Penistone Film Festival
2025
Where Every Frame Tells a Story
Calling All Creatives -
Celebrating All Filmmakers
CELEBRATE CREATIVITY
Step into the world of visual storytelling—where images, movement, and music say more than words.
PUSH THE BOAT OUT
ON SILENT FILM
The Penistone Silent Film Festival offers filmmakers, musicians, and artists the chance to push creative boundaries and be part of a revival of silent cinema.
Why Should You Submit Your Film?
Pair your film with optional live musical accompaniment – Just like the golden age of cinema!
Compete for prestigious awards – Cinematography, Direction, Music, Stunts & Performance
Get your work judged by industry professionals, including Emmy-nominated producer David Meanti
Q&A Sessions – Engage with audiences & fellow talented filmmakers
1920s Immersive Experience – Step into the golden age with period costumes & live action scenes
SUBMIT YOUR FILM
Take the challenge. Captivate audiences. Be part of the silent film revival. Local students submit for FREE!
All Visitors Are Welcome To Our Festival -
Celebrate Visual Storytelling with Us!
SAVE THE DATE!
Find us at Penistone Paramount on October 18-19, 2025 for our Silent Film Festival!
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN CINEMA MAGIC
Experience the magic of silent cinema as it was meant to be seen—on the big screen, with live music, in an authentic 1920s setting.
What's On At The Festival?
SATURDAY
Filmmaker Showcases
Watch modern silent film masterpieces
Industry Talks
Insights from experts on film history, scoring & storytelling- including the official BUSTER KEATON SOCIETY
Classic Silent Films
Featuring legendary works (full program revealed soon!)
Live Performances
1920s actors, period reenactments & interactive scenes. Including Fools Talk Theatre!
Local Art Stalls & Vintage Photography
A celebration of creative heritage
SUNDAY
Awards Ceremony
Honoring the best silent filmmakers of today and all our talented festival filmmakers.
Submit your film to enter here!
Live Theatrical Performances
Bringing beloved silent film moments to life, accompanied by live music
1920s Costume Contest
Bring the 1920s into the 2020s by donning your best flapper dresses and slapshoes for a chance to win some fabulous prizes! Don't forget your cloche hats and fedoras too!
Fun for Everyone
Celebrate original & modern filmmakers!
Celebrate Your Interests At Our Festival!
For Sports & Football Fans
Home of Football Film Category
Did you know Penistone helped shape modern football?
In the 1840s and 50s, informal football games in Penistone helped inspire the founding of Sheffield FC (1857), the world’s first football club.
Celebrate The Beautiful Game
We’re inviting filmmakers to bring this untold story to life—from Rev. Samuel Sunderland’s school matches to football’s first pioneers, John Charles Shaw & John Marsh.
Showcase Your Filmmaking
Winning films will be showcased at the festival, ensuring this rich football history is preserved for new generations!
For Local History Lovers
Join Us at Penistone Paramount
The Penistone Silent Film Festival is more than just cinema—it’s a journey through time! Be a part of history and celebrate Penistone's creative heritage in one of the UK’s oldest operating cinemas!
Celebrate Local Heritage
Discover railways, farming and industry, the backdrop to Penistone’s rich cultural past, and celebrate regional artists with local art stalls and vintage photography.
Silent Film: A Timeless Artform
Silent cinema bridges past and present, showcasing the timeless power of visual storytelling. Experience it as originally seen with live Compton Organ accompaniment!
For Cosplayers & Vintage Fans
Dress to Impress
1920s Attire Encouraged!
Whether you love flapper dresses, silent film icons, or classic suits, this is your chance to step into the golden age of cinema!
Vintage Photography Booth
Capture your 1920s moment and step into 1925 at the Penistone Film Festival!
Live Actors & Re-Enactments
Step into a classic silent film and watch as the movies come to life around you.
1920s Period Costume Contest
Win prizes for the best vintage look!
What's Happening In The Community?
Penistone Film Festival: Bringing Our Community Together Through Historic Cinema.
BUSTER KEATON IS MISSING!!
Somewhere in Penistone, Buster Keaton has vanished and we need YOUR help to find him!
- Snap a pic or video of him
- Post it on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook
Tag us where you found him
– Use #DamfinoPenistone
5 lucky winners will get a FULL VIP ALL-ACCESS PASS to the festival!
Already bought your pass? No problem if you win, we’ll refund it!
So get searching and help us FIND BUSTER!
PENISTONE SHARING SHELF
Located at Penistone Leisure Centre, the Penistone Sharing Shelf is a community bookcase mural celebrating the town’s stories, history, and creativity. Created by local artist Lucy Burns (LJayBee Illustrations) as part of Barnsley Council’s Storying Barnsley project, the Sharing Shelf is a space for locals to:
- Swap books
- Share zines
- Contribute artwork inspired by Penistone
CREATE YOUR OWN SILENT FILMS
As part of Penistone Film Festival, we’re introducing a DIY Silent Film Zine, designed to inspire young people to create their own silent films! This hands-on guide includes:
- Fun activities to spark creativity
- Simple craft materials to help bring film ideas to life
- Step-by-step guidance to make a silent movie at home
Zines created in local workshops will be displayed on the Sharing Shelf, connecting the community through film, art, and storytelling.
Pick up your DIY Silent Film Kit and be part of the festival!
Support the Festival
YOUR SUPPORT IS INVALUABLE
The Penistone Silent Film Festival is a grassroots event celebrating film, history & creativity. Every bit of support is greatly appreciated and used to hold more fantastic silent film events!
DONATIONS WELCOME
Help us keep the magic alive! Every contribution supports independent filmmakers, local artists, and live cinema events.
