5 Reasons to Visit Kent’s Best Film Festival This March

5th March 2026
News

From the 26-29 March, the cute seaside town of Ramsgate will transform from into a bustling hub for filmmakers, storytellers, and cinema lovers from around the world. The Ramsgate International Film & TV Festival returns with its most ambitious programme yet, bringing together bold independent films, emerging talent, and a packed schedule of events along the Kent coast.

What makes the festival special isn’t just the films themselves, but the atmosphere that surrounds them. Over several days, audiences and filmmakers gather in Ramsgate’s historic venues to share stories, discuss ideas, and experience cinema the way it was meant to be seen: on the big screen, in a room full of people discovering something new together.

This year’s programme is the festival’s most expansive yet. Alongside a packed screening schedule, visitors can expect gala events, industry discussions, filmmaker Q&As, and special competitions that spotlight unique voices from around the world. It’s a celebration not only of filmmaking but of creativity, community, and cultural exchange.

Whether you’re a passionate cinephile, an aspiring filmmaker, or simply looking for something different to do by the coast, the festival offers a rare chance to experience a global film event right here in Kent. Here are five reasons you won’t want to miss it.

1. A Range of Categories – Films to Fit Any Taste

With over 20 feature films and more than 100 shorts, the festival offers an enormous range of stories, genres, and perspectives. From gripping dramas and thought-provoking documentaries to comedy, experimental works, and music videos, the programme ensures there’s something to suit every kind of film lover.

Highlights include the feature comedy LA Jesus, alongside acclaimed short films like Recall Me Maybe, written by David Baddiel and starring Stephen Fry. Whether you’re looking for laughter, powerful storytelling, or something completely unexpected, the festival’s diverse selection guarantees you’ll discover films you might never encounter anywhere else.

2. It’s Not Just Films — It’s Events

The festival experience goes far beyond sitting in a cinema seat. Across the weekend, visitors can take part in a lively programme of events designed to bring audiences and filmmakers together.

The celebrations begin with a glamorous Opening Gala, setting the tone for several days of screenings, discussions, and creative exchange. Networking events give aspiring filmmakers the chance to meet industry professionals, while Q&A sessions with directors and cast members offer fascinating insights into how the films were made. The festival culminates in a celebratory awards ceremony, recognising the best films and creative talent from the programme.

3. A Growing International Festival — With a First Selection from Jordan

This year’s programme highlights the festival’s expanding international reach while still celebrating local talent. Films arrive from across the globe, bringing new perspectives and stories to audiences on the Kent coast.

One standout is Cinema Kawakeb, the festival’s first ever screening from Jordan and its first selection from the Middle East. The feature documentary follows a filmmaker’s attempt to capture the fading life of one of Amman’s oldest cinemas. Through the stories of its last two employees and its only loyal patron — a homeless scrap collector devoted to classic Indian films — the documentary becomes a moving meditation on loss, memory, and cultural change.

Another powerful international feature in the programme is The Color of Exile, a film that explores themes of displacement, identity, and belonging. Together, films like these highlight the festival’s commitment to bringing global stories to Ramsgate — proving that a seaside town in Kent can be a meeting point for cinema from across the world.

4. Supporting Veterans Through the Fight Back Film Awards

The 2026 festival expands its mission beyond traditional programming with the Fight Back Film Awards, a satellite competition celebrating the work of people returning from military service who have struggled with civilian adjustment and trauma.

The competition showcases films made by, written by, or involving former service personnel, offering a powerful platform for stories shaped by real experiences. Entries span short films, feature projects, and screenplays, with juries made up of respected film professionals — some of whom are former service members who have gone on to successful careers in media.

Originally launched online during the pandemic, the awards now take place live alongside the festival, creating a meaningful bridge between filmmaking and community support. Script submissions even receive personalised feedback from industry experts, helping emerging creators develop their craft while sharing stories that might otherwise go unheard.

5. It’s a Brilliant Weekend Out by the Coast

Beyond the films themselves, the festival is simply a fantastic way to spend a weekend. Ramsgate provides the perfect backdrop: a charming seaside town with historic architecture, independent cafés, and beautiful coastal views just steps away from the festival venues.

Between screenings, visitors can wander the harbour, grab fish and chips by the sea, or enjoy a coffee while discussing the films they’ve just discovered. With dozens of screenings, lively events, and filmmakers from around the world in town, there’s always something happening.

If the early spring sunshine makes an appearance — and it often does — the experience becomes even better. Few things beat spending the afternoon watching inspiring new cinema and then stepping outside to the fresh sea air of the Kent coast. It’s culture, community, and a seaside getaway all rolled into one memorable weekend.

Take a look at the full festival schedule, pick your screenings, and book your tickets today. Whether you’re planning to catch one film or spend the whole weekend immersed in cinema, now’s the time to secure your seat.