After a sell-out first edition, Forward Film & Television Festival returns to Birmingham from Wednesday 30 September to Sunday 4 October 2026, taking over venues across Digbeth’s creative quarter. This year’s festival will be headlined by an exclusive “In Conversation” with BAFTA-winning writer-director Shane Meadows (This Is England, Dead Man’s Shoes, The Virtues) – a natural fit for a festival built on championing distinctive, regional British storytelling.
Forward’s inaugural 2025 edition proved the city’s appetite for a multi-venue celebration of screen culture. Across five days it staged 31 events over six venues, screened 64 films, attracted 200+ submissions and visitors from eight countries, sold 1,455 tickets to 812 unique attendees, and presented 20 awards at a sold-out gala – with headline moments from Gavin & Stacey‘s Mathew Horne, the camera team behind Netflix’s Adolescence, and Brummie favourite Joe Lycett.
For 2026, the programme goes further. Alongside the Shane Meadows headline, highlights include the world premiere of Birmingham-made action feature Lotus; a watch-along of the upcoming ITV drama Winter, with the show’s star Richard Armitage in partnership with the Royal Television Society; a series of exclusive, critically acclaimed previews and a screening of Meadows’ own This Is England.
All of this alongside the official selections chosen from over 400 submissions to this year’s festival.
A dedicated Industry Day on Thursday 1 October opens up real routes into the screen sector for emerging talent, with panels and discussions featuring guests including actor David Avery (Gangs of London, The Night Manager), comedian and actor Jo Enright (The Job Lot, Ideal), Colette Foster of Full Fat TV and representatives from the BBC and more. Forward 2026 is supported by Production Central WM, the Royal Television Society Midlands, BBC StudioWorks and Digbeth Loc. Studios, amongst others. With venue and hospitality partners including the Clayton Hotel Birmingham, Al Fresco, The Mockingbird Cinema and The Old Crown, the festival is building a truly connected celebration of film right across the city.
“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.” Cassie Smyth, Festival Co-Founder
The festival’s 2026 return has already drawn support from some of the region’s most celebrated screen talent.
“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!” Shane Meadows (Director, This is England, The Virtues)
“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.” Adil Ray OBE, actor, writer and broadcaster (Citizen Khan)
Designed to be inclusive and accessible, Forward 2026 will feature:
- Five days of screenings and events across Digbeth (30 September – 4 October)
- Headline “In Conversation” events, exclusive previews and premieres
- A dedicated Industry Day of panels and networking, bridging emerging and established talent
- A red-carpet awards gala celebrating local, regional and international storytelling
Filmmakers, TV creators and emerging talent are all invited to come forward and be part of the festival.
Full programme and ticket information to be announced.
Awards gala Oct 4 – at Al Fresco, Floodgate St, Digbeth, Birmingham.
Put your Films Forward
For more info, visit: www.forwardfilmfest.com
Follow us: @forwardfilmfest