Join us for the very first Penistone Film Festival – a two-day celebration of silent film, live music, and the pioneers of cinema, all at the historic Penistone Paramount. From Keaton to TikTok, we’re bridging the past and present of visual storytelling, and inviting people to create their own films too.
VIP all access Weekend Pass Includes:
Saturday 18th October
• Early Entry from 9am – Reserve your seat with a VIP headrest cover. First come first served!
• Live Music Accompaniment – Two iconic silent feature films, opening with Buster Keaton’s The Cameraman and live piano accompaniment by Andy Quin, known for his work on Boardwalk Empire, Victoria & Abdul, Widows, Supernatural, Better call Saul and more.
• Special Presentation – A talk by the International Buster Keaton Society, exploring the hidden language of silent film and what Buster Keaton might have been saying on screen.
• Sensory-Friendly Screenings – Three classic Charley Bowers silent shorts with custom pre-recorded organ accompaniments by Tom Horton, designed for sensory-friendly viewing, ensuring the magic of silent cinema is accessible to everyone. Plus an educational talk from The lost Laugh comedy club.
• Live Theatre and Comedy – Fools Talk Theatre presents “Against the Clock!” – A ‘Hooray for Harold Lloyd’ Story- after our screening of Bumping Into Broadway – a perfect pairing of live performance and classic comedy chaos.
• Art Stalls, Food Vendors, and Vintage Photo Booth, immersive actors – join in celebrating the era of silent cinema with local artists, performers, and historical footage from the Yorkshire Film Archive.
• Second Feature film to end the day- A classic silent film with live accompaniment by Andy Quin – details to be revealed soon. IT will be iconic!
• Local History Connection – Discover Penistone’s link to Sheffield, the birthplace of modern football. (Hint: look for the historic graves just across the road from the cinema!)

Sunday 19th October
• Street Performers – Expect stilt walkers, dancers, and flapper girls to bring the roaring twenties to life, as we open the doors for our vintage Hollywood themed awards day.
• Meet the Judges – plus filmmakers and stunt professionals from the British Stunt Register, sharing insights into the art of action.
• Live Stunt Demonstrations – Watch the Hollywood pros in action, from martial arts to equestrian stunts. (No horses will be in the theatre before you ask!)
• Awards and Trophy Presentations – Celebrate the best of the festival’s entries.
• Ending with a special talk as we hand over to the Penistone Cinema Organ Trust – Dive into the history of this remarkable instrument.
• Event Wrap-Up – Our festival concludes at 3pm, but you can stay for the separately ticketed screening of The Phantom of the Opera, by the Penistone Cinema Organ Trust accompanied by a live Compton organ performance by Donald McKenzie.
Tickets for this must be purchased directly from the Penistone Paramount box office.

All VIP ticket holders receive a special Gift Bag containing:
• Reusable festival lidded cup
• Reusable festival popcorn tub (pre-filled)
• Can of American cream soda
• Yorkshire tea sample
• Henderson’s Relish mini gift in glass bottle
• VIP lanyard
• VIP headrest cover
• Penistone Film Festival pen (to keep notes through the day)
• Printed program designed by a local artist and a space for those notes.
• VIP wristband

Accessibility: We’re committed to making this event as inclusive as possible. Our full program of events will include British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, ensuring everyone can enjoy the magic of silent cinema. We’ll also release a downloadable access guide and video walkthrough of the venue on our own Penistone film festival website closer to the event. www.penistonefilmfestival.com

VIP Weekend Passes Only 60 VIP Weekend Passes available – once sold, no more will be released. Concession price covers:- Under 25s; Students; Seniors 65+; Registered Disabled; and Low-Income Support. Evidence required to be emailed to the box office 7 days prior to the event. boxoffice@theparamount.co.uk

We have Limited wheelchairs positions and free carers places please contact the box office boxoffice@theparamount.co.uk to book these.