5 Top Events Not to Miss at Manchester Film Festival 2026

Manchester Film Festival returns 19–29 March 2026 — and it's shaping up to be the biggest one yet.

Now in its twelfth year, Manchester Film Festival (MFF) has grown from a small, independent celebration of cinema into one of the UK's most beloved film events — a BIFA and BAFTA-qualifying festival that draws filmmakers and audiences from across the world to the heart of the city. Spanning eleven days and five venues (ODEON Great Northern, HOME, Aviva Studios, Flix at Treehouse Hotel, and The Northern Light Cinema in Sale), MFF 2026 promises bold storytelling, red-carpet glamour and genuine community spirit in equal measure.

But with 52 feature films, eight world premieres, nine UK premieres, and a packed programme of shorts and industry events to choose from, where do you even begin? We've done the hard work for you - here are the five top events you simply can’t miss.

1. The Opening Night Gala at Aviva Studios — Featuring a Q&A with Kit Harington

If you're only going to one event at Manchester Film Festival, make it this one. MFF 2026 kicks off in seriously spectacular style with an Opening Night double bill at the iconic Aviva Studios — bringing together a scintillating pairing of the dark comedies Psychopomp and The Good Boy.

Even better? A Q&A with Game of Thrones star Kit Harington, who is making his directorial debut at this very festival with his short film Psychopomp. The film — a dark, gripping story about a desperate man who enlists a hired assassin to help end his life — stars Harry Melling, and signals a bold new creative chapter for the actor known the world over as Jon Snow.

This is a genuinely rare opportunity: a chance to hear a major talent speak candidly about stepping behind the camera for the very first time, in the intimate and filmmaker-friendly atmosphere that MFF does so well. Expect a packed house, a lot of questions, and one unforgettable evening.

Don't miss it — this one is selling fast!

2. See Local Talent on the Big Screen

One of the things that has always set MFF apart is its unwavering commitment to championing regional filmmaking talent, and in 2026, that commitment is on full display.

The returning North West Shorts strand once again puts homegrown short filmmakers front and centre — and this year's selection is exceptional, with comedies, dramas, thrillers, and so much more to enjoy.

On the feature side, you can also support three local directors:

• Chatlines (World Premiere) — a sharply observed LGBT sci-fi drama from Departures directors Lloyd Eyre Morgan and Neil Ely, starring Mancunian actor Nico Mirallegro, exploring loneliness and intimacy in the digital age.

• Synthesized (World Premiere) — a music-driven film about ambition, creativity and identity from director Chris Green, starring the brilliant Thomas Turgoose (This Is England).

The Oldham Man and the Sea (World Premiere) — an incredible story of perseverance from local filmmaking duo Colin Offland and Marc Ingham.

3. Go Behind the Scenes with Filmmaker Q&As

Throughout the eleven days, an extensive programme of filmmaker Q&A sessions gives audiences rare, unfiltered access to the people who made the films they've just watched. Whether it's a debut short filmmaker fielding their first-ever audience questions, or an internationally acclaimed director discussing their craft, these sessions crackle with the kind of energy you simply can't get from watching at home.

Q&As at MFF tend to be honest, warm and illuminating — expect conversations that go well beyond the usual press junket talking points. Check the full programme on the festival’s website for which screenings include post-film discussions, and plan accordingly.

4. The Best New International Independent Cinema — All Screening in Manchester for the First Time!

If you love independent film, MFF 2026 is going to feel like a dream. Every single film is screening in Manchester for the first time, and this year's international selection has something for everyone.

Among the 52 feature films, highlights include:

• Erupcja — directed by Pete Ohs (Jethica) and starring none other than Charli XCX in what is being described as a breakthrough performance.

• Rose of Nevada — the hotly anticipated new film from British auteur Mark Jenkin (Bait), starring George MacKay (1917) and Callum Turner (Eternity).

• The Souffleur — the Manchester premiere of Gastón Solnicki's critically acclaimed film starring Willem Dafoe.

• Our Hero Balthazar — a Safdie Brothers-esque thriller from a producer of Uncut Gems that doesn't yet have UK distribution, making MFF potentially your only chance to catch it on the big screen for some time.

With nine UK premieres and eight world premieres among the lineup, MFF 2026 isn't just a great place to catch films — it's where you'll first encounter some of the most talked-about movies of the year!

5. Strut your stuff on the MFF red carpet

Are you ready for your close-up?

Once you’ve travelled the world via the cinema screen, stop by the MFF red carpet to commemorate your experience and get your own taste of that incredible Hollywood glam. Don’t forget to tag @mcrfilmfestival, and keep an eye out for film stars walking the red carpet too!

The festival is just around the corner, and everyone’s invited! Visit the MFF website to explore the full programme and book tickets now, or pick up a festival pass to see more and save.

Manchester Film Festival runs 19–29 March 2026 across ODEON Great Northern, HOME, Aviva Studios, Flix at Treehouse Hotel, and The Northern Light Cinema, Sale. We'll see you on the red carpet!