Penistone Film Festival 2026

Opening Night - Nandor Fodor and Q&A 
[Advisory rating 12A] 
🗓️ Fri. 16 Oct 2026 from 19:00
📍 At the Penistone Paramount
🎟️ Ticket Needed

Set in 1935 and filmed in Yorkshire, starring Simon Pegg, Minnie Driver and Christopher Lloyd. Based on a true story, the film follows renowned paranormal psychologist Dr Nandor Fodor as he investigates a family’s extraordinary claim of a talking animal. 

The screening will also feature an exclusive Q&A with Hollywood director Adam Sigal, who is also the‘Best Picture Judge’ for Penistone Film Festival 2026. And an educational insight into film score music creation from the film’s composer, Bill Prokopow.

🎟️ Tickets: £6.50 standard | £3.50 concessions | unreserved seating 
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Open Church (free and all day).
🗓️ Sat. 17 Oct 2026 from 10:00
📍 St. John The Baptist Church
🎟️ Open Church (free and all day)

Drop in for fun activities, interesting talks and stalls, plus refreshments will be on sale from the Church kitchen.

🎬 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
[Advisory rating U]
🗓️ Sat. 17 Oct 2026 from 10:00
📍 At the Penistone Paramount
🎟️ Pass or Ticket Needed

With live piano accompaniment by Andy Quin.

One of the most influential films in cinema history, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a landmark of German Expressionism.

The mysterious Dr. Caligari exhibits a somnambulist named Cesare at a travelling fair, a sleepwalker said to predict the future. When a series of murders terrorises a small German town, suspicions arise that Cesare may be acting under his master’s sinister influence.

“A film from the holdings of the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung (www.murnau-stiftung.de) in Wiesbaden.” 

Followed by festival introduction and announcement of Best Picture finalists by judge Adam Sigal (remote appearance).

🎟️ Tickets: £15 standard | £8.50 concessions | unreserved seating
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Harold Lloyd + Silent Curiosities (sensory friendly screening) 
[Advisory rating TBC]
🗓️ Sat. 17 Oct 2026 from 13:30
📍 At the Penistone Paramount
🎟️ Pass or Ticket Needed

House lights partially raised, adjusted volume levels and audience members are welcome to move around if needed.

Featuring:
• 🎬 The Cameraman's Revenge (1912)
• 🎬 High and Dizzy (1920)
• 🎬 Never Weaken (1921)

Followed by the Student Filmmaker Showcase and the announcement of finalists by judge Ruby Barker (Bridgerton).

🎟️ Tickets: £10.50 standard | £6.50 concessions | unreserved seating
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From Vaudeville to Avant Garde
[Advisory rating TBC]
🗓️ Sat. 17 Oct 2026 from 16:30
📍 At the Penistone Paramount
🎟️ Pass or Ticket Needed

Featuring:
• 🎬 Putting Pants on Philip (1927)
• 🎬 The Lucky Dog (1921)
• 🎬 Film (1965) starring Buster Keaton.

Followed by Sporting Stories and Music category filmmaker showcase with finalists announced by judge Andy Quin. 

🎟️ Tickets: £10.50 standard | £6.50 concessions | unreserved seating 
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🎬 Battling Buster
[Advisory rating U]
🗓️ Sat. 17 Oct 2026 from 19:00
📍 At the Penistone Paramount
🎟️ Pass or Ticket Needed

Buster Keaton stars as Alfred Butler, a mild-mannered millionaire mistaken for a famous prizefighter. Attempting to impress a young woman, Alfred assumes the identity of the boxer, leading to comedic misunderstandings and an unforgettable finale. 

Plus the Buster Award and Action on Screen finalist showcase with announcement by judge David Arquette (remote appearance).

🎟️ Tickets: £15 standard | £8.50 concessions | unreserved seating 
Battling Butler - Book Now

🏆 Gala Awards and Meal
🗓️ Sun. 18 Oct 2026 from 10:00
📍 St. John The Baptist Church
🎟️ Pass or Ticket Needed

A unique red carpet awards experience with immersive entertainment set inside one of Penistone’s most beautiful historic buildings, St. John the Baptist Church.

Tickets include a magnificent three-course dinner and spectacular aftershow party with Reductio. Everyone is welcome.

🎟️ Tickets: £69 adults | £55 concessions 
More Info & Book Now on FilmFreeway
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Aftershow Organ Party x Reductio (Matt Walters)
🗓️ Sun. 18 Oct 2026 from 18:00
📍 St. John The Baptist Church
🎟️ Pass or Ticket Needed

Let your hair down and come for a unique dance party experience at St. John the Baptist Church to mark the end of a spectacular weekend of film at Pensitone Film Festival.

This is not a traditional concert. This is a one-of-a-kind organ-powered dance event, blending the sound of the historic church organ with live electronic mixing and modern club energy. Check out the social media sensation Reductio to see what the hype is all about and book your ticket - everyone is welcome!

🎟️ Tickets: £8
More Info & Book Now on FilmFreeway
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