The Bolton International Film Festival will return for its ninth edition between Wednesday 1 and Sunday 5 October.
The BAFTA and BIFA-accredited short film festival will showcase 283 short films, including 34 world, 16 European and 62 national premieres.
Taking over The Light Cinema in Bolton, the latest works from some of the world’s most exciting emerging filmmakers will showcase throughout the week.
After each screening, ticket holders will have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and engage with an industry programme featuring insights from highly respected figures from the film and television industry.
Bolton International Film Festival’s director, Adrian Barber, said: “As we return to The Light Cinema for our ninth year, it feels especially rewarding to present such a rich and diverse line-up in what has been a very challenging time for the arts.
“This edition has only been made possible through the commitment of our team and the invaluable support of our funders and sponsors.
“The 2025 programme brings together outstanding short films from across the globe and a stellar line up of industry speakers.”
Highlights from the festival include A Friend of Dorothy, starring Miriam Margolyes and Stephen Fry, and Softy, featuring Adolescence’s Ashley Walters.
Susan Wokoma’s Dark Skin Bruises Differently and comedian Joe Lycett’s third short Dating Mark Silcox will also screen.
Notable industry events throughout the festival include The Slick Films Pitch, in which Oscar winners Chris Overton and Rachel Shenton (All Creatures Great and Small) host a live pitching competition where five teams battle for a £10,000 prize and a tailored mentoring journey with Slick Films, and a BFI Filmmaker Roundtable, offering a rare chance to meet the BFI talent team, explore funding opportunities and build connections.
Meanwhile, there will be talks from editor Mick Audsley (Twelve Monkeys), Film4 development executive Amy O’Hara and award-winning cinematographer Rick Joaquim SASC.
Full details are available on the Bolton International Film Festival website.
