STEP INTO THE FRAME AND EXPERIENCE STORIES FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE

Imagine a world where summer never ends, every desire is fulfilled, and responsibility is a thing of the past. But beneath the dazzling sunshine and picture-perfect surroundings, something darker is stirring. Three women develop a secret language of touch and begin rehearsing increasingly disturbing rituals, their growing desire for freedom threatens to unravel the illusion. A First feature from Polish directing duo Helena Ganjalyan & Bartosz Szpak, winner of the SXSW 2025 Special Jury Award.

In a remote South Korean village, reports of a mysterious creature send the local police and residents into the mountains. But the hunters soon become the hunted. From Na Hong-jin, director of THE WAILING, comes an audacious sci-fi action thriller where monster movie, black comedy and spectacular action collide. Starring Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung and Hoyeon alongside Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander and Taylor Russell

Film critic Mark Kermode and radio producer Jenny Nelson will take a lively trip through the music of the movies, sharing favourite scores, unexpected choices, behind-the-scenes stories and a few strong opinions, accompanied by music extracts along the way.  Followed by a book signing.

CFFestival favourite Jessie Eisenberg returns. When shy, unassuming housewife Mona Friedman is unexpectedly cast in a tiny role in a local community theatre production, she discovers a world she never knew she needed. Mona throws herself into acting with increasingly ferocious commitment, becoming determined to protect the artistic integrity of her decidedly marginal role. The Debut turns the backstage politics, oversized egos and glorious absurdity of community theatre into a warm and sharply observed comedy about creativity and reinvention.  Starring Julianne Moore,  Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey & Jesse Eisenberg himself.  

In 1949, German writer Thomas Mann and his daughter Erika embark on a road trip across a Germany in ruins, from US-dominated Frankfurt to Soviet-controlled Weimar.

From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paweł Pawlikowski, the visionary director of Ida and Cold War, comes Fatherland, a breathtakingly beautiful black-and-white drama starring Sandra Hüller and Hanns Zischler. A powerful journey through memory, guilt and divided loyalties.

Rocky is far more than a boxing film. Written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, Winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, this enduring classic follows small-time boxer Rocky Balboa as he is given one improbable shot at the world heavyweight title. Featuring Bill Conti's iconic score and some of cinema's most unforgettable moments, Rocky remains a powerful story of resilience, love and self-belief.

This special screening is followed by Rocky at 50, a discussion exploring the film's enduring legacy and the evolution of the cinematic underdog.

Shy 16-year-old George finds connecting with people difficult. Following his parents’ painful divorce, he retreats into the tiny, intricate world of insects and forms an unlikely bond with a cricket named Isabella. 

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A CFF Director’s Pick from Sheffield DocFest 2026 "Funny, affectionate and refreshingly small-scale, this is a film about paying attention to other people, yourself and, occasionally, to the creatures crawling around under your feet. " A giant hug of a film" Louise Fox  

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One accusation threatens two women’s fight for independence set in Edinburgh in 1810. Two governesses realise their dream of opening a school for girls, offering them a rare chance at an independent life.

Based on true events, Sophie Heldman’s beautifully made period drama explores prejudice, reputation and the cost of surviving in a strict and unforgiving society, and stars Flora Nicholson, Clare Dunne, Mia Tharia and Fiona Shaw.