Welcome to Wolverhampton film Festival 🎥

The festival aims to champion other storytellers through the form of film. Taking place over the space of 5 days at the Arena theatre Wolverhampton, the focus is to offer a platform that gives all filmmakers a chance to showcase their true potential.

29th April - 3rd May 2026 - Screenings - Arena Theatre

3rd May 2026 - Awards Ceremony - Arena Theatre

All tickets for screenings, workshops and awards available via official Arena Theatre website.

Awards & Prizes

STANDARD AWARDS:

Best Film Overall (Wolf Award)
Best Director
Best Feature Film
Best Short (under 40 mins)
Best Micro Short (under 2 minutes)
Best Screenplay
Best Music Video
Best Animated Film
Best Male Actor
Best Female Actor
Best Cinematography
Best Costume
Best Editing
Best Hair & Make Up
Best Production Design
Best Colourist
Best Documentary
Best Feature Documentary
Best Sound
Best Film Noir
Best Midlands Film
Best Horror
Best International
Best Comedy
Best Experimental

SPECIALTY AWARDS
Please identify if your film qualifies for any of the following awards:

Best Young Male Actor
Best Young Female Actor
Best First Time Filmmaker
Best Student Filmmaker
Best Original Score
Best Sound Design
Best LGBTQ+

Rules & Terms

Films must not have had a commercial release prior to submission.

Short films must be under 40 minutes.

Feature films must be between 40 minutes and 180 minutes

Please visit the official website to find out the criteria and entry process for the awards.

Feature films if selected will only be up for nominations and will not be apart of the screening schedule.

50 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Joe Savage

    We loved screening our film 'Itch' at Wolverhampton Film Festival. It was a really well run event, with lots of talks, networking and a real show of an awards ceremony. Thanks to the team for having us, highly recommend submitting!

    May 2026
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  • Josef Quintrell

    This was the first festival I've ever submitted to, and I can't have asked for a better experience. It was lovely meeting so many incredible people in such an inspiring environment.

    May 2026
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  • Conor None

    Even though I wasn’t able to attend the festival in person, the experience was fantastic from start to finish. Our film was selected and included in competition, which was incredibly exciting, and the whole process felt engaging, welcoming, and genuinely fun.

    The festival team were consistently communicative and supportive throughout. Whenever we had questions, they responded quickly and helpfully, which made the experience feel very professional and personal at the same time.

    I’m genuinely gutted to have missed the event itself, because the passion, enthusiasm, and dedication from everyone involved was clear in every interaction we had. It’s obvious this is a festival run by people who truly care about filmmakers and the films they showcase.

    May 2026
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  • Black House Pictures

    We couldn't be have been more happy with our experience. Our shot 'Grilled Cheese' was nominated for five awards and took home Best Sound. Result! This genuinely is one of the best festivals we have been to, and I’ve been doing this for a well over a decade and all over the world too.

    Arun and Gurjant have put together something truly special, with fantastically inspired programming that brings together community in that rarest of ways. Roll on Wolverhampton Film Festival 2027!

    May 2026
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  • Manjinder Virk

    Arun and Gurjant are bringing the community of local and national (& international) filmmakers together, putting Wolverhampton on the map as a city that celebrates film. I’m especially impressed with their commitment to local and young talent. Thanks for screening our film DEKHO!

    May 2026
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