year! While you'll need to re-register, It will remember all your details, making checkout simpler and faster, with Fort Knox-level security to keep your information safe!