The Manchester Film Festival has announced its biggest ever Industry Programme for 2026 – with over twice the number of panels, conversations and roundtables “designed to support filmmakers at every stage of their careers”.
Taking place at venues across the city centre including HOME, Met Film School and The CUPRA City Garage, the Industry Programme “brings together leading voices from across the UK film landscape to explore the realities of making, financing, selling and sustaining a career in film in 2026”, organisers said.
With a strong focus on access, regional filmmaking, equity and audience engagement, the programme is aimed at filmmakers, producers, writers, editors, students and industry professionals.
This year’s programme will address some of the most urgent questions facing the UK industry today, including the future of film finance, how sales agents assess projects, building careers outside London, alternative routes to audiences, and how filmmakers without financial privilege can break in.
Neil Jeram-Croft, festival director of Manchester Film Festival, said: “Our Industry Programme has always been about honesty, access and community.
“In 2026, it feels more important than ever to create spaces where filmmakers can have open conversations about money, markets, sustainability and who gets to tell stories.
“We’re proud to be bringing together such an experienced and generous group of speakers to support both emerging and established talent, particularly here in the North.”
Industry events include:
- State of the UK Industry: A wide-ranging conversation examining the current health of the UK film industry, emerging trends, and what the next few years may hold.
- Sales Agents Explain What Makes a Film Sell: Leading sales agents break down what they look for in projects, how films travel internationally, and how filmmakers can position their work for the market.
- Editing for Emotional Impact: A craft-focused session exploring how editing shapes emotion, tone and storytelling, with insight into the editor’s role in bringing a film to life.
- Beyond London – Building a Sustainable Career in the North: A vital discussion on regional filmmaking, long-term sustainability, and how creatives can build meaningful careers outside the capital.
Manchester Film Festival takes place in Manchester from 19-29 March – the full industry programme is available on the MFF website.
