Scarborough Film Festival 2026

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

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

The festival runs from 25 - 29 March and uses multiple venues around town including the SJT, Beckview Studios, Craft Bar, the Railway Club and The Cask & Keg.

This project is supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.

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 SFF26 - see the full programme below:

Wed 25 March

Held at Craft Bar, Northway, Scarborough, YO11 1JH

• 8.30pm - Movie Film Quiz! Warm up for the film festival at Craft Bar for a special movie quiz hosted by Ruben and Charlotte.

Thu 26 March

Held at Beckview Studios, 487 Scalby Road, Scarborough, United Kingdom, YO13 0RA

• 7pm - Music Video Screening + Gig + Zine Launch. The launch of Scarborough Film Festival 2026! An evening of Scarborough-made music videos for local and international bands, including a Q&A with the makers and the launch of a brand-new zine. h

Friday 27 March

All events held at the SJT, Westborough, Scarborough, YO11 1JW

• 2pm - The Stimming Pool (12A). Director Steven Eastwood and the Neurocultures Collective invite you to experience the oscillating beat of the neurodiverse experience.

• 5pm - I Am Martin Parr (12). A Lee Shulman-directed documentary that explores the life and 50-year career of the iconic British photographer.

• 7pm - Little Voice + Solidarity Social (15). Your chance to see the iconic Little Voice back on the big screen!

Saturday 28 March

All events held at the SJT, Westborough, Scarborough, YO11 1JW

• 10.30am - Little Amélie plus workshop. A beautiful animated film following Amélie, a Belgian child in Japan, who explores life with her companion Nishio-san.

• 11.45am - Kid's Film Workshop. A free children's workshop where you'll get the opportunity to make your own shadow puppets with local artist Terenia Edwards.

• 12pm - Regional Shorts (15 TBC). The Scarborough Film Festival annual competition of regional shorts, celebrating the amazing talent of local filmmakers.

• 2pm - Maya and the Wave (12A). Filmmaker Stephanie Johnes follows the incredible and inspirational story of Brazilian big wave surfer Maya Gabeira in her award-winning documentary.

• 4.30pm - Pauline Black: A Two Tone Story (15). The Selecter lead singer Pauline Black tells her extraordinary life story alongside archive footage, music and guest contributions in this compelling feature documentary based on her book ‘Black by Design’.

• 7.30pm - The Rose of Nevada (15). A haunted time-travelling odyssey brings a long-lost ship unexpectedly back to harbour, only for a new crew to set sail and re-enter the past.

Sunday 29 March

All events held at The Cask & Keg, Cambridge Terrace, Scarborough, YO11 2LQ

• 1pm - Dread Beat an' Blood (15). A chance to watch the vibrant 1979 documentary portrait of dub poet and activist Linton Kwesi Johnson, fighting racism with spoken work on the streets of 1970s Brixton.

• 2.30pm - Style Wars (18). Lauded as the definitive hip hop documentary of its era, 1983's Style Wars follows early-days graffiti writers from the streets of New York into their homes, alongside interviews with authority figures.

• 4pm onwards - Closing Party! Join us to celebrate the end of Scarborough Film Festival 2026 with vinyl DJs Dan Radics and k.i.s.t.a playing music inspired by the music documentaries screened during the day.

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 SFF26!