Sara Putt is the current Chair of BAFTA where she has been a trustee since 2014. She has a wealth of experience in the film and TV industries and is also a trustee of the Film and TV charity and sits on the advisory board of the British Film Commission.
She was previously deputy chair of Women in Film and Television, where she served on the board for eight years. She has also produced several short films including the BAFTA nominated, Tattoo. She established Sara Putt Associates in 1989 and has held the position of managing director and agent ever since.
Sara joins the FilmChelt board as planning reaches the final stages for this year’s 10-day film festival which runs from Friday 30 October to Sunday 8 November 2026. The programme will feature themed strands including the growing impact of AI on film making; cult and classic films; a spotlight on new films and the depth and wealth of films from the Middle East, looking beyond current and past conflicts.
Sarah said: “I am hugely excited to be joining the board of FilmChelt. Having been to school in the area and now having a home in Cheltenham I love the town and its vibrant cultural life. I am a great believer in the profound importance of Film Festivals in an increasingly challenging world. They give us the opportunity to come together, experience a range of emotions in a safe environment and then discuss, debate and delight in what we have seen. This year’s programme will be rich and wide ranging and launches with the fabulous “Echoes of the Oscars” Concert on 24th October. I hope to meet as many film goers as possible there and across the 10 days of the festival.”
Michael Ratcliffe, Chair of the FilmChelt board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sara Putt as a trustee of FilmChelt. Sara has chaired the BAFTA board for three years and brings a wealth of professional experience and expertise in film and TV, and it is an honour that she is joining the board. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry will be a huge boost, not only for the charity but also for Cheltenham. The FilmChelt team is looking forward to working with Sara.”
FilmChelt has also secured funding from the British Film Institute (BFI) Audience Network, awarding funds from the National Lottery, to support the staging of this year’s festival.
Mr Ratcliffe said: “The BFI funding award is a significant expression of support for FilmChelt and the film festival. This award recognises the strength of the plan to continue to develop and grow Cheltenham’s leading film festival, contributing to the town’s cultural offer as The Festival Town”.
The exciting programme of films, speakers, panels and guests will be announced in early September when tickets will be on sale. The festival launches on 24 September with a concert ‘Echoes of the Oscars’ at The Princess Hall, Cheltenham Ladies College. `Keep updated at filmchelt.org where you can sign up to be the first to hear the latest news about this year’s event. Follow FilmChelt on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
