Starting on Friday 30 October and running until Sunday 8 November 2026, FilmChelt brings a spectacular 10-day celebration of film to Cheltenham.
This year's finely tuned selection picks out four distinct strands which run through the programme, providing a platform for some thought-provoking, highly relevant topics which sit alongside light-hearted family entertainment and cult classics.
Here are some highlights of what's to come. You can see the full line-up of films and events on the Film Chelt website.
Please note that all films start at the specified time. There are no trailers.
Featuring films from award-winning directors and up and coming talent starring big-name actors and introducing us to stars of the future, there's a wide range of critically acclaimed titles which take us on a journey around the globe.
You'll find many films here way ahead of their UK general release, and which will go on to win multiple awards next year.
Film Chelt 2026 highlights include:
The Debut
In our opening film Julianne Moore goes gloriously off the rails in Jesse Eisenberg's offbeat musical comedy about a shy housewife who discovers her inner leading lady.
The Black Ball (La Bola Negra)
Three men, three eras and one hidden connection shape this boldly cinematic Spanish drama about love, secrets and the weight of the past.
Fjord
This year’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner stars two 2025 Oscar nominees — Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value) and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice) — in a gripping, morally complex drama that will leave you thinking about it long after the credits roll.
A Talent for Murder
Helen Mirren plays Patricia Highsmith in a deliciously dark thriller about the writer behind Tom Ripley — and the young publisher who discovers that getting her to write one last book may be murder.
Clarissa
Sophie Okonedo shines as a Lagos society hostess in this vibrant contemporary update of Mrs Dalloway.
A.I: Fact and Fiction
A hot topic of discussion at present, with some alarming revelations hitting the news recently, this is an increasingly prevalent part of the filmmaking process as it becomes part of everyday life.
Some highlights are:
AI Panel
Panel discussion on the impact of AI in the movie industry - can it have a positive impact on film making, or does it spell the end of human creativity in film?
Synthetic Sincerity + The Last Screenwriter
Two films that show different sides of the way in which AI might impact film making. Can AI produce a better script than a professional scriptwriter? And can AI be trained to authentically convey human emotions?
Colossos - The Forbin Project
A Cold War-era sci-fi thriller about an American supercomputer designed to control the U.S. nuclear arsenal which gains sentience and holds humanity hostage to enforce global peace on its own terms.
Brian and Charles
British comedy about a lonely inventor in rural Wales who builds a towering robot companion out of a washing machine and some spare parts, and the odd, heartwarming friendship that follows.
Eastern Promise
While our screens bring daily stories of destruction and conflict from the Middle East, this season highlights the hope and humanity in this troubled region. In inspiring personal journeys and intimate personal quests, we see these countries through the eyes of everyday people confronting brutality with resilience, dignity, and artistic expression.
Some highlights are:
Flying Paper
Palestinian children in Gaza take to the skies in this uplifting documentary about kites, friendship and an extraordinary attempt to break a world record.
All That's Left of You
Cherien Dabis's sweeping, decades spanning family drama follows three generations of a Palestinian family, from the upheaval of 1948 to a life shaped by loss, love and the hope of a better future.
The Idol
A young singer from Gaza risks everything to audition for Arab Idol in this uplifting true story about music, friendship and following a dream against the odds.
Gabbeh
30th anniversary of quite possibly the most eye poppingly gorgeous film ever made, a sumptuous allegorical tale focusing on an almost extinct nomadic tribe of South Eastern Iran who are famed for their intricately designed Persian carpets.
Cult
Embrace the enduring power of some timeless titles celebrating milestone first-release anniversaries. From dark thrillers to sci-fi classics, die-hard movie fans are in for a treat.
Some highlights are:
Night of the Demon
A terrific British film about a sceptical American psychologist investigating a satanic cult leader in rural England, only to find himself marked for death by an ancient runic curse.
Seconds
60th anniversary of John Frankenheimer’s neglected sci-fi classic starring Rock Hudson as a dissatisfied banker who pays a mysterious organisation to fake his death, giving him a new identity and a youthful body.
Following... In Christopher Nolan's Footsteps
Actor Jeremy Theobald presents Christopher Nolan's debut film and shares his experience of working with this great director at points throughout his career.
Mulholland Drive
David Lynch's neo-noir mystery is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This mind-bending masterpiece continues to blur the line between dream and reality in classic, unforgettable Lynchian fashion.
Discovery
Under-the-radar releases from around the world. Discover your new favourite film as we take a deep dive into the global cinematic landscape with our carefully curated selection of hidden gems and unsung masterpieces.
Some highlights are:
Caravan
A burned-out mother takes off with her disabled teenage son across southern Italy in a borrowed caravan.
The Parking Spot + Q & A
A trivial dispute over a parking space spirals into a tense, unsettling confrontation. Former professor of philosophy Louis Godbout crafts a taut psychological thriller that has been a real conversation starter wherever it has played. You will have lots of questions after this film, so we are pleased to have director Louis Godbout in attendance for both screenings.
Workmates
With their tiny theatre under threat of closure, two best friends must decide what they’re willing to risk - for art, for love… and for each other.
Here's a trailer of the films you can see at FilmChelt 2026.
Become a Friend of FilmChelt
We introduce our Friend membership scheme for the first time this year. This is £20, for 20% off. If you would like to join us and support FilmChelt's continued development, this is the best way you can do it.
This includes 20% off all individual Festival tickets (except U25/unwaged), for our 2026 Concert Launch Event, Opening and Closing Festival Nights and Cinerama tickets, and an even further reduction / better-value if combined with a Festival Pass bundle deal!
As a Friend of FilmChelt, you'll be contributing, with an element of donation, to the ongoing operation of the charity bringing you these wonderful films.
Friend benefits summary:
- 20% discount off all Festival tickets (except U25/unwaged) including our 2026 Concert Launch Event, Opening and Closing Festival Nights and Cinerama (minimum 4 per year).
- A further 20% off a Festival Pass (3 Pass types: 5, 10 and Unlimited/Limitless).
- A Limited Edition tote bag: FilmChelt and Deya branded. Available for in-person pickup only from the Friends Desk at HUB 8 MX from 21 October and throughout the Festival.
- Valid for 12 months from first payment date.
- Friend Digital Card, with QR-code
Film Chelt Festival Pass
Three Festival Passes are available, offering great value if you want the full FilmChelt experience. Even greater value if you become a Friend first!
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5 films Festival Pass
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10 films Festival Pass
- Unlimited films Festival Pass - the ultimate way to experience FilmChelt 2026. The only limit is the number of films you have time to enjoy! You could see 3 or more films a day for 10 days!
We have a special reduced price for our u25/unwaged audience. Of particular value is the Unlimited films Festival Pass for this audience, at £100. The 5 and 10 films Festival Passes are £30 and £60, respectively.
Donations welcome
Becoming a Friend is a really good way to support our sustained development. Of course, if you are also feeling particularly generous, and would like to support our sustained development and our drive to reach as many people as possible, then we welcome a donation.
There is a suggested donation of £2 at the end of the checkout process. You can choose to donate more than £2 if you wish! Or if you prefer, visit our Donate page.
There will be a limited number of Benefactor Tickets announced soon. These will be £30 each and available for the Opening and Closing Gala night films. These tickets will include a donation to the charity, but will also have additional benefits:
• the best seats reserved (seats are general seating)
• a pre-film drink in our Deya pop-up bar
• an invitation to meet the FilmChelt Team
• a limited edition FilmChelt and Deya branded tote bag
Or if you would like to become a sponsor, visit our support page. Thank you for your support of our charity.
You can see the full line-up of films and events and buy tickets on the FilmChelt website.
