Hope, Resilience, and 140 Films: Ramsgate Film Festival Returns for a Spectacular 9th Edition

The Ramsgate International Film & TV Festival (RIFTVF) is back for its ninth year, bringing over 20 feature films and 120 shorts to venues across Thanet this year. The festival marks a significant milestone with its return to the historic Granville Theatre for the Grand Opening Gala, the first time the venue has hosted the event since before the pandemic. All proceeds from the opening night will benefit Combat Stress, a charity supporting veterans.

Screenings will take place across four days and multiple venues including Ramsgate Community Cinema, Newington Community Centre, and Ramsgate Music Hall, with the closing film at The Palace Cinema in Broadstairs and the Awards Ceremony at The Pavilion next door.

A Diverse Programme Spanning Continents and Genres

This year’s programme showcases the festival’s expanding international reach while celebrating homegrown talent. The lineup includes the festival’s first screening from the Middle East: CINEMA KAWAKEB, a feature documentary from Jordan tracking the struggle to save one of Amman’s oldest cinemas.

THE COLOUR OF EXILE by Azlarabe Alaoui from the Ivory Coast tells the poignant story of persecution faced by people with albinism in Africa. UK productions feature prominently in the First Feature section, including INVINCIBLE, directed by award-winning actress Emma Croft. This sophisticated four-hander navigates between comedy and tragedy as a couple adapts to cultural differences with their new neighbours in a small northern town. Set in recent times, the film tackles political issues that remain strikingly relevant.

Kent filmmakers are making their strongest showing yet, with this year marking the highest number of local submissions in the festival’s history. Three standout entries include TICK, director Colin Hubbard’s impressive festival circuit debut, which explores how well dinner companions truly know each other as harmless games gradually reveal uncomfortable truths. BLACKTIME by Sharon Axcell features Suzanne Kendall as Dexter, a scientist whose time machine invention spirals into a world-threatening black hole. Tamer Akeil’s NOTIFICATION delivers a psychological thriller examining empathy and digital consumption through a couple whose social media habits and worldviews clash dramatically.

These local works will be presented in partnership with Kent Filmmakers, the organisation connecting Southeast filmmakers. Q&A sessions with filmmakers will follow many screenings, while industry talks and workshops will tackle pressing topics like AI’s role in filmmaking—is it hindrance or tool?

Building on Nearly a Decade of Cinema Culture

RIFTVF has established itself as one of the Southeast’s premier film festivals, serving as both a launchpad for emerging filmmakers and a platform for established talent. What sets this festival apart is its commitment to local talent and community infrastructure. Film festivals serve as crucial industry events—competitive or non-competitive platforms that launch new voices while amplifying established filmmakers and studio productions. RIFTVF embraces this mission while carving out its distinctive identity through emphasis on local talent and community engagement.

Festival Patron Brenda Blethyn, the BAFTA and Golden Globe winner who earned an Oscar nomination, traditionally judges the Best First Feature category, awarding the Brenda Blethyn Special Prize to emerging filmmakers. This year, she’ll be joined by a panel of local film enthusiasts, deepening community involvement in the selection process.

The festival’s awards programme recognises excellence across 15 categories through the Anchor Awards. The Dominic Grant Award—a solid bronze trophy named after the sculptor-singer from 80s band Guys & Dolls—goes to the Best of the Festival. A new Best Local Short award acknowledges Kent’s growing filmmaking community.

RIFTVF also honours the legacy of Jesse Cooper, son of Oscar winner Chris Cooper and actress-writer Marianne Leone Cooper, through the screening of UNSCRIPTED LIVES directed by James Sadwidth. The film delivers a powerful reminder that love and happiness can be found in our differences—a message that resonates with this year’s overarching themes of hope and resilience.

A Festival for Film Lovers and Forces Veterans Alike

The 2026 festival expands its mission beyond traditional programming with the satellite Fight Back Film Awards, celebrating work by people returning from military service who’ve struggled with civilian adjustment and trauma. The competition screens films made by, written by, or involving former service personnel in cast and crew.

Juries comprising respected film industry professionals—sometimes ex-Forces members who’ve built successful media careers—award top honours at a prestigious ceremony. The international competition includes shorts, features, and a scripts category, with each script submission receiving personalised constructive reviews from industry professionals. Originally launched online during the pandemic, Fight Back Film Awards now takes place live alongside RIFTVF.

Whether you’re a casual filmgoer, aspiring filmmaker, or industry professional, RIFTVF offers something compelling across its four-day run. From international documentaries to local shorts, from industry workshops to heartfelt dramas exploring universal themes, the festival proves that Kent’s cinema culture is thriving. The Grand Opening Gala at the Granville Theatre kicks off what promises to be the festival’s most ambitious year yet. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this celebration of storytelling, resilience, and community.

For full programme details and tickets, keep checking the Ramsgate International Film & TV Festival website.