Join us in Bolton for an afternoon of screenings and conversation with BFI Doc Society.
A highlight of the northern festival calendar,
Bolton International Film Festival returns in 2026 with a packed programme of films, talks and networking opportunities. Taking place in-person from 30 September - 4 October (and online 7-18 October), Bolton champions the best in upcoming filmmaking talent from the North, across the UK and around the world.
We'll be at the festival on Thursday 1 October for a special afternoon of events with our friends at
BFI Doc Society. We’ll kick things off with a showcase of some of the latest and greatest Film Hub North and BFI Doc Society shorts at The Light Cinema, followed by a Filmmaker Roundtable with supported filmmakers.
Whether you're curious about our work, want to hear from Doc Society, or have questions for the teams behind BFI-supported projects, we'd love to see you there.
Roundtable and screening details:
Film Hub North x BFI Doc Society Screening
Thursday 1 October, 13:10 - 14:10
The Light Cinema (Screen 3), Market Place, Bolton, BL1 2AL
A mix of scripted and documentary shorts supported by Film Hub North and BFI Doc Society. Featuring MyMan: An Origin Story (dir. by Jamie Swaby and Kenton Jordan Thomas), Dynamite Dealer (dir. by Jordon Scott Kennedy), and Lonelier Than Love (dir. by Em Gilbertson).
This screening is free but ticketed.
Learn more about The Light Cinema's accessibility here. Filmmaker Roundtable
Thursday 1 October, 16:30 - 17:30
The Hive Gallery, Market Place, Bolton, BL1 2AL
Our informal Filmmaker Roundtable is an opportunity to meet the Film Hub North and BFI Doc Society teams, find out more about our opportunities, and connect with fellow filmmakers. We’ll be joined by the creative teams behind two BFI-supported shorts.
Hosted by Benjamin Taylor (BFI NETWORK Talent Executive) and a member of the BFI Doc Society Fund team.
This is strictly limited to 20 places and you must sign up to take part. Please do not sign up if you don't intend on taking up a place at the roundtable.
Film Hub North Shorts at Bolton Film Festival
Nowt
UK Shorts 7 (Made Up North, 1)
Wednesday 30 September, Light Cinema Screen 2, 18:00
Sunday 4 October, Light Cinema Screen 1, 11:00
BFI NETWORK short Nowt (2026) makes its national premiere at Bolton! Directed by Milda Baginskaite, the film depicts a rebellious teenager falling dangerously in love with an older boy, leading her down a path that could change her life forever.
Giants
UK Shorts 8 (Made Up North, Two)
Friday 2 October, Light Cinema Screen 1, 16:25
Sunday 4 October, Light Cinema Screen 2, 15:00
And don’t miss BFI NETWORK short Giants (2024), also in the festival programme. Directed by Andy Berriman, the film follows Sandy, an isolated teenager drifting through his post-industrial town in search of scrap. His aimless routine takes a turn when he meets Don, a conspiracy theorist who gives him a dangerous new mission - to destroy a local wind farm.
Image credit: still from Nowt (2026) © Lowri Burkinshaw Photography
