The festival has run since 2014 bringing a diverse range of film experiences and artist-led events to Blackpool.

Formerly known as Winter Gardens Film Festival, our initial aim was to create an annual event that encouraged people to explore the wealth of black and white film and to actively engage with the wonderful Grade II* listed Winter Gardens complex. 

In 2024, the festival rebranded as Blackpool Film Festival, expanding across new venues to host a wider variety of events and showcase Blackpool’s growing cultural scene. We’re proud of our diverse programming and in recent years, we have experimented further with artists’ moving image and commissioning new work; testing ideas around creative production with artists.

To maintain the year-round impact of the Blackpool Film Festival, Aunty Social delivers film experiences through their community cinema Pop-Up Picture House. Notable activities include sold out screenings of Oxide Ghosts – The Brass Eye Tapes at Blackpool Central Library with a Q&A from director Michael Cumming and Britain on Film: Black Britain, a collection of archive films focusing on the UK’s Black communities.

In recent years, Blackpool Film Festival has worked to deliver a wide range of events and activity, including What Can I Do When I Can’t Do That!?, an in-conversation event with music video director, David Wilson, who has worked with artists such as Arctic Monkeys, Sia and Lady Gaga; the BFI Film Academy, a short programme run by Aunty Social in partnership with HOME Manchester for 16-19 year olds to learn filmmaking skills and create their own short film; and a number of popular Filmmaker Socials for local creatives to connect with other Blackpool-based Film and TV professionals.

The festival is directed by Aunty Social founder Catherine Mugonyi, and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who contribute to specialised programmes and manage Front of House activity.

Blackpool School of Arts (Blackpool and the Fylde College) is a key festival partner with students from the BA Filmmaking degree playing an important role in event development.