A Festival Built by Its People: The Story of Beeston Film Festival
- marysia
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
By Christie Sietos Nottingham 20th February 2026
Francesca Hall (award-winning Director of COD'n'Chips), Ali Cook (award-winning Director &
Oscar long-listed, The Pearl Comb), Paxina Ngobola (Programmer), John Currie (Festival Director)
Every spring in Beeston, the foyer of the ARC Cinema fills with international creativity. Volunteers greet arriving guests like old friends, and conversations begin in the foyer, continuing long after the credits roll. There is excitement, certainly — but above all, there is warmth.
For twelve years, Beeston Film Festival has offered far more than an extraordinary showcase of international short films. It has become a gathering place shaped not only by the mesmerising stories on screen, but by the people who return year after year to build the event — from the dedicated organisers behind the scenes to the filmmakers and audiences who travel from near and far to experience creativity on the big screen.
At the centre of it all is Festival Director John Currie, whose original vision helped transform a passionate idea into one of the region’s most cherished cultural events. What began as an ambitious local project has steadily grown into an internationally recognised festival, yet it has never lost the closeness that defined its earliest days. Consistently ranked among the Top 100 best-reviewed festivals on FilmFreeway, BIFA-accredited, and now a member of CineTour, Beeston Film Festival continues to strengthen its global reputation while remaining firmly rooted in community.
John Currie is often described as the glue that holds the festival together — a quiet force of encouragement who inspires those around him, motivates teams through the busiest months of preparation, and fosters an environment where people feel genuinely valued. That spirit has shaped the festival’s identity from the very beginning: collaborative, welcoming, and deeply connected to the people who make it possible.
Today, that community stretches far beyond Beeston itself.
The upcoming 2026 edition, taking place from April 23–26, promises four days of bold, diverse, and inspiring independent cinema from around the world. Interest from filmmakers has reached extraordinary levels, with 1,005 short films submitted for consideration. Behind the scenes, a dedicated review team undertook the enormous task of evaluating every entry, collectively logging an impressive 3,631 reviews before arriving at the final selection of 96 exceptional films. Statistics like these speak to the festival’s growing reputation — but they tell only part of the story. Behind every chosen film lies an act of generosity: hours spent watching, discussing, debating, and championing work created with passion and imagination. Much of this labour happens quietly, powered by volunteers whose commitment is driven not by recognition, but by a shared belief in the importance of storytelling.
Film festivals often appear effortless to audiences. Screens light up on time, programmes feel thoughtfully balanced, and events unfold seamlessly. Yet beneath that polished surface is a network of people giving their evenings, weekends, and creative energy simply because they care. That collective effort is perhaps the festival’s greatest achievement.
The ARC Cinema itself plays an essential role in shaping this atmosphere. More than just a venue, it has become the festival’s home — a place where filmmakers and audiences meet naturally, whether between screenings in the foyer or lingering in conversation after an inspiring session. Technical excellence matters here; films are projected with care, allowing each story to be experienced exactly as intended. But what visitors often remember most is the sense of ease that surrounds the event. Professionalism is matched by genuine hospitality, creating a space where emerging filmmakers feel just as celebrated as established voices.
One filmmaker reflected after attending the 2025 festival:
“John, Naps and the rest of the team run a festival with passion and care. These people love film, and they show that in their support for filmmakers at all stages of their careers.This is my second film shown at Beeston, and they continue to improve year on year. I'll keep submitting as long as I have films to submit. Thanks gang!”
Moments like these reveal something important: Beeston Film Festival is not simply attended — it is experienced.
The programme itself continues to evolve in both scope and perspective. The 2026 lineup will be presented across seven main categories: Sci-Fi, Pride, East Midlands, Women’s Voices, Non-Fiction, Drama UK, and Drama International. Together, these strands highlight a remarkable range of storytelling, from ambitious local film making to crafted international work.
Yet even as the festival grows globally, it remains proudly connected to its regional roots. The East Midlands category reflects an ongoing commitment to nurturing nearby talent and ensuring that local filmmakers share the same platform as voices from across the world. This balance — global reach paired with local heart — is part of what makes the festival distinctive.
Equally important are the spaces created for connection beyond the screen. Informal gatherings such as the popular brunches at the White Lion, post-screening conversations, workshops, and chance introductions often become the starting point for future collaborations. For many filmmakers, these encounters are just as meaningful as the screenings themselves.
As one filmmaker said:
“Great screening facilities, lovely evening and brunch networking sessions and a lovely and large selection of films. The festival definitely exceeded my expectations. Thanks a lot to all the festival team who made the screening and the whole festival experience so special — very much appreciate your hard work!”
Such reflections point to a defining truth: the festival thrives because it understands that cinema is inherently communal. Stories are meant to be shared, discussed, and experienced together. That sense of shared ownership extends to every corner of the organisation. This year has also seen the expansion of the festival’s management team — a natural step for a growing event and one that reflects its continued commitment to collaboration and community effort.
There is something quietly remarkable about walking into a festival where strangers quickly become familiar faces, volunteers remember returning guests, and filmmakers find themselves deep in conversation minutes after being introduced.
In an era increasingly shaped by digital viewing, events like Beeston Film Festival remind us of the irreplaceable magic of the shared cinematic experience — the collective intake of breath at a dramatic moment, the ripple of laughter across a crowded auditorium, the reflective silence as the credits begin to roll.
Perhaps most importantly, the festival creates space for discovery. Audiences arrive without knowing exactly what they will encounter, trusting the programme to enthrall them — and it often does.
Left - Mikias Mulugate (Jury), John Currie, Sue Paterson (Mayor of Broxtowe), Kevin Powell (Executive Director, Broxtowe Borough Council). Centre - Festival Interns Right - Opening gala festival night 2025
As anticipation builds for the 2026 edition, there is already a sense that the festival stands in a strong and confident place. With an outstanding international selection, dedicated teams, supportive sponsors, and an ever-expanding creative network, the foundations are firmly set for another memorable year.
Photo 1 - Raphaël Duhamel (Producer, Saint Vassily), Michael Bicarregui (Writer/Director, Overpowered), Masha Egieva (Writer/Director, Saint Vassily)
Photo 2 - Jay Martin (Director, Mansfield Town Film Festival)
Photo 3 - Asa Gartland (Writer/Director, Hold …. Please) Photo 4 - Alan Hopkins (Writer/Director, Ogham), Husni Hafid (Producer, Ogham)
Photo 5 - Thom & Tess Smalley (Workshop Presenters)
Photo 6 - Simone Wiles, Ben Keyser, Nora Bajsci (Festival Team)
Photo 7 - Dan Lawrence, Jen Cale, John Currie, Nora Bajsci, Simone Wiles (Festival Team)
Photo 8 - Susie Jones (Writer/Director, The Rising of the Sap)
Photo 9 - Michelle Dakin (Actor)
Photo 10 - Ben Lankester (Writer/Director, Delivery), Jen Cale (Festival Delivery Director), Bophanie Lun (Producer, Delivery)
Success here is measured in people: in the volunteers who immerse themselves in the process each year, the filmmakers travelling hundreds of miles to see their work on the big screen, and the audience members who take a chance on an unfamiliar title and leave deeply engaged. Most of all, it is found in the understanding that this festival belongs to everyone who shapes it.
What John Currie set in motion twelve years ago has evolved into something greater than a film event. It is a reminder of what can happen when people come together around a shared love of creativity — when a community chooses not just to host culture, but to actively build it.
And so, as the lights dim once again this April and the first images flicker onto the screen, Beeston Film Festival will continue doing what it has always done best: bringing people together.
Christie Sietos
Marketing Director, Beeston Film Festival
Christie has been involved with the Beeston Film Festival since 2015, driven by a long-standing interest in screenwriting and creative storytelling. With a background in creative writing and an academic career in business and management, Christie brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic insight to the festival. As current Marketing Director, she plays an active role in strengthening the festival’s profile and supporting its continued growth as a key part of Beeston’s cultural landscape.
This article is published by Marysia Zipser, Founder & Ambassador of Art Culture Tourism & Keynote Speaker, Beeston, Nottingham. https://www.artculturetourism.co.uk/ https://www.artculturetourism.co.uk/blog
Please feel free to write your feedback, remarks/reactions to Christie in the Comments box below, to which she will respond, and to share/forward this article/blog link via email to friends, colleagues and to socials as you wish. Thank you.
Beeston Film Festival official website including 2026 programme and ARC ticket links https://www.beestonfilm.com/
Accommodation links:-
https://www.wmhotel.co.uk/ Whiteley Mill Hotel Stapleford, 10 min drive/bus from Beeston
https://www.village-hotels.co.uk/nottingham Chilwell, 9 mins drive/bus from Beeston
https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/ https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/explore/market-towns/beeston
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