The third annual Fakenham Film Festival will return to Fakenham’s independent Central Cinema from Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 4, 2026. Organised by the volunteer community group Active Fakenham, the three-day event has received a major boost with high-profile video endorsements from renowned actor Sir Stephen Fry and award-winning film director John Madden.
Local Connections and High-Profile Endorsements
Organisers expressed excitement over receiving supportive video messages ahead of the festival. Richard Crook, chair of Active Fakenham, highlighted the significance of the backing from high-profile industry figures for a volunteer-run local initiative.
“We are absolutely delighted that Stephen has taken the time to send a message for the festival. It means a great deal to a small, volunteer-run community organisation like Active Fakenham,” said Richard Crook, Active Fakenham chair.
Director John Madden’s support carries a strong local tie-in. Madden’s recent production, Onwards and Sideways, starring Laura Linney and Rhys Ifans, was filmed on location across North Norfolk and inside the Central Cinema Fakenham itself. The film recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival 2026 and is scheduled for a UK cinema release in November.
“Seeing a major production filming in our town — including at the Central Cinema itself — was a real moment for Fakenham, so to now have John supporting our own film festival means a great deal to us,” Crook added.
Diverse Festival Lineup and Independent Submissions
This year’s schedule features approximately 30 independent film submissions spanning multiple genres, including drama, comedy, science fiction, documentary, horror, and works produced by young creators. The programme gives independent filmmakers, particularly those with Norfolk connections, the opportunity to showcase their work on a proper cinema screen.
The festival kicks off on Friday afternoon with the French romantic comedy Jane Austen Wrecked My Life, celebrating Fakenham’s twinning with Olivet, France. Friday evening transitions into local film showcases alongside a presentation of James McNeill Whistler: Exhibition on Screen, hosted in partnership with the Fakenham Arts Festival 2026.
Weekend Schedule Highlights
- Saturday Morning: A dedicated families and children showcase.
- Saturday Evening: A dark and edgy horror show taking over the cinema screens.
- Sunday: Independent film screenings, a competitive category featuring nine nominated films, and the festival’s concluding red carpet event and awards finale.
Organisers emphasize that the festival highlights regional talent and the importance of independent venues. “Fakenham may be a relatively small town, but we want to demonstrate that you don’t have to travel to a major city to discover exciting new filmmaking,” Crook noted.
Event Logistics and Ticket Information
Tickets for the Fakenham Film Festival 2026 are currently available for purchase. Audiences can book in advance online through the Central Cinema website, purchase tickets in person directly at the box office, or acquire them at the door on the day of the event, subject to availability. Video messages from Sir Stephen Fry and John Madden, alongside the complete festival schedule and preview materials, can be viewed via the official Active Fakenham website.
