The Chester International Film Festival is set to return to Storyhouse this spring with a programme of international features, shorts and special events.
Taking place from Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd March 2026, the 39th annual festival is presented in partnership with Chester Film Society and the University of Chester.
Tickets are on sale now, with discounts available for audiences booking two or more events at the same time.
Held at the Hunter Street cultural venue since 2018, the festival celebrates the very best in contemporary independent cinema, showcasing films from countries including Italy, Japan, North Macedonia, Brazil and the United Kingdom.
International Previews, Q&As and Special Screenings
The CIFF Official Selection features 14 preview screenings competing for the Audience Award, which will be announced at the close of the festival.
Selected screenings will be introduced by guest speakers from the University of Chester.
Susanne Hodder, of Chester Film Society, said:
“We’re delighted to bring the Chester International Film Festival back for another year, hosted at Storyhouse and in partnership with the University of Chester.
“The festival is a fundamental part of our commitment to bring world cinema to Chester, inviting audiences to discover inspiring films from diverse cultures and voices from across the world.
“We can’t wait to share these unique stories with audiences and create an experience that connects our community through film.”
The festival opens on Friday, 13th March, with a drinks reception and a screening of DJ Ahmet, a coming-of-age comedy set in North Macedonia.
Other highlights include Game, followed by a Q&A with director John Minton and co-writer Rob Williams, as well as La Grazia from acclaimed Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino.
A 40th anniversary screening of Blue Velvet, directed by David Lynch, will take place on 18 March.
A free screening of the Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire on 19 March will honour Chester Film Society founding member Derek Smith.
The festival will close on Sunday, 22nd March, with a screening of Iron Ladies, a documentary about the 1984 Miners’ Strike.
This will be followed by a live Q&A, and Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother, winner of the Golden Lion at the 2025 Venice Film Festival.
Showcasing Animation, Student Talent and Northern Voices
The 12th Chester Animation Festival takes place on Saturday 14th March, presenting outstanding animated shorts from six countries, including Canada, the Netherlands and Iran.
Film Hub North’s Northern Exposure will spotlight the best short films from the North of England.
A special Student Showcase on 21st March will feature eight short films by emerging filmmakers from the North West of England and North Wales.
Storyhouse head of cinema Nicky Beaumont said:
“We’ve been honoured to work with Chester Film Society to host the annual international film festival at Storyhouse since 2018, and more recently to partner with the University of Chester on this long-running festival.
“Chester International Film Festival is a highlight in our calendar, spotlighting films from around the world and bringing them to audiences at Storyhouse.”
The full listing is below.
CHESTER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (CIFF) 2026 LISTINGS
DJ Ahmet (18)
Date: 13 March
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
Chester Animation Festival (18)
Date: 14 March
Time: 2pm
Tickets: £3/Storyhouse Members £2.70
Rose of Nevada (18)
Date: 14 March
Time: 5pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
Primavera (15)
Date: 14 March
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
Game + Q&A (15)
Date: 15 March
Time: 5pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
La Grazia (12A)
Date: 15 March
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
The Stranger (17)
Date: 16 March
Time: 7pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
Northern Exposure Film Night (18)
Date: 17 March
Time: 6pm
Tickets: £3/Storyhouse Members £2.70
Orphan (18)
Date: 17 March
Time: 8pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
Romeria (18)
Date: 18 March
Time: 6pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
Blue Velvet 40th anniversary (18)
Date: 18 March
Time: 8pm
Tickets: Pay what you can £4-£9.90
Chariots of Fire (PG)
Date: 19 March
Time: 2pm
Tickets: Free but booked ticket required
Orwell 2+2=5 (15)
Date: 19 March
Time: 6pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
Miroirs No.3 (18)
Date: 19 March
Time: 8.30pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
The Blue Trail (18)
Date: 20 March
Time: 6pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
Exit 8 (18)
Date: 20 March
Time: 8.30pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
Student Showcase (18)
Date: 21 March
Time: 3pm
Tickets: £3/Storyhouse Members £2.70
Our Land (12A)
Date: 21 March
Time: 5.30pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
Colours of Time (15)
Date: 21 March
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
Iron Ladies + Q&A (12A)
Date: 22 March
Time: 2pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
Father Mother Sister Brother (18)
Date: 22 March
Time: 5.30pm
Tickets: £9.90/Storyhouse Members £8.90/Young Storyhouse Card Members £5
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