News

The programme for KFF26 is now available. Alongside UK, European and World Premieres we also have a selection of films chosen by students from Carlisle College.

See all of these titles on our KFF26 Film Page.

But we're not finished! Coming soon, our Festival Fringe programme this year will feature the work of talented filmmakers across the region as we proudly present a selection of films made by groups and individuals that showcase Cumbrian Life.

 We're thrilled to announce the KFF26 Opening Film will be The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford

This new British feature will be the highlight of our Gala Festival Opening evening at the Alhambra Cinema on Thursday 19th March. A dark comedy, The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford stars Peter Mullan as a tour guide whose world is upended when a big-budget fantasy TV show begins filming in his remote Scottish village. We hope to welcome the Director and members of the cast to introduce the film and host a Q&A .

We may be the Keswick Film Festival and we enjoy two lovely venues in town – our Festival HQ at the Alhambra Cinema and Theatre by the Lake. But we also show Festival films at the giant Screen 1 at Rheged, located just a short drive or bus ride from Keswick and Penrith.

Our exciting 2026 programme - KFF @ Rheged - showcases hand-picked films to give an immersive experience on this massive 60 ft screen. This year we have the UK Gala Premiere of All And Nothing, The Shepherd and the Bear, The North, Sirât and a special event with Terry Abraham looking at his filmmaking work in the Lake District over the years.

 The first themed strand of KFF26 is our Jodie Foster Retrospective.

This leading American performer and filmmaker started her career as a child actor before establishing herself in diverse adult roles, and becoming a film director of note. She has received several accolades including two Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. Foster also was awarded with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2013 and the Honorary Palme d'Or in 2021.

We could have filled an entire Festival with films in which Foster has appeared! Out of over 48 feature films we have chosen two from early in her career – both from 1976 but starkly contrasting in content and nature – Alan Parker’s Bugsy Malone and Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, alongside her most recent feature film A Private Life.

The Full KFF26 programme will be announced on 19 January

Tickets and Passes will be on sale from 22 January with an exclusive 3-week Priority Booking window for Festival Pass holders and Keswick Film Club Members (you can join KFC here)

Individual Festival Tickets for non Keswick Film Club members will go on sale on 12 February

Keswick Film Festival is run entirely by volunteers. The dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers is what makes the Festival a success and a wonderful experience for those attending every year.

We could always do with more people to help us and will be delighted if you want to join our friendly team and help us to make the Festival a sensational event.

There are many different roles available, so we are sure there will be something you will enjoy. You can find more information on our Volunteering page.

To help us to build on the success of our wonderful festival we are seeking multiple partners who share our love of cinema and the inspirational setting of the Lake District.

Your support for our film festival means we are able to bring you the very best of international and independent cinema and provide the opportunity to see exceptional films many of which will never make it into commercial cinemas in the UK.

View our Sponsorship page to find out the ways you or your business can support the Festival