Scarborough Film Festival 2025

Scarborough Film Festival, now in its second year, brings alternative and exciting films to the town and runs in partnership with the Stephen Joseph Theatre.

This second edition brings something for everyone, with film previews, live music, collaborations, short films, children's events and workshops.

Festival co-directors Martha Cattell and Liz Boag say:

"We're so pleased to bring Scarborough Film Festival back with more collaborations and screenings than ever before!

"Our highlights include an exciting film launch with artists Conway and Young, musical collaborations with the Tuesday Funky Choir and local punk bands, our regional film competition and topical documentaries and films from around the world."

"The festival is not just a celebration of film but also of the amazing talent and community in the area."

The festival runs from 15 - 23 March with 16 events and uses multiple venues around town including the SJT, Mandy Apple, Woodend Galleries and Studies, Craft Bar and the Railway Club.

This project is supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network and is sponsored by JW Smith & Co.

Please note, some events aren't happening at the SJT, so make sure to check on the website before making plans!

Book three or more events and get 20% off with code SFF25

See the full programme below or browse the brochure here.

Sat 15 March

1-3pm - Film Poster Workshop: Make collage/zine posters inspired by films you’ve seen, a random idea, or your own life! Held at Mandy Apple, 44 Newborough, Scarborough YO11 1NF.

Thu 20 March

• 1:45pm - Preview Screening: Wind, Tide and Oar: A compelling exploration of engineless sailing, shot on analogue film over three years in the UK, Netherlands and France.

• 4:30pm - Preview Screening: Flow: The story of a black cat who lives in a post-apocalyptic world, seemingly devoid of the humans who once worshipped the animals now roaming the land. See this Golden Globe winning, BAFTA and Oscar nominated feature before its cinema release.

• 7:15pm - Magic Lantern Show: Be transported back to the 19th century through the wonders of a magic lantern show hosted by Dr Nick Hiley, academic and magic lantern collector.

Fri 21 March

• 2pm - Wild Women: (English and Spanish with English subtitles): Let’s go on a wild ride - crazy, joyful and unexpected. A selection of unmissable short films curated by Oska Bright, the world’s biggest learning disability film festival. 

• 5:30pm - Layla: Captivating audiences at Sundance this year, Amrou Al-Khadhi’s debut feature is an exhilarating depiction of self-acceptance set in the London queer scene.

• 7:30pm - Dead Mint: Documentary about Scarborough band Grandads Don’t Indicate, once described as sounding like ‘a nail bomb going off in a toyshop’. With an introduction from Director, Bill Bartlett and followed by a punk gig with Grandads Don't Indicate, Graham Watson and Orchard at The Railway Club - entry included with your film ticket.

Saturday 22 March

• 10am - Kids’ Shorts: Science and Nature/drop-in Foley Sound Workshop: Leeds Young Film Festival brings a captivating collection of science and nature-based short films, followed by a free foley workshop inspired by the films.

• 12:30pm to 2:30pm - Young People’s Films on Loop: Locally made films by aspiring film makers and students.

• 2:45pm to 5:30pm - Open Call Artists’ Films on Loop – Listen, Shift, Feel: Artists’ moving image works by Rachel Rimmel, Olive Payne, Zoom Collective and Mary Naylor.

• 11:30am - Along the Edge/Below the Surface: Specially curated short films exploring life along and below the sea, bringing together local and global stories with a variety of genres and themes.

• 1:30pm - Union: Up against one of the most powerful companies on the planet, a group of Amazon workers embark on an unprecedented campaign to unionise their New York warehouse.

• 4:30pm - Competition Shorts: A unique range of films produced by people in and around the region, including documentaries, animated films, dramas and more.

• 7:45pm - Dancing Queen: Iconic British romcom set in Scarborough and starring Rik Mayall and Helena Bonham Carter. Accompanied by a performance from the Tuesday Funky Choir.

Sunday 23 March

• 10:30am - The Taste of Mango: Chloe Abrahams’ debut feature documentary is an enveloping, hypnotic, urgently personal meditation on family, memory, identity, violence and love. Held at Woodend Gallery and Studios, The Crescent, Scarborough, YO11 2PW.

• 1:30pm - Launch of The Milk Report: Short film exploring the politics and economics of care through the lens of breastfeeding, by artists Conway and Young. Held at Woodend Gallery and Studios, The Crescent, Scarborough, YO11 2PW.

• 5pm onwards - OpenDecks: Flip the Record, led by DJ babybel: Festival closing party – a chance to have a go at spinning some records, digital or vinyl! Open to women and queer-identifying individuals. Held at Craft Bar, 7 Northway, Scarborough YO11 1JH.

Book tickets online, by calling 01723 370 541 or by dropping in to Box Office.

Don't forget, book three or more events and get 20% off with code SFF25!