As it announces its 5th birthday and this year’s theme ‘Still Making a Scene’, the Northampton Film Festival says it is once again preparing to roll out the red carpet and host a slate of films inspired by its ethos of honouring the rebels, revolutionaries, misfits, mavericks, creatives and changemakers amongst us. It is an ethos which is increasingly attracting filmmakers and audiences from across the county and the wider UK, all eager to see what Northants has to offer.

The festival, which runs from Saturday 28th February to Sunday 8th March 2026, will host a number of thematic events and screenings at some of Northampton's most iconic venues including Delapré Abbey and the Royal Theatre, as well as at the University of Northampton, NSG’s Spinney Theatre and Northampton Filmhouse.

According to Becky Carrier, Founder and Festival Director: “For this year’s festival we’ll be really making a scene as we celebrate all that we’ve achieved in five years, and the many individuals and organisations that have helped us do so - from sponsors, partners, the creative community and the county’s young people. Shining a spotlight on the culture and creativity of Northants is our driving force and we believe it’s worth shouting about. That's why we are still making a scene and inviting everyone to come out and join us. We promise it will be a lot of fun.”

Among the events to look out for are: 

28 Feb, Delapre Abbey:
‘Still Making a Scene’ red carpet Opening Gala

1st, 2nd, 4th Mar, Northampton Filmhouse:
Rebels and Revolutionaries - themed films
Misfits and Mavericks - themed films
Creatives and Changemakers - themed films

3rd Mar, University of Northampton:
Free networking event for creatives, filmmakers and game designers

3rd – 5th Mar, Northampton School for Girls’ Spinney Theatre:
Free National Careers Week events for schools and colleges

8th Mar, Royal Theatre:
Free Young Filmmakers Awards
Red carpet Evening Awards Ceremony

In addition, some of the films to look out for include:

Project Rockclimber - a feature-length documentary about Northants’ Disabled Adventurer Nick Wilson and his journey to become the first person with a disability to reach the peak of Mt Snowdon on a prototype power mobility chair called ‘The Rockclimber’.

Watch the trailer here Project Rockclimber | Northampton Film Festival 2026 and The Creative Place

The Corinthians: We Were The Champions – the incredible true story of the women’s football team from Didsbury that defied the Football Association’s 50-year ban on women’s football by going on a global winning spree. They were one of the most successful women’s teams ever, touring internationally and unofficially representing England against Germany as far back as 1957. Winning 50 trophies over 20 years.

Watch the trailer here The Corinthians: We Were The Champions | Northampton Film Festival 2026 and The Creative Place

The Stork – starring Tom Rosenthal (Friday Night Dinner, Plebs), Paul Chahidi (The Night Manager, Wicked Little Letters) and Siobhan Finneran (Downton Abbey, Happy Valley). After a mishap leads to the unsuccessful delivery of a very important package, the courier and the intended recipient's parents find themselves in a ‘sticky situation’ and must find a way to replace the order's content - Norwegian Semen! Not for the bashful or fainthearted, this laugh-out-loud short film raises questions of endearing parental love in the midst of navigating a chaotic world they don’t truly understand.

Watch the trailer here The Stork | Northampton Film Festival 2026 and The Creative Place

Swim Sistas by Northampton filmmaker Cat White looks at Black women across generations and their connection to swimming. Featuring Olympic swimmer Alice Dearing, rugby player and BBC Traitors contestant Jasmine Boatswain, athlete Lexi Sandiford and Roni Bruno, who learned to swim at the age of 54, it is narrated by Oscar-nominated actor Naomie Harris. 

Watch the trailer here Swim Sistas | Northampton Film Festival 2026 and The Creative Place

For the full line up of films and events, please visit:  northamptonfilmfestival.eventive.org/welcome

Northampton Film Festival 2026 has been made possible with support from Northampton Town Council and Film Hub Midlands through funds from the National Lottery. Film Hub Midlands support people to watch, show, and make films in the Midlands. Northamptonshire Community Foundation have also supported the festival’s Young Programmers scheme.