Penistone Film Festival
17-18 October 2026
Where Every Frame Tells a Story
Calling All Creatives -
Celebrating All Filmmakers
2026 Penistone Film Festival
The 2026 Penistone Film Festival will take place across two historic venues, the Penistone Paramount cinema and St John the Baptist Church.
During the 2025 festival, the church hosted a football heritage display created by the Sheffield Home of Football Group together with our towns own Laikin to Livelihoods Heritage Group.
This celebrated Penistone's contribution to the early history of the game and linked directly to our filmmaking category.
Home of Football, which will return in 2026. You can find out more about the Laikin to Livelihoods Heritage Group on their Facebook page.
Laikin to Livelihoods Facebook Page Access and Community
The festival strives to be inclusive. After offering a sensory friendly screening and full BSL interpretation throughout the 2025 event, we aim to keep these features and expand them further for 2026.
CELEBRATE CREATIVITY
Step into the world of visual storytelling—where images, movement, and music say more than words.
Following the success of our debut year in 2025, Penistone Film Festival returns
in October 2026 to celebrate the art of visual storytelling inspired by the
first motion pictures.
2026 Event Information
The 2026 Penistone Film Festival will take place the weekend of 17th-18th October 2026 across two historic venues, the 1914 Penistone Paramount and St John the Baptist Church. Exact days and times will be confirmed soon.
Expect two days of silent-style cinema, live music, filmmaker Q&As, heritage
exhibitions, workshops and the vintage magic that made our first year such a success.
Filmmaker 2025
A beautiful festival that celebrates film in its purest form.
Audience member
One of the friendliest, most authentic events I've attended.
Mario Gregoriou
I was honoured to be a finalist at Penistone's inaugural fest, and to get to experience such a wonderful, welcoming and event-packed festival, that has a real love and passion for film, storytelling and inspiring others to create.
And I want to give a big shout out to the organiser, Jennifer Bulcock for putting together such a cinematic feast with so many facets along with the films, like: the flapper dancers, Hollywood stunt team demonstrations, music focused screenings and some beautiful cinematic organ interpretations of modern songs - all creating together that vibe of wonder when cinema 1st arrived …. and also for being such a brilliant host, and being so welcoming.
It was an amazing immersive experience and I loved how the whole event embodied and brought to life the spirit of the magic of motion pictures. It’s also a really important event for the community and beyond, giving opportunity and inspiration for people to create, share and connect - and just really helping to nurture storytelling. I believe these are events than can really help and make a difference to us both individually and collectively.
Jouni Hynynen
Thankyou Penistone! What an experience. Just the right place to have a film festival. Exciting surroundings, traditional movie theatre and lovely people. And the Compton organs... if you think you have seen them all I can assure you haven´t before you experience a silent film with live music played by Comptons. Good program. Wonderful discussions with all, especially with other film makers. Must go again type event.
Dat Shredboi
An absolutely amazing festival! Was an honour to have been selected, can't wait to see what the future brings.
Tommy McGician
Absolute dream come true. Amazing experience.
Ben Slotover
Some film festivals are behemoths, high profile but a bit impersonal. Other film festivals are shady, putting profit and status ahead of the actual films and filmmakers. But once in a while you come across a film festival that is doing it for the love of the medium, and these ones are the best.
Penistone film festival is one such festival. Being a fan of Silent movies and Buster Keaton in particular since a child, I found the screening events to be excellently chosen and presented. My film was up on the same screen as Buster's, in the same historic venue that has showed these films since 1914. The sound and projection system was excllent!
The Piano and organ accompanied screenings were a special treat, and there was so much more going on too. Props to Jennifer Bulcock for doing so much to continue this legacy and giving new filmmakers a venue to have their films shown to a live audience.
A.Lemar Manktelow
This was my first ever film festival I have attended, and it came to my attention when the Penistone film festival social media team contacted me about tickets. I was super interested, and even though I lived quite a long way a way I decided to give it a shot. And I'm so glad I did. The venue was so charming with its vintage feel, I could tell the town had loved it well and deeply cared for the art of old cinema and keeping history alive. All of the people at the festival, including the host, workers and attendees were so warm, welcoming and friendly. The dress up competitions, the locally produced films and the gathering of young and old in such an intimate setting was such an amazing atmosphere that made everyone feel at home. I felt like I was part of a special community despite only visiting for two days. The festival itself was smooth, had little delays and the contents was highly entertaining. From live organ to independent films and silent film history and theatrical performances there was something for everyone. People of all ages were gathered for the singular joy of film and it was a lovely event filled with laughter, love and appreciation. I can't believe this was their first festival, it felt like a tradition that had been going on for ages! I'm so happy I could be part of the birth of an amazing event and met so many lovely people from both near and far. I will certainly be returning next year for even more fun. It will be hard to find another film festival that encapsulates the art of silent film and authentic community spirit.
Lilia Scheerder
Great festival. It has a wonderful mix of classic silent film and modern interpretations. The organisation really went all out, with theater and dance performances completing the bill. Penistone is a lovely town and the cinema is over 100 years old. The live accompaniment on both piano and organ (a special feature at the Penistone Paramount cinema) really completed it. And then there were the cardboard Busters, vintage Photo Booth and 'Fanny', our lovely presenter from 1929. Highly recommended!
Kim Dixon
An absolutely amazing event that flowed beautifully over the two days from the opening film on Saturday with live piano and the evening film accompanied on the Compton organ both expertly played, to the awards and finalists on Sunday. The judges must have had a very difficult time as there were so many quality entries. We bought VIP passes which were extremely good value and yes it was great to dress up in 1920s style too. Fanny Barker entertained us on Saturday and magically transformed into the beautiful Jennifer as our host on the Sunday. Loved the unique take on this festival with lots of 1920s recognisable characters popping up over the 2 day event. Loved it
Em.J Smith
What a wonderful venue and event. Organised so well, with lots to experience. Well done and thankyou Jennifer!
Kathleen Stevenson
Penistone Film Festival A Magical First Year Festival Full of Heart
Getting the award actually made me cry! We were absolutely thrilled to walk away from Penistone Film Festival with the Best Music Composition Award and not just any award, but a one of a kind, 100 year old antique trophy relevant to the area from one of the most beautiful and heartfelt festivals we’ve ever attended.
Hosted at the stunning historic Penistone Paramount, the atmosphere was pure cinematic magic from the vintage decor to the warmth of everyone involved. We honestly couldn’t believe it was only the festival’s first year, the whole thing felt truly historic!!
Jennifer was an incredible host full of energy, kindness, and passion for every filmmaker and film that came through those doors. She made everyone feel welcome, valued, and part of something truly special. Our little group even won costume awards and we were thrilled!
The programming was fantastic from a live silent film accompanied by piano, to other breathtaking performances that celebrated the roots and artistry of cinema. Every moment felt thoughtfully curated, with real love for the craft of filmmaking shining through.
We left feeling inspired, grateful, and completely in awe of what the team pulled off. Penistone Film Festival is one of those rare gems that reminds you what community and creativity in film are all about and we can’t wait to come back next year.
SAVE THE DATE!
Penistone Film Festival 2026 Where Every Frame Tells a Story.
After an incredible debut year, we return the weekend of 17th - 18th October 2026 across the Penistone Paramount and St John the Baptist Church.
Exact days and times will be confirmed soon.
CELEBRATE CREATIVITY OLD AND NEW
Step into the world of visual storytelling—where images, movement, and music say more than words.
Following the success of our debut year in 2025, Penistone Film Festival returns
in October 2026 to celebrate the art of visual storytelling inspired by the first motion pictures.
Photo from Penistone Film Festival 2025 Tommy & Hayley at Fools Talk Theatre.
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.
We champion creativity, imagination and films that use movement, expression,
music and stunts to tell their story with as few spoken words as possible.
How to Be a Filmmaker Video
Watch How To Be a Filmaker
Fancy having a go your self , watch our tiny crash course in how to be a filmmaker. Big expressions, bold ideas, no faff, you can even make it with your phone so no excuses!
Take a Look At Our Venues
Via The Penistone Archive
SUBMIT YOUR FILM
Take the challenge, captivate audiences and have your film judged by industry professionals.
Local students submit for FREE.
FILM MAKERS
Each year, Penistone Film Festival celebrates filmmakers who excel in the craft of visual storytelling.
Our competition recognises creativity, movement, and imagination across live action, animation, and music, inspired by the spirit of the silent era. There are no strict rules requiring zero dialogue, however judging places real emphasis on how effectively a story is told with as few spoken words as possible.
Festival Awards include:
The Buster!
A celebration of Buster Keaton’s influence through silent cinema. Honours outstanding non-dialogue or minimal-dialogue filmmaking that captures visual wit and inventiveness.
Art in Action
Celebrates films that use movement, performance, stunt work or physical craft to drive the narrative. Dialogue may be present, but the story should be led by what the audience can see.
Musical Score / Sound / Composition
Recognises exceptional original music and sound created to accompany film and enhance visual storytelling.
View More:
Musical Score / Sound / Composition:
Recognises exceptional original music and sound created to accompany film and enhance visual storytelling.
Local Student Film up to 15 minutes:
Open to filmmakers living within 20 miles of Penistone. Encourages strong visual storytelling with minimal dialogue. Free entry.
Home of Football:
Honours stories about the history and culture of the beautiful game.
Overall Winning Film:
Selected by our judging panel as the standout production of the festival.
Winners receive official Penistone Film:
Festival antique trophies, certificates and laurels. Selected films screen on the big screen at the historic Penistone Paramount Cinema, established in 1914.
Rules & Terms
Eligibility:
Open to filmmakers worldwide. Entries must be the original work of the applicant(s). Films may be submitted by individuals, collectives, schools, or production teams.
Submission Format:
All entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway with a working screener link. Films should be complete and ready for exhibition.
Running Time:
Short films only: up to 15 minutes maximum (including credits).
(This mirrors the approximate length of a single 35mm film reel from the early days of cinema.)
View More:
Language:
If the film includes dialogue, English subtitles must be provided.
Silent, non-dialogue, & visually driven films are encouraged across all categories.
Age Rating:
The festival encourages films suitable for a PG audience. Submissions containing offensive, discriminatory, or gratuitous material will not be accepted.
We aim to provide an inclusive, welcoming festival experience for all ages.
Student Entries:
Students living within 20 miles of Penistone are eligible for free entry. Proof of address or school enrolment may be requested.
Categories:
Films will be considered within the categories selected by the entrant, but the festival reserves the right to reassign a film to a more appropriate category if necessary.
Selection & Notification:
All films are reviewed by our programming panel. Official selections will be announced via FilmFreeway and our social channels. Only selected films will be screened at the festival.
Screening & Promotion:
By submitting, you grant Penistone Film Festival permission to use short excerpts, stills, and promotional material for marketing and press purposes. Copyright remains with the filmmaker.
Attendance:
Attendance at the festival is not mandatory, but filmmakers are warmly encouraged to join us for screenings, networking, and awards in out historic town home to the Penistone Paramount Cinema.
Judging:
The jury's decision is final. All categories are judged on creativity, originality, and strength of visual storytelling.
Entry Fees:
Submission fees are non-refundable. Fee waivers are only available to local students within the defined area.
FILM MAKERS
Each year, Penistone Film Festival celebrates filmmakers who excel in the craft of visual storytelling.
Our competition recognises creativity, movement, and imagination across live action, animation, and music, inspired by the spirit of the silent era. There are no strict rules requiring zero dialogue, however judging places real emphasis on how effectively a story is told with as few spoken words as possible.
Festival Awards include:
The Buster!
A celebration of Buster Keaton’s influence through silent cinema. Honours outstanding non-dialogue or minimal-dialogue filmmaking that captures visual wit and inventiveness.
Art in Action
Celebrates films that use movement, performance, stunt work or physical craft to drive the narrative. Dialogue may be present, but the story should be led by what the audience can see.
Musical Score / Sound / Composition
Recognises exceptional original music and sound created to accompany film and enhance visual storytelling.
View More:
Musical Score / Sound / Composition:
Recognises exceptional original music and sound created to accompany film and enhance visual storytelling.
Local Student Film up to 15 minutes:
Open to filmmakers living within 20 miles of Penistone. Encourages strong visual storytelling with minimal dialogue. Free entry.
Home of Football:
Honours stories about the history and culture of the beautiful game.
Overall Winning Film:
Selected by our judging panel as the standout production of the festival.
Winners receive official Penistone Film:
Festival antique trophies, certificates and laurels. Selected films screen on the big screen at the historic Penistone Paramount Cinema, established in 1914.
Rules & Terms
Eligibility:
Open to filmmakers worldwide. Entries must be the original work of the applicant(s). Films may be submitted by individuals, collectives, schools, or production teams.
Submission Format:
All entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway with a working screener link. Films should be complete and ready for exhibition.
Running Time:
Short films only: up to 15 minutes maximum (including credits).
(This mirrors the approximate length of a single 35mm film reel from the early days of cinema.)
View More:
Language:
If the film includes dialogue, English subtitles must be provided.
Silent, non-dialogue, & visually driven films are encouraged across all categories.
Age Rating:
The festival encourages films suitable for a PG audience. Submissions containing offensive, discriminatory, or gratuitous material will not be accepted.
We aim to provide an inclusive, welcoming festival experience for all ages.
Student Entries:
Students living within 20 miles of Penistone are eligible for free entry. Proof of address or school enrolment may be requested.
Categories:
Films will be considered within the categories selected by the entrant, but the festival reserves the right to reassign a film to a more appropriate category if necessary.
Selection & Notification:
All films are reviewed by our programming panel. Official selections will be announced via FilmFreeway and our social channels. Only selected films will be screened at the festival.
Screening & Promotion:
By submitting, you grant Penistone Film Festival permission to use short excerpts, stills, and promotional material for marketing and press purposes. Copyright remains with the filmmaker.
Attendance:
Attendance at the festival is not mandatory, but filmmakers are warmly encouraged to join us for screenings, networking, and awards in out historic town home to the Penistone Paramount Cinema.
Judging:
The jury's decision is final. All categories are judged on creativity, originality, and strength of visual storytelling.
Entry Fees:
Submission fees are non-refundable. Fee waivers are only available to local students within the defined area.
All Visitors Are Welcome To Penistone Film Festival -
Where Diversity & Inclusion Matters.
2026 Event Information
The 2026 Penistone Film Festival will take place the weekend of 18th October 2026
across two historic venues, the 1914 Penistone Paramount and St John the Baptist
Church. Exact days and times will be confirmed soon.
Expect two days of silent-style cinema, live music, filmmaker Q&As, heritage
exhibitions, workshops and the vintage magic that made our first year such a
success.
Filmmaker 2025
A beautiful festival that celebrates film in its purest form.
Audience member
One of the friendliest, most authentic events I've attended.
Mario Gregoriou
I was honoured to be a finalist at Penistone's inaugural fest, and to get to experience such a wonderful, welcoming and event-packed festival, that has a real love and passion for film, storytelling and inspiring others to create.
And I want to give a big shout out to the organiser, Jennifer Bulcock for putting together such a cinematic feast with so many facets along with the films, like: the flapper dancers, Hollywood stunt team demonstrations, music focused screenings and some beautiful cinematic organ interpretations of modern songs - all creating together that vibe of wonder when cinema 1st arrived …. and also for being such a brilliant host, and being so welcoming.
It was an amazing immersive experience and I loved how the whole event embodied and brought to life the spirit of the magic of motion pictures. It’s also a really important event for the community and beyond, giving opportunity and inspiration for people to create, share and connect - and just really helping to nurture storytelling. I believe these are events than can really help and make a difference to us both individually and collectively.
Jouni Hynynen
Thankyou Penistone! What an experience. Just the right place to have a film festival. Exciting surroundings, traditional movie theatre and lovely people. And the Compton organs... if you think you have seen them all I can assure you haven´t before you experience a silent film with live music played by Comptons. Good program. Wonderful discussions with all, especially with other film makers. Must go again type event.
Dat Shredboi
An absolutely amazing festival! Was an honour to have been selected, can't wait to see what the future brings.
Tommy McGician
Absolute dream come true. Amazing experience.
Ben Slotover
Some film festivals are behemoths, high profile but a bit impersonal. Other film festivals are shady, putting profit and status ahead of the actual films and filmmakers. But once in a while you come across a film festival that is doing it for the love of the medium, and these ones are the best.
Penistone film festival is one such festival. Being a fan of Silent movies and Buster Keaton in particular since a child, I found the screening events to be excellently chosen and presented. My film was up on the same screen as Buster's, in the same historic venue that has showed these films since 1914. The sound and projection system was excllent!
The Piano and organ accompanied screenings were a special treat, and there was so much more going on too. Props to Jennifer Bulcock for doing so much to continue this legacy and giving new filmmakers a venue to have their films shown to a live audience.
A.Lemar Manktelow
This was my first ever film festival I have attended, and it came to my attention when the Penistone film festival social media team contacted me about tickets. I was super interested, and even though I lived quite a long way a way I decided to give it a shot. And I'm so glad I did. The venue was so charming with its vintage feel, I could tell the town had loved it well and deeply cared for the art of old cinema and keeping history alive. All of the people at the festival, including the host, workers and attendees were so warm, welcoming and friendly. The dress up competitions, the locally produced films and the gathering of young and old in such an intimate setting was such an amazing atmosphere that made everyone feel at home. I felt like I was part of a special community despite only visiting for two days. The festival itself was smooth, had little delays and the contents was highly entertaining. From live organ to independent films and silent film history and theatrical performances there was something for everyone. People of all ages were gathered for the singular joy of film and it was a lovely event filled with laughter, love and appreciation. I can't believe this was their first festival, it felt like a tradition that had been going on for ages! I'm so happy I could be part of the birth of an amazing event and met so many lovely people from both near and far. I will certainly be returning next year for even more fun. It will be hard to find another film festival that encapsulates the art of silent film and authentic community spirit.
Lilia Scheerder
Great festival. It has a wonderful mix of classic silent film and modern interpretations. The organisation really went all out, with theater and dance performances completing the bill. Penistone is a lovely town and the cinema is over 100 years old. The live accompaniment on both piano and organ (a special feature at the Penistone Paramount cinema) really completed it. And then there were the cardboard Busters, vintage Photo Booth and 'Fanny', our lovely presenter from 1929. Highly recommended!
Kim Dixon
An absolutely amazing event that flowed beautifully over the two days from the opening film on Saturday with live piano and the evening film accompanied on the Compton organ both expertly played, to the awards and finalists on Sunday. The judges must have had a very difficult time as there were so many quality entries. We bought VIP passes which were extremely good value and yes it was great to dress up in 1920s style too. Fanny Barker entertained us on Saturday and magically transformed into the beautiful Jennifer as our host on the Sunday. Loved the unique take on this festival with lots of 1920s recognisable characters popping up over the 2 day event. Loved it
Em.J Smith
What a wonderful venue and event. Organised so well, with lots to experience. Well done and thankyou Jennifer!
Kathleen Stevenson
Penistone Film Festival A Magical First Year Festival Full of Heart
Getting the award actually made me cry! We were absolutely thrilled to walk away from Penistone Film Festival with the Best Music Composition Award and not just any award, but a one of a kind, 100 year old antique trophy relevant to the area from one of the most beautiful and heartfelt festivals we’ve ever attended.
Hosted at the stunning historic Penistone Paramount, the atmosphere was pure cinematic magic from the vintage decor to the warmth of everyone involved. We honestly couldn’t believe it was only the festival’s first year, the whole thing felt truly historic!!
Jennifer was an incredible host full of energy, kindness, and passion for every filmmaker and film that came through those doors. She made everyone feel welcome, valued, and part of something truly special. Our little group even won costume awards and we were thrilled!
The programming was fantastic from a live silent film accompanied by piano, to other breathtaking performances that celebrated the roots and artistry of cinema. Every moment felt thoughtfully curated, with real love for the craft of filmmaking shining through.
We left feeling inspired, grateful, and completely in awe of what the team pulled off. Penistone Film Festival is one of those rare gems that reminds you what community and creativity in film are all about and we can’t wait to come back next year.
2026 Penistone Film Festival
The 2026 Penistone Film Festival will take place across two historic venues, the
Penistone Paramount cinema and St John the Baptist Church.
During the 2025 festival, the church hosted a football heritage display created
by the Sheffield Home of Football Group together with our towns own Laikin
to Livelihoods Heritage Group.
This celebrated Penistones contribution to the
early history of the game and linked directly to our filmmaking category.
Home of Football, which will return in 2026.
You can find out more about the Laikin to Livelihoods Heritage Group on their
Facebook page.
Laikin to Livelihoods Facebook Page Access and Community
The festival strives to be inclusive. After offering a sensory friendly
screening and full BSL interpretation throughout the 2025 event, we aim to keep
these features and expand them further for 2026.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR TICKETS
Embrace the glamour of early Hollywood!
Tickets for 2026 are not yet on sale, click HERE
to join our priority list & you will be notified in advance!
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! Whether You wish to donate or make a purchase of one of our exclusive souvenirs - every penny goes directly back into making this event a success, supporting the community and artists. Both locally, and globally.
YOUR SUPPORT IS INVALUABLE
The Penistone 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! Whether You wish to donate or make a purchase of one of our exclusive souvenirs - every penny goes directly back into making this event a success, supporting the community and artists. Both locally, and globally.
DONATE
or BUY MERCH!
As a community-run, not-for-profit event, every donation and merch purchase
helps us fund live music, accessibility support and opportunities for emerging
talent.
DONATE or BUY MERCH!
As a community-run, not-for-profit event, every donation and merch purchase
helps us fund live music, accessibility support and opportunities for emerging
talent.
GALLERY
With Thanks For Your Support
Penistone 2025 was supported by :
PATRONS:
Michael C. Williams
Blair Witch Project
Tony Currie
Sheffield United football Legend
David Meanti Emmy nominated producer, Star Wars Andor
and....
Looking Forward Films
Friends of St John The Baptist Church Penistone Cinema Organ Trust Kevin Grunill Yorkshire Film Archive Keaton Talmadge
Filmfreeway Letterboxd
