CHILDREN’S INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2026 BRINGS YOUNG FILMMAKERS TOGETHER
- James
- Jun 22
- 2 min read
On Thursday 18th June, Hastings hosted the Children’s International Film Festival. Supported by leading organisations, including BAFTA, The British Museum, The National Film and Television School, and Into Film, the festival took inspiration from the Bayeux Tapestry.
Helena Dollimore MP for Hastings, Rye & the villages said: "I'm delighted that Hastings hosted the Children's International Film Festival 2026. It provided a fantastic opportunity for children across our town to work with leading figures from the film industry and see their creativity celebrated on screen. I strongly believe the arts should be accessible to all young people, regardless of background, and it is wonderful to see events like this opening doors."
Over 750 children from schools across Hastings and St Leonard’s engaged with the Festival and participated in an action-packed day, which included workshops led by film industry experts, BMX bike displays and children’s choirs.
The event culminated with an Awards Gala at the White Rock Theatre, where winners of The Children’s International Film Festival 2026 Awards were announced.
Over 600 short films by under 16’s were entered into the Awards, from countries as far afield as New Zealand, Australia, India, Taiwan, Belgium, USA and the Dominican Republic, with winners in seven categories.
Two of the Awards were specially created in partnership with Hastings arts education charity The Bright Foundation by engaging with local schools to produce short films.
The winners of these awards were selected from a shortlist by a youth jury, with guest panelist Trix Worrell – Hastings-based screen writer, director and creator of C4’s The Desmonds.
"Film enriches lives around the world.” Festival founder George Young said. “Our purpose is to encourage children to make something wonderful and fun, and to share their creativity with others. Hastings and its community welcomed the festival, with support from The Bright Foundation, Hastings Borough Council and the amazing workshop venues. We are delighted with the variety and caliber of entries submitted by young filmmakers around the world into this year’s Awards”
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