In association with Arts University Bournemouth

BIFF In Conversation

Whose Story Gets Told?

The Official Launch Event for Bournemouth International Film Festival 2026

Presented by Bournemouth International Film Festival and Arts University Bournemouth

A One-Night Cinema Experience: Kes by Ken Loach

Start your weekend with something a little different.

One film. One conversation. One unforgettable evening.

Join us for the official launch of Bournemouth International Film Festival 2026, an immersive evening celebrating this year's festival theme: Social Realism.

At the heart of the evening is a special big-screen presentation of Ken Loach's landmark masterpiece, Kes. More than fifty years after its release, it remains one of Britain's most powerful and influential films, a deeply human story about class, education, hope and opportunity.

Its questions are as relevant today as they were in 1969.

Who gets heard? Whose stories are told? And what happens when those voices disappear?

This is cinema as it was always intended to be experienced, together.

BIFF In Conversation

Following the screening, the evening continues with BIFF In Conversation: Whose Story Gets Told?

Hosted by Steve McCarten, Festival Director of BIFF, alongside presenter Rhiannon, this live festival conversation brings together academics, creatives, authors and community leaders to explore why social realism remains one of Britain's most important cinematic traditions.

Together we'll discuss:

• Why Kes continues to resonate more than fifty years after its release.
• Working-class representation in British film and television.
• Authenticity, lived experience and who gets to tell these stories.
• The changing face of British cinema.
• Why social realism still matters in 2026.

This isn't a traditional post-film discussion.

It's a live festival conversation where ideas are explored, perspectives are challenged and the audience becomes part of the evening.

Whether you're a filmmaker, student, academic or simply someone who loves great cinema, your voice belongs in the room.

Continue the Conversation

After the discussion, go for drinks, networking and informal conversation with fellow film lovers, creatives, students and industry professionals.

Some of the best conversations about film happen after the credits roll.

This is where BIFF begins.

Ticket Options

BIFF Launch Event

£14.99 + booking fee

Includes:

• Big screen presentation of Kes
• BIFF In Conversation live panel event
• Audience participation
• Drinks and networking afterwards

Early Bird Festival Bundle

£45.99 + booking fee

Includes everything above, plus:

• Full Launch Event
• Early Bird 2-Day Festival Pass
• Bournemouth International Film Festival
• 9–10 October 2026

Save compared with purchasing both separately.

About Bournemouth International Film Festival

9–10 October 2026

Multiple venues across Bournemouth Town Centre

Bournemouth International Film Festival is a two-day celebration of independent cinema, bringing together filmmakers, audiences, students and industry professionals through film screenings, workshops, live conversations, networking events and our Black Tie Awards Night.

Our 2026 theme, Social Realism, celebrates films that reflect the realities of everyday life, amplify underrepresented voices and encourage meaningful conversations through cinema.

As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, every ticket sold helps support emerging filmmakers, develop local creative talent and strengthen Bournemouth's growing creative economy.

Join us as we launch BIFF 2026 and become part of a festival that believes cinema can do more than entertain.

It can start conversations.

Secure your place at the launch and be part of a festival shaping the future of independent film.

PLEASE NOTE:
Launch event and screenings are age 16+
Awards Night is strictly 18+