CHICHESTER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

A dynamic 15-day Independent Film Festival celebrating the very best in UK, American, European, and World Cinema. Showcasing an exciting mix of premieres and previews, the festival presents a rich programme of Features, Documentaries, Animation, and bold independent filmmaking, with a special spotlight on emerging voices from across Europe.

Now celebrating its 34th edition, Chichester’s International Film Festival continues to champion bold storytelling, showcase fresh cinematic voices, and bring audiences together through outstanding films from across the globe. From emerging talent to acclaimed filmmakers, we invite you to be part of the Festival community and share in a world of unforgettable cinema.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Chichester, the festival also features a popular series of Open Air screenings in the beautiful Priory Park—bringing cinema to life in a truly unique setting.

Our carefully curated programme balances discovery with heritage: half dedicated to brand-new work, and half to retrospectives, centenaries, and tributes that honour cinema’s legacy. Audiences engage directly with the craft through filmmaker talks, industry panels, and in-depth Q&As.

We are proud to host internationally acclaimed guests, with past appearances from Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Timothy Spall, Phyllis Logan, Daniel Brühl, Elaine Paige, Steve Coogan, Tony Palmer, and Michael Radford—each sharing insights and introducing their work.

Join a festival where storytelling, creativity, and cinematic excellence take centre stage—and where new voices stand alongside celebrated masters.

Experience cinema like never before across a stunning collection of venues—each with its own character, history, and atmosphere—turning every screening into something truly unforgettable.

At the heart of the festival lies the flagship Chichester Cinema Auditorium (115 seats) alongside the vibrant Lumiere (80 seats), while New Park Studio offers a more intimate, immersive setting with just 40 seats—perfect for discovering films in a deeply personal way. And that’s only the beginning of the cinematic journey.

Under the stars, Priory Park transforms into a breathtaking open-air cinema for up to 1,000 guests, where stories come alive against the backdrop of one of Chichester’s most iconic and historic locations.

Step back in time at the Priory Park Guildhall (100 seats) and the beautiful St John’s Chapel (120 seats), where silent cinema is spectacularly reimagined with live organ accompaniment—an electrifying fusion of film, music, and atmosphere you won’t forget.