Extra Screenings of Saving Our Rainforests

Saving Our Rainforests tonight at 9pm is sold out, so we’re also showing it at 8.15pm and 9.45pm tonight too. On sale now.

Tickets Selling Fast

Our opening and closing films are now SOLD OUT but don't forget there is a second screening of The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford on Saturday morning at 10:30am.  Many other screenings are filling up now, so don't leave it too late to get your tickets. Check the Ticket Updates to find out what is selling fast and this is where we'll also announce what will be filling the Second Chance slots.

We've changed how tickets work this year so please look at the Your Visit page to ensure you have an enjoyable time.

Don't forget about the free Fringe Festival, other offers and the Osprey Short Film Awards.

Welcome To Keswick Film Festival

Join us from the 19 to 22 March as we bring you the best of independant and international cinema to the magnificent surroundings of the Lake District.

Featuring premieres, talks, short films, retrospectives, Q&As, award winners, an entire Fringe Festival, hidden gems and more. This year's programme truly has something for everyone.

Tickets are selling fast and some screenings have already sold out, visit the news page to check the latest availability and find out about any additional screenings.

Explore the Programme – 1976

1976 was a pivotal year in cinema culture. It brought us some unforgettable films. Those of us lucky enough to watch them in cinemas when they first came out know the silent effect they had on cinema’s legacy. We could have chosen Network, All the President’s Men, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, Small Change, Carrie or even Rocky to represent the sea change in approach to filmmaking.

However, we think the films chosen are representative. The New Hollywood movement produced Taxi Driver and Cria Cuervos epitomised Spanish cinema at the start of the democratic era. Alan Parker turned from commercials to Bugsy Malone and the world was (nearly) ready for Roeg's kaleidoscopic metaphysical mindbender The Man Who Fell to Earth.

Last Chance To Buy A Pass

Remember, Festival Passes are only available until the close of business on Monday 16 March. Not only do they provide great value, allowing you to see up to 13 films, they also give you access to the Opening Night parties, priority access on returns for any sold-out screenings and discounts from places in town. See the Benefits & Offers page for full details.

Osprey Short Film Award to Commemorate Sir John Hurt

We are delighted to announce that Anwen, widow of KFF Patron the late Sir John Hurt, will be the guest of honour at this year’s Festival when she presents the Osprey Short Film Awards at the ceremony on Saturday 21 March.

Lady Hurt will present the inaugural John Hurt Award for Excellence in Short Filmmaking along with the Open and Student Awards. Formerly the Audience Award, the John Hurt Award will continue to be voted for by the enthusiastic audience of filmmakers and festival-goers at the ceremony.

Lady Hurt commented: “With a long and varied career, John was a strong advocate for independent film. It’s a personal delight to present the newly named Award in honour of John, a fitting way to remember his passion for helping and inspiring the next generation.”

Ten films have been shortlisted in the 2026 Open and Student categories and feature a diverse array of genres, from charming stop-motion animations and documentaries to bold queer cinema and surrealist student work. The selection takes us on a journey from the delicate ecosystems of the Duddon Estuary to the neon-lit chaos of Blackpool. We see the world through the eyes of red squirrels, young skaters, and even a reanimated postman.

Welcoming KE Adventure - our World Premiere Film Sponsor

KFF is pleased to be working with KE Adventure to bring the special screening of When Life Gives You Lemons … Everyone’s Everest to this year’s Festival.

For 40 years KE Adventure have been operating active adventure holidays to the world’s most beautiful regions, including the Himalaya where When Life Gives You Lemons … was partially filmed.

If you are inspired to take on the same challenge as Sally, KE Adventure can take you on the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon – the world’s highest!