The Chester International Film Festival is making its much-anticipated return in 2026.
Known by its acronym “CIFF” the event was founded by the city’s own Chester Film Society and is now in its 39th year. Once again, the society will partner with the University of Chester and local arts centre, Storyhouse, to present the festivities celebrating the cream of contemporary independent filmmaking.
Across 10 days, the festival will feature a carefully curated collection of 14 international film previews, short film programmes, guest speakers and much more. The previews will compete to see which film receives the “Audience Award”. After every screening, audience members are invited to offer a rating, with each vote counted to discover the winner.
Titles set to screen include “La Grazia” (Italy), “Primavera” (Italy and France) “Orphan” (Hungary, UK, Germany and France) “Romeria” (Spain and Germany), “The Stranger” (Belgium and France) and “The Blue Trail” (The Netherlands, Mexico and Chile), among many others.
Founded in 1970, the Chester Film Society is dedicated to delivering top world cinema to local audiences in Chester. The organisation is open to individuals of all backgrounds and ages, and champions international storytelling in films that explore diverse themes, cultures and perspectives.
CIFF 2026 will start on Friday, March 13 and ends on Wednesday, March 22, and films will be shown at Storyhouse on Hunter Street in Chester. The event will kick off with an opening reception and finishes with closing night’s drinks, where the winner of the Audience Award will be announced.