Children’s international Film Festival 2026 Programme Finalised

The programme for the 2026 Children’s International Film Festival has now been confirmed, bringing together a strong group of partners to deliver an engaging series of workshops for school children attending this year’s event in Hastings in June. The National Film and Television School, BAFTA, Into Film, Ciné Schools, Hastings Contemporary, The Bright Foundation and Phase Worldwide are collaborating to create a diverse and interactive experience.

Students from schools across Hastings and Rother will take part in hands-on workshops designed to introduce different aspects of filmmaking. Activities will be hosted in a range of unique venues, including Source Park (the world’s largest underground skate park), as well as spaces at the White Rock Theatre, the Bright Foundation’s Benbow Arts Space, Hastings Contemporary and Hastings Museum and Art Gallery.

The workshop programme covers a wide range of creative skills, from storyboarding and prop design to poster creation, zoetropes and filming extreme sports. The aim is to offer something for every young person interested in screen arts, encouraging creativity and practical engagement.

Participating schools have now been invited and are receiving tailored schedules for the day. These include morning workshop sessions followed by film screenings and an awards gala in the afternoon, held at the White Rock Theatre on Hastings’ seafront. Presenters are currently being confirmed, and the event will celebrate the incredible achievements of filmmakers all aged under 16.

“We are so pleased that leading organisations from the world of Film, TV and gaming are able to support the Festival again this year. We are also incredibly lucky to have such an amazing mix of venues and local supporters bringing a unique feel to the Children’s International Film Festival this year in Hastings. Without all of these organisations and the hard work of the teams adding to already very busy schedules, the Festival just wouldn’t happen,” said George Young, Founder of the Children’s International Film Festival.