Stafford Film Festival returns for 2025
Film enthusiasts and creatives are invited to celebrate the art of storytelling at the 2025 Stafford Film Festival.
The event – which is taking place at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, on Friday 31 January – will feature screenings of selected films as well as an awards ceremony to recognise exceptional achievements in filmmaking.
The festival is dedicated to showcasing diverse stories from around the globe and offers a platform for filmmakers and audiences to connect through creativity and cultural exchange.
With categories such as Best Feature Film, Best AI Film, and Best Staffordshire Filmmaker, the event highlights the vibrancy of global cinema while celebrating local talent.
“The Stafford Film Festival aims to bring people together through stories that inspire, challenge, and entertain,” said Festival Director Michael Hudson.
Michael Hudson is a British filmmaker with more than 70 international film festival awards and 170 nominations, including two Canadian Screen Award nominations. Educated in Film & Media Production and mentored by renowned directors Rian Johnson, Krzysztof Zanussi, and Alexander Sokurov, his work includes Driven (2017), an unreleased co-production between Pakistan, Poland, the UK, and Russia, and acclaimed projects like Canon – Knocked Out (2024) and Marloe – Remember Me (2022). His storytelling blends artistic vision with global influences, earning him recognition as a significant figure in contemporary cinema
The Staffordshire Film Collective – who is a group of film professionals and creatives specialising in various filmmaking roles – is supporting the event.
Founded to promote filmmaking in Staffordshire, the collective unites experienced filmmakers to create high-quality projects while offering opportunities for emerging talent.
By producing films made in Staffordshire by local filmmakers, the collective aims to inspire more people to pursue filmmaking within the county and retain talent that might otherwise move to Manchester or London.
The group is committed to growing the local film industry, developing and showcasing regional talent and shaping the future of filmmaking in Staffordshire.
Networking opportunities are available both before and after the screenings, allowing attendees to engage with filmmakers in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The festival also provides a space for collaboration, inspiration, and community building, enriching Staffordshire’s cultural landscape.
The Stafford Film Festival is proudly supported by Beeyawn Ltd, Project 54, and the Staffordshire Film Collective. It is dedicated to showcasing global and local talent, embracing cultural appreciation, and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.
Taking place Friday 31 January, 2025. Doors open at 6:15PM, and the event begins at 6:45PM. More details can be found here – Email: in**@******************al.com www.staffordfilmfestival.com
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