Cheltenham International Film Festival

About

The Cheltenham International Film Festival (CIFF) will take place 15 – 24 September 2023

CIFF celebrates its 5th anniversary in 2023 and will continue to bring the best of world cinema to its thriving audience through films that question, inspire, entertain; through documentaries that raise issues and inform; through film shorts by filmmakers new to the industry; and through tributes to recognise the contributions of celebrated artists to the legacy of great cinema.

This year the festival will be based at Cineworld in The Brewery Quarter, in the heart of Cheltenham’s entertainment district.

IN COMPETITION

Two years ago, CIFF reinforced its support for emerging filmmakers with the introduction of In Competition from which a jury selects BEST FILM.  The jury is always composed of personalities and professionals from film, television, the arts and media. This year the jury is led by Chair of BAFTA, Sara Putt, to add prestige to our award.

FILM PROGRAMME                                                                                                                                                                      

The programme of 35/40 films covers issues of social relevance, but not only, through narrative and well constructed drama which impact on society today including: migration and immigration, cost of living, crime and punishment, war. But while a common theme runs through some of these films, each story is different, every director’s approach is unique, humanising subjects of consequence in a way that is sometimes endearing, sometimes painful but always engaging. The CIFF shall also premiere, preview, screen films about people, life, relationships, coming of age films, period dramas and comedies.

MEET THE FILMMAKER AND MORE                                                                                                                                               

It is the intention of CIFF to bring added life to film screenings by inviting filmmakers, cast and guests from politics, diplomacy, the media to discuss and debate films and issues they raise with their audience.

COUNTRY in FOCUS                                                                                                                                                                                  

Every year “Country in Focus” highlights the work of directors – new and established – who best represent their country’s film industry. In 2023, Spain is the CIFF “Country in Focus”. A programme of Spanish films have been selected, including On The Fringe with Penelope Cruz, with plans to invite Spanish filmmakers to Cheltenham to introduce their films..

ANNIVERSARIES                                                                                                                                                                           

In 2022 CIFF launched anniversary films, screening The Crying Game and Nosferatu. Among others, this year, the festival will mark the 25th anniversary of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels directed by Guy Ritchie and the 60th of Lord The Flies, plus others. Guests for these screening will be announced soon.

LIVE EVENTS                                                                                                                                                                                                  

TRIBUTE                                                                                                                                                                                       

The CIFF shall pay tribute to Sir Stephen Frears to recognise his contribution to the legacy of great cinema with a body of work that stands the test of time. The Tribute will start with a montage of Stephen’s work, followed by a discussion in front of a live audience between Stephen and respected broadcaster, Matthew Sweet, concluding with an official award presentation.

CELEBRATE                                                                                                                                                                                                       

In 2022, CIFF celebrated the career of Dame Judi Dench with “An afternoon with Dame Judi” in front of a live audience. The CIFF team hope to announce the name of the actor/actress to be ‘CELEBRATED’ in 2023, with a live discussion of his/her career followed by an official award presentation. 

TELEVISION                                                                                                                                                                                    

In line with other film festivals CIFF shall introduce television to the programme to recognise the contribution made by television – terrestrial and streaming – to the enjoyment of millions of people around the world, recognising what has gone in the past and screen previews /premieres of new series with guest producers, directors, writers and cast.                             

IN CONVERSATION                                                                                                                                                                   

Every year the CIFF selects a hallmark guest for their “In conversation with……” in front of a live audience.  Watch this space for details coming soon.

What is the Cheltenham International Film Festival?

Cheltenham International Film Festival launched in 2019 with a bang; screening 40 films from around the word, and hosting guest filmmakers such as legendary director, Mike Leigh;  Josie Rourke, director of Mary Queen of Scots; Oscar-nominated Polish director, Jan Komasa; and the highly-regarded actor,director,producer, Steven Berkoff.  The Festival organised a series of masterclasses and workshops for students of film and the general public. 

In 2020, CIFF became the first international film festival in the UK to stream its entire festival online, opening up with Lost Transmissions starring the Festival’s Honorary Patron, Simon Pegg. The Festival went online again in 2021, due to the ongoing pandemic, and opened the festival with a special preview of the Oscar-winner, The Father, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman.  Stephen Frears, acclaimed director of many films including The Queen starring Dame Helen Mirren was the special guest, followed by Dame Judi Dench in 2022.

For more information visit - cheltfilm.com