Bolton is set for a blockbuster week as the town’s International Film Festival returns this week, including the UK premiere of a film starring Maxine Peake.
Now in its ninth year, the festival will run from 1 to 5 October 2025 at The Light Cinema, with an extended online programme until 19 October.
More than 280 short films will be screened, including dozens of world, European and UK premieres, alongside panel talks, networking events and some of the industry’s biggest names.
From household stars to bold new voices, and from hard-hitting dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies – here’s a taste of what’s in store.
Star Power on the Big Screen
A number of well-known figures will appear in this year’s festival line-up on films.
Stephen Fry stars in A Friend of Dorothy, a short that delves into LGBTQ+ history, while Miriam Margolyes also features in that production, lending her distinctive presence.
Maxine Peake, the festival’s patron, delivers a memorable performance in Poppy Day.
Nicola Walker, celebrated for roles in Unforgotten and Last Tango in Halifax – appears in Hot Mess, bringing emotional depth to the programme.
Injecting comedic flair, Joe Lycett returns to directing with Dating Mark Silcox, his third short, mixing surreal humour with surprising heart.
Ashley Walters, known for Top Boy, leads Softy, a compelling portrait of masculinity and vulnerability.
Local Spotlight: Bolton Talent on Show
The festival also shines a spotlight on Bolton’s own.
Claud Cunningham, a former Thornleigh Sixth Form College student, taught maths at Turton High School and later ran a tutoring company before pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a producer.
Bolton-born filmmaker Claud Cunningham(Image: Supplied)
She is premiering Backseat in Bolton on October 4, and the homecoming makes it particularly meaningful.
She said: “I am so excited to be premiering Backseat in Bolton. Being selected for a festival is always a great honour, but as a Bolton lass born and bred it feels extra special. I can’t wait.”
Ten Outstanding Shorts to Watch
While the festival programme is bursting with variety, critics and curators have already picked out a clutch of shorts that promise to dazzle audiences.
Here are the top ten to look out for:
Hope Holds Up Her Head and Hopes – Andrew Kötting’s visually arresting, poetic work that blends performance art and personal reflection.
Sparrow’s Song – A tender Irish drama that follows a young girl finding her voice in a community weighed down by silence.
Undeletable – Featuring Sophia Di Martino, this sharp contemporary tale examines identity and memory in the digital age is a UK premiere
Dark Skin Bruises Differently – Susan Wokoma directs a fierce and vital exploration of race, family and belonging.
Odd Socks – A comic gem that playfully reimagines life’s everyday absurdities.
Hot Mess – Nicola Walker stars in this intimate character study of love, loss and resilience.
Poppy Day – Maxine Peake’s performance anchors this heartfelt story of remembrance and renewal.
Dating Mark Silcox – Joe Lycett directs a surreal and hilarious short, blending absurdity with unexpected tenderness.
Rhubarb Rhubarb – A quirky northern comedy about family chaos and generational divides.
Softy – Ashley Walters stars in this powerful portrait of masculinity, vulnerability and growth.
Talks, Panels and Industry Highlights
Bolton Film Festival is not only about watching films – it is about making connections.
This year’s programme includes headline industry talks with decision-makers from Film4, the BBC Writers room and the BFI, offering emerging talent an invaluable window into how to break into and sustain a career in film.
The International Programmer Panel, with curators from Tribeca, Encounters and Manchester Animation Festival, promises rare insight into what makes a short stand out on the global stage.
One of the most eagerly anticipated events is the Live Pitching Session, where filmmakers will compete for up to £10,000 of production funding courtesy of the Slick Films Fund.
With its mix of glittering celebrity involvement, outstanding shorts and career-defining industry sessions, Bolton Film Festival continues to cement its reputation as a powerhouse for short film.
As the festival grows year on year, it is said to brings both prestige and opportunity to Bolton, firmly placing the town on the international film map.
For more details on screenings visit https://boltonfilmfestival.com/
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