Chichester International Film Festival Returns with a Celebratory 34th Edition
Showcasing the Very Best of World Cinema - 723 August 2026
Cinema lovers are invited to experience 15 days of extraordinary filmmaking as the 34th Chichester International Film Festival returns this August with a diverse programme celebrating nearly a century of cinema, from iconic masterpieces and award-winning classics to future favourites, hidden gems and exciting new discoveries.
Festival Director Walter Francisco has revealed a packed line-up designed to celebrate cinema in all its richness, diversity and imagination.
Every August, we set ourselves the same ambitious challenge: to bring together the very best of world cinema and share it with audiences who love discovering films on the big screen, said Walter Francisco, Festival Director.
Whether you're here for a celebrated masterpiece, a future award winner, a hidden gem or a film you'll never have another chance to see in a UK cinema, we hope you'll leave having discovered something extraordinary.
The Festival opens in spectacular style with the much-loved open air screenings in Priory Park. Running from 7-9 August, audiences can enjoy iconic classics including Star Wars: A New Hope, Pretty Woman, Babe, Jurassic Park and 2025 musical Song Sung Blue. The weekend of open air screenings launches a programme that journeys across genres, generations and continents before concluding with Pedro Almodóvars eagerly anticipated new comedy-drama Bitter Christmas at the Festivals closing gala.
A Growing Festival Across the Region
The Festival continues to expand its reach across Sussex, welcoming audiences at a range of unique venues.
Following its successful debut, the Lumiere, an 80-seat mobile cinema at Chichester Cinema, returns for a second Festival, hosting almost half of this years programme and creating a vibrant Festival hub in the heart of Chichester.
The Festival also welcomes two new venues for 2026: CineVic in Arundel and the historic Picturedrome in Bognor Regis, which has been entertaining audiences since 1918. Meanwhile, The Windmill Cinema in Littlehampton expands its involvement with even more screenings than before.
Film, Music and Special Events
Alongside its outstanding film programme, the Festival will feature a series of unforgettable special events combining cinema with live performance.
Highlights include a special presentation of The Passion of Joan of Arc, accompanied by a live score; an evening pairing Beethovens music with the acclaimed drama A Late Quartet, featuring a live string quartet performance; and a celebration of the centenary of legendary jazz musician Miles Davis, featuring a documentary followed by a live jazz performance from some of the UKs finest musicians.
Celebrating Cinemas Greatest Voices
This years Film Festival offers audiences the chance to discover the work of some of cinemas most distinctive filmmakers, actors and creative talents.
A major retrospective celebrates the career of Robert Redford through seven films, alongside tributes to acclaimed filmmakers Andrea Arnold, Lynne Ramsay and Andrzej Wajda, as well as smaller celebrations of screen icons including Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot and Claude Chabrol.
Audiences can also enjoy themed strands exploring some of cinemas richest subjects, including a journey through the world of prison films, bringing together classics, modern masterpieces and overlooked treasures.
A World of Discovery
A defining feature of the Chichester International Film Festival is its commitment to introducing audiences to films they may never otherwise encounter.
The 2026 programme includes UK and English premieres, previews of forthcoming releases and outstanding international films that may not receive a wider UK theatrical release.
Walter Francisco encourages audiences to embrace the unexpected:
One of the greatest pleasures of programming this Festival is uncovering extraordinary films that audiences might otherwise never encounter. My advice is simple: be adventurous. Take a chance on something unfamiliar. The film you know least about could easily become the one you remember most.
This year also sees a major celebration of 21st century Latin American cinema, showcasing the creativity and originality of filmmakers from across the region. From Mexicos Amores Perros to Colombias Embrace of the Serpent, Argentinas Wild Tales and Brazils Oscar-nominated The Secret Agent, the strand highlights some of the most exciting voices in contemporary world cinema.
Behind the Films: Talks, Insights and Conversations
Alongside its outstanding programme of screenings, the Festival offers audiences the chance to go deeper into the world of cinema through a rich programme of film talks, Q&As and special events.
Many of this years themed strands are accompanied by expert-led talks that explore the stories, people and creative processes behind some of cinemas most fascinating works.
The Festival will also welcome a host of special guests and filmmakers throughout the event, giving audiences the opportunity to hear directly from the creative minds behind the films.
For those looking to get into the industry, there will be a special BFI Network Industry Day for Writers with free sessions aimed at emerging screenwriters, offering opportunities to build connections, practical tools and discover insights from experts.
Bringing Audiences Together Through Film
Since its launch, the Chichester International Film Festival has grown into one of the South Coasts most respected celebrations of cinema, combining premieres, retrospectives, talks, live events and unique screening experiences.
Walter Francisco added:
The Chichester International Film Festival exists because of an extraordinary community of people who believe in the power of cinema. Our dedicated volunteers, staff, venues, partners and supporters work tirelessly behind the scenes, but the Festival only truly comes to life when audiences fill the auditorium and share these experiences together.
The 34th Chichester International Film Festival runs from 723 August 2026. For the full programme and ticket information, visit the Chichester International Film Festival website - https://chichesterfilmfestival.co.uk/
