Chippenham Film Festival 2026
Five films. One week.
Tuesday 8th – Sunday 13th September 2026
Reel Cinema Chippenham
Join us for five specially selected films, live introductions, a director Q&A, an important community partnership and a closing-night celebration.
From acclaimed international cinema and bold new British filmmaking to the return of a much-loved modern classic, Chippenham Film Festival 2026 brings together films designed to be experienced and shared on the big screen.
SCHEDULED FILMS
I’m Still Here
Tuesday 8th September 2026 at 7:30pm
Certificate: 15
I’m Still Here is an intimate and deeply moving story of resilience, memory and resistance during Brazil’s military dictatorship.
After the forced disappearance of her husband, dissident politician Rubens Paiva, Eunice Paiva must rebuild her family’s life while continuing the fight for truth and justice.
Directed by Walter Salles and featuring an acclaimed performance by Fernanda Torres, the film won Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.
The screening will begin with a warm welcome to the Chippenham Film Festival 2026 and a live introduction from Chippenham Film Club.
Underland
Thursday 10th September 2026 at 7:30pm
Certificate: 12
Inspired by Robert Macfarlane’s bestselling book, Underland journeys into worlds rarely glimpsed by human eyes.
The film follows explorers into ancient caves, flooded storm drains, melting glaciers, underwater burial chambers and a deep underground laboratory built to investigate the mysteries of the universe.
Narrated by Oscar-nominated actor Sandra Hüller, Underland combines science, nature, history and poetry to reveal the hidden worlds beneath our feet.
The screening will be followed by a live audience Q&A with director Rob Petit, hosted by Nick Freand Jones, producer of Moviedrome and Mark Kermode’s Secrets of Cinema.
Urchin
Saturday 12th September 2026 at 4:00pm
Certificate: 15
Mike is a rough sleeper caught in a cycle of self-destruction as he searches for the possibility of change.
Written and directed by Harris Dickinson in his feature-length directorial debut, Urchin is a sharp, compassionate and darkly funny drama about homelessness, addiction, identity and redemption.
The film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where Frank Dillane won the Un Certain Regard Best Actor award. It also received the FIPRESCI prize from international film critics.
Presented in partnership with Doorway Wiltshire. Representatives from Doorway will introduce the screening and speak about the charity’s work supporting people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in the Chippenham area.
All proceeds from individual ticket sales for this screening will go to Doorway Wiltshire.
Pillion
Saturday 12th September 2026 at 6:30pm
Certificate: 18
A timid young man’s life is transformed when he meets the commanding leader of a motorcycle club and enters an intense, unconventional relationship.
Starring Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård, Pillion is a bold, funny and emotionally perceptive British romantic drama about desire, power, identity and understanding what we truly want from another person.
The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, where it won Best Screenplay. It later received ten British Independent Film Award nominations, winning four, including Best British Independent Film.
The screening will begin with a live introduction from Chippenham Film Club.
Amélie
Sunday 13th September 2026 at 6:30pm
Certificate: 15
Return to Montmartre for one of the most joyful and distinctive films of the 21st century.
Audrey Tautou stars as Amélie Poulain, a shy and imaginative Parisian waitress who quietly decides to improve the lives of the people around her. As her elaborate acts of kindness unfold, Amélie must also confront her own isolation and find the courage to pursue happiness for herself.
Warm, whimsical and visually unforgettable, Amélie won four César Awards and two BAFTAs and remains one of the most internationally successful French films ever made.
The screening will begin with a live introduction from Chippenham Film Club and will be followed by the festival wrap party at the Prince of Wales pub in Chippenham.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Following Underland, director Rob Petit will join us for a live audience Q&A about the making of the film, its extraordinary locations and the ideas that inspired it.
The conversation will be hosted by Nick Freand Jones, producer of Moviedrome and Mark Kermode’s Secrets of Cinema.
Representatives from Doorway Wiltshire will also join us for Urchin, introducing the screening and speaking about the charity’s work supporting people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in the Chippenham area.
Social Events:
Sunday 13 September — Festival wrap party
After the closing screening of Amélie, join us at the Prince of Wales pub in Chippenham for informal drinks and a celebration of Chippenham Film Festival 2026.
Festival-pass holders and everyone attending the closing screening are warmly invited.
Festival passes cost £35 and include entry to all five screenings and include a free limited-edition Chippenham Film Festival 2026 T-shirt. There were only a limited number of festival passes and they have now all sold out. You can still buy tickets to the individual screenings and ask a member of the Film Club if you can buy a 2026 Film Festival t-shirt separately.
Get Involved
Sponsorship and Volunteer Opportunities:
Help us bring the film festival to life by becoming a sponsor or volunteer. Your support is crucial in making the Chippenham Film Festival a resounding success. Discover how you can contribute and join us in celebrating the arts in our community.
Stay Connected
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Special Thanks To Sponsors & Collaborators
