Stafford Film Festival 2025,
Stafford Film Festival returns bigger and better
Join us on 31 January 2025 at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre for an unforgettable evening of storytelling. Doors open at 6:15 PM, and the event begins at 6:45 PM with screenings of selected films and an awards ceremony recognising exceptional achievements in filmmaking.
The Stafford Film Festival 2025 invites film enthusiasts and creatives to celebrate the art of storytelling. Dedicated to showcasing diverse stories from around the globe, the festival offers a platform for filmmakers and audiences to connect through creativity and cultural exchange. With categories such as Best Feature Film, Best AI Film, and Best Staffordshire Filmmaker, the event highlights the vibrancy of global cinema while celebrating local talent.
“The Stafford Film Festival aims to bring people together through stories that inspire, challenge, and entertain,” said Michael Hudson, Festival Director. Michael Hudson is a British filmmaker with over 70 international film festival awards and 170 nominations, including two Canadian Screen Award nominations. Educated in Film & Media Production and mentored by renowned directors Rian Johnson, Krzysztof Zanussi, and Alexander Sokurov, his work includes Driven(2017), an unreleased co-production between Pakistan, Poland, the UK, and Russia, and acclaimed projects like Canon – Knocked Out (2024) and Marloe – Remember Me (2022). His storytelling blends artistic vision with global influences, earning him recognition as a significant figure in contemporary cinema
To include the local talents, The Staffordshire Film Collective who is a group of film professionals and creatives specialising in various filmmaking roles, is supporting the event. Founded to promote filmmaking in Staffordshire, the collective unites experienced filmmakers to create high-quality projects while offering opportunities for emerging talent. By producing films made in Staffordshire by local filmmakers, the collective aims to inspire more people to pursue filmmaking within the county and retain talent that might otherwise move to Manchester or London. The group is committed to growing the local film industry, developing and showcasing regional talent, and telling stories that have been overlooked in mainstream media, shaping the future of filmmaking in Staffordshire.
Networking opportunities are available both before and after the screenings, allowing attendees to engage with filmmakers in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The festival provides a space for collaboration, inspiration, and community building, enriching Staffordshire’s cultural landscape.
The Stafford Film Festival is proudly supported by Beeyawn Ltd, Project 54, and the Staffordshire Film Collective. It is dedicated to showcasing global and local talent, embracing cultural appreciation, and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.”
Tickets can be found HERE
