The 12th edition of the Manchester Film Festival took place from 19-29 March at high-profile cultural city centre venues, with the annual awards ceremony taking place on Saturday 28 March to celebrate “some of the finest emerging talent in the world of cinema”.
Lifehack, directed by Ronan Corrigan, took home the Golden Bee, while Littermates, directed by Scott Tinkham and Michael Woloson, earned the Special Jury Prize.
Misper, directed by Harry Sherriff, won Best UK Feature, and Sophia, directed by Dhafer L’Abidine, claimed Best Director.
Best Actress went to Nell Weik-Clark for Mutt Cat, with Best Actor awarded to Thomas Turgoose for Synthesized. The full list of winners is available on the MFF website.
Members of the jury included Tom Percival (Dexerto), Emily Murray (Total Film/BBC Radio 5 Live), Alistair Ryder (Zavvi), Matt Butler-Hart (filmmaker and festival alumnus) and Clarisse Loughton (independent).
The festival presented a “rich and dynamic programme”, showcasing 52 feature films, including nine UK premieres and eight world premieres. All films in the programme screened in Manchester for the first time.
“This year saw a record-breaking milestone in audience attendance, surpassing 10,000 ticket sales for the first time – a 40% increase from 2025 with pass sales doubling year-on-year,” MFF said.
“The festival kicked off with a sensational Opening Night Presentation event at Aviva Studios (Home of Factory International), where Kit Harington’s directorial debut Psychopomp received its world premiere and captivated a packed crowd of 1,000 guests.
“The screening marked the start of a week filled with cinematic excellence, and the energy in the venue set the tone for a memorable festival.”
In addition to Harington for the Opening Night Special Presentation, a number of filmmakers, actors and special guests attended the festival, including Thomas Turgoose (Synthesized), Samuel Bottomley and Séamus McLean Ross (California Schemin’), Harry Sherriff (Misper), John Henshaw (Night Cap), Faye McKeever (Time, Trollied), Laura Aikman (Gavin and Stacey, This City Is Ours) and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan (Bank of Dave, Little Gay Boy, Departures).
Neil Jeram-Croft, Manchester Film Festival director, said: “This has been our most successful edition yet and one we’re incredibly proud of.
“Surpassing 10,000 ticket sales for the first time, opening with Kit Harington’s world premiere and celebrating so many brilliant films and filmmakers has been a real highlight.
“The growth in our industry programme and the 30% rise in accreditations is further proof that Manchester is becoming a genuine destination for both film professionals and audiences alike.”
