The Manchester Film Festival has unveiled its programme for the 2026 edition, promising its most ambitious year since its launch in 2014.
Set to run from 19 to 29 March across multiple venues in Manchester city centre, the festival will screen 52 feature films – including nine UK premieres and eight world premieres – alongside a broad short film programme. All films will be screening in Manchester for the first time.
The line-up brings internationally recognised talent and diverse storytelling to the city. Among the standout films are ‘Erupcja’, directed by Pete Ohs and starring Charli XCX; ‘Rose of Nevada’ from Mark Jenkin featuring George MacKay and Callum Turner; and the Manchester premiere of ‘The Souffleur’ starring Willem Dafoe.
Internationally acclaimed filmmakers are also represented. Jim Jarmusch brings ‘Father Mother Sister Brother’ with Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver, Vicky Krieps and Charlotte Rampling. Alice Winocour’s ‘Couture’ stars Angelina Jolie, László Nemes directs ‘Orphan’, and François Ozon’s ‘The Stranger’ arrives fresh from award-winning success.
Alongside established names, the festival will showcase emerging voices. Harry Sherrif’s ‘Misper’ stars Samuel Blenkin, and Max Walker-Silverman’s ‘Rebuilding’ features Josh O’Connor. There are also distinctive projects including ‘Rhino’, a documentary narrated by Tom Hardy, ‘Hen’ from György Pálfi, and ‘One of Us’ starring Kit Connor.
The festival continues its support for local filmmaking with three films by Manchester-based directors: ‘Chatlines’ by Lloyd Eyre Morgan and Neil Ely, ‘Synthesized’ by Chris Green, and ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ by Colin Offland and Marc Ingham.
A dedicated North West Shorts strand will further highlight regional creative talent, with short films including Kit Harrington’s directorial debut ‘Psychopomp’ and ‘Pigs’, featuring Olivia Williams and Jim Carter.
Festival Director Neil Jeram-Croft said: “We are incredibly proud to present the programme for the 12th edition of Manchester Film Festival, which marks our biggest and most ambitious year to date.
“We can’t wait to welcome audiences this March for ten days of powerful storytelling, standout premieres and inspiring conversations.”
Tickets and passes are on sale now via the festival’s official website.
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