Chester International Film Festival 2026
13 – 22 March
WELCOME TO CIFF 2026!
The Chester International Film Festival (CIFF) returns for its 39th year. Founded by Chester Film Society and continuing in partnership with Storyhouse and the University of Chester, CIFF is an annual celebration of the very best in contemporary independent cinema.
Join us for a 10-day festival featuring a hand-picked selection of international film previews, locally curated short film programmes, expert guest speakers, and more – we’re certain there’s something for every film lover to enjoy!
Raise a glass and start the celebrations at our Opening Reception ahead of the first screening on 13 March, with thanks to VAIN Hair and Beauty.
Chester Film Society, founded in 1970, is an organisation committed to offering the best of world cinema to the local area of Chester. Open to people of all ages and backgrounds, the society champions global storytelling through films that explore diverse cultures, perspectives, and themes.
A forward-thinking Modern University at the heart of a Historic City.
MULTIBUY OFFER
See more for less with our Multibuy Offer. Save 25% when you book two CIFF 2026 events, or 50% when you book three or more at the same time.
Storyhouse Membership discounts will be applied automatically at checkout. Other promotional discounts can be added during checkout.
To claim your full discount, please make sure you are signed into your Storyhouse account before selecting your seats and that all tickets are added to your basket before completing payment.
OFFICIAL SELECTION
The CIFF 2026 Official Selection brings together 14 preview screenings, in competition for the Audience Award.
After each screening, audiences are invited to rate the film, with every vote contributing to the final result. The winner will be announced at the Closing Night Drinks Reception on 22 March.
Select screenings will be introduced by a guest speaker from the University of Chester. There will be no adverts or trailers before any screening.
DJ Ahmet
North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Serbia/Croatia
Fri 13 March 2026 at 7.30pm
+ Opening Reception (6.30pm)
Rose of Nevada
United Kingdom
Sat 14 March 2026 at 5pm
Primavera
Italy/France
Sat 14 March 2026 at 7.30pm
La Grazia
Italy
Sun 15 March 2026 at 7.30pm
The Stranger
France/Belgium
Mon 16 March 2026 at 7pm
+ Introduction by Isabelle Vanderschelden
Orphan
Hungary/France/Germany/United Kingdom
Tue 17 March 2026 at 8pm
Romeria
Spain/Germany
Wed 18 March 2026 at 6pm
+ Introduction by Anna Clayfeld
Orwell 2+2=5
France/United States
Thu 19 March 2026 at 6pm
+ Introduction by Mark Bendall
Miroirs No. 3
Germany
Thu 19 March 2026 at 8.30pm
The Blue Trail
Brazil/Mexico/Chile/Netherlands
Fri 20 March 2026 at 6pm
Exit 8
Japanese
Fri 20 March 2026 at 8.30pm
+ Introduction by Akemi Yokochi-Cottee
Our Land
United Kingdom
Sat 21 March 2026 at 5.30pm
Colours of Time
France/Belgium
Sat 21 March 2026 at 7.30pm
Father Mother Sister Brother
United States/Ireland/France/Italy/Japan
Sun 22 March 2026 at 5.30pm
+ Closing Reception (7.30pm)
Q&A Screenings
The following features will be followed by post-screening discussions with guests including writers, directors, and starring talent.
Game
+ Q&A with director John Minton & writer Rob Williams
Sun 15 March at 5pm
Iron Ladies
+ Q&A with director Daniel Draper
Sun 22 March at 2pm
SHORT FILM PROGRAMMES
Alongside the Official Selection, CIFF shines a spotlight on short filmmakers from across the region and around the world.
Tickets for all short film programmes are just £3.
Chester Animation Festival 2026
Sat 14 March at 2pm
Northern Exposure
Tue 17 March at 6pm
Student Showcase
Sat 21 March 2026 at 3pm
FESTIVAL CLASSICS
Rewind with these repertory favourites.
Blue Velvet (40th Anniversary)
Reel Talk Presents / Pay What You Can
Wed 18 March at 8pm
Chariots of Fire
FREE SCREENING
Thu 19 March at 2pm
WHAT’S ON
Events in this season
Chester Animation Festival 2026
Northern Exposure Short Film Night 2026
Blue Velvet (40th Anniversary)
Student Showcase 2026
