One of the friendliest, most authentic events I've attended. 

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.

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.

An absolutely amazing festival! Was an honour to have been selected, can't wait to see what the future brings.

Absolute dream come true. Amazing experience.

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.

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.

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!

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

What a wonderful venue and event. Organised so well, with lots to experience. Well done and thankyou Jennifer!

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.