About The Sykehouse Film and Writers’ Festival
Step into a world where independent film
and literature meet community, creativity, and celebration. The Sykehouse
Film and Writers’ Festival is more than a weekend event — it’s an
experience. From intimate screenings and lively panel
discussions to hands-on writing workshops and pitching sessions with
producers and literary agents, the festival brings together emerging and
established filmmakers, authors, and audiences in a welcoming, vibrant
space.
Each programme is curated to spark
conversation, curiosity, and connection. Film screenings draw audiences
into stories from across the globe, blending laughter, suspense, and
reflection. Post-screening Q&As give you the chance
to hear directly from directors and writers about their creative
process, challenges, and inspirations. Literary panels, author events,
and interactive workshops create a lively salon atmosphere, where
discussions of plot, craft, and career opportunities continue
long after the session ends.
Our festival celebrates diversity and inclusion as standard practice,
featuring work by creators from multiple backgrounds, cultures, and
experiences. Whether you’re attending as a student, a local film lover,
or an established
practitioner, the weekend is designed to make you feel seen, inspired,
and part of a thriving creative community.
Evenings culminate in our gala awards
ceremony — a joyful, celebratory event complete with live music,
networking opportunities, and recognition for independent creators
across multiple categories. It’s a moment of shared excitement,
connection, and inspiration.
Accessible, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed, The Sykehouse Film and Writers’ Festival offers
a unique blend of professional curation, hands-on learning, and community spirit.
Discover new stories, hone your skills, pitch your work, meet creative
minds, and leave feeling inspired, energized, and part of a growing
cultural movement.
Join us and experience independent storytelling at its best.
Grab your tickets now — spaces are limited, and the experience is unforgettable!
TICKETS FOR OUR MAY 2027 LIVE EVENT: https://samantha-lee-howe-ltd.sumupstore.com/products?category=790cbe92-0140-43c4-b7bd-f291c60944fd&sortField=createdAt&sortDirection=desc
NOTE ABOUT FEE WAIVERS
Since we started the festival we have received emails and messages from a
variety of countries under sanctions or where they are apparently
unable to pay fees for a variety of reasons, all asking for a fee waiver
to submit their films to the festival. The problem is that it costs us a
lot of money to run the festival weekend, and in order to be able to do
that, we need the submission fees. So at this point we are simply
unable to offer fee waivers as we could fill the festival with films
from these countries, but get no income to be able to actually run it!
Plus winning films receive physical trophies and medals (if the makers
are at the festival weekend to receive them) and these again cost us
money to produce. So for the moment we have to ignore all the requests
for fee waivers as there are so many, and it would take far too much
time to reply to everyone with the same response. Sorry about this.