Margate Film Festival is back with packed programme of isle talent and special events

Margate Film Festival returns this month after a two-year hiatus to showcase independent cinema.

This year’s programme runs from November 27 to December 1 and celebrates diversity, local talent and groundbreaking storytelling across Margate’s arts venues including ARK Cliftonville and the Tom Thumb Theatre.

The 2024 programme features more than 25 films and events including;

Local Spotlights:

‘Tyger’: A gripping drama by local writer Dylan Edwards, filmed around Thanet.

‘Chuck Chuck Baby’: Opening night quirky musical romance, from by Margate director Janis Pugh.

‘Nothing Compares’: A compelling documentary that chronicles the life of Sinéad O’Connor by Margate’s Kathryn Ferguson.

‘Häxan; Story of Witchcraft’ 100th-anniversary screening of a classic, with a live score by local musicians AUTOHAUs.

Diverse Voices:

‘The Stimming Pool’: An experimental film exploration of neurodiversity co-created by  autistic artists, the Neurocultures Collective.

‘Smoke Sauna Sisterhood’: An intimate look at women’s experiences and solidarity.

‘The Tuba Thieves’: A unique doc-drama exploring how we listen, by d/Deaf filmmaker Alison O’Daniel.

Notable Debuts:

‘How to Have Sex’: Molly Manning Walker’s raw coming-of-age drama {pictured}.

‘Hakeem’: A documentary following Eastender Hak Baker’s musical journey.

Shorts Programmes:

‘Myths & Mystery’, ‘Uncharted Futures’, and ‘When It Matters Most’ featuring both local and international shorts

Guest programme ‘Queer Shorts’ from Margate Pride and Brighton-based FilmPride

Special Events:

Q&A sessions with filmmakers of  ‘Chuck Chuck Baby’, ‘Tyger’, ‘Free Party; A Folk History’, and ‘Hakeem’.

Margate Film Festival offers accessible pricing and diverse programming, from hard-hitting documentaries to whimsical romances, local stories to international perspectives.

Full programme and tickets available at www.margatefilmfestival.co.uk.