Young people across Northamptonshire are being encouraged to “come make a scene” at this year’s Northampton Film Festival (28 February – 8 March), which returns with a packed programme of events celebrating youth creativity and inclusion.
From film screenings and Games events to animation workshops and red-carpet awards, NFF 2026: Still Making A Scene aims to inspire the next generation of creatives – which has been designed by and for young people from across the county, including disabled and neurodiverse young people.
As well as attending events, young people are being invited to:
- submit a themed artwork for display during the festival’s launch at Delapre Abbey, Northampton, and be eligible for a prize at the Young Filmmakers award ceremony
and / or
- help create an animated film that will premiere at the festival’s ‘Still Making a Scene’ matinee on 28th February, with no previous animation experience necessary.
Artworks in any medium can be submitted to NFF’s arts space The Creative Place – they should be inspired by at least one work of our theme, that Northants is a county of Rebels and Revolutionaries, Misfits and Mavericks, Creatives and Changemakers. It can be an existing piece or something created for the competition. The rules can be found on @NNCreativePlace Instagram or Facebook page or by contacting nncreativeplace@gmail.com An award will be presented to the best 18yrs and Under at the Young Filmmaker Awards on Sunday 8th March at the Royal Theatre.
For young people interested in having a go at animation, they can create a character or record an audio piece at The Creative Place on Northampton Market Square which local animator Colin O’Kane will turn into an animated film to premiere at NFF 2026. Drop in to The Creative Place on Saturdays 11am – 2pm. Visit The Creative Place – For Misfits and Mavericks, Creatives and Changemakers for more information.
Those that submit an artwork or take part in the animation get a code for 10% off any 2 tickets to NFF 2026.
Once the festival gets underway the events for young people ramp up. See the full list of youth-centred events below, with links to more information and booking details:
‘Still Making a Scene’ red carpet Opening Gala – 28th Feb, Delapre Abbey
Walk the red carpet and watch some amazing films made by young people, in a beautiful Northampton venue.
PG screenings 3pm-4pm, followed by 12A screening from 4.15pm.
still-making-a-scene-matinee-relaxed-family-friendly
Creative networking and Games showcase – 3rd Mar, University of Northampton
A free networking event at the University’s Creative Hub, with opportunities to meet other local creatives, watch their films and see some of the entries to our Games competition.
Creative-networking-and-games-showcase; emerging-games-industry;
Local-and-new-filmmaker-short-films; creative-and-cultural-industries-networking-night
National Careers Week events – 3rd-5th Mar, Spinney Theatre at Northampton School for Girls
Free creative careers activities for local schools, colleges, SEND and alternative provision. Designed by the festival’s Young Programmers and Youth Disability Board. Schools wanting further details and to book should contact: info@northamptonfilmfestival.co.uk
New filmmaker screening @ Industry Day (12A) – 7th, Mar, Northampton Filmhouse
A free film screening of local young people’s films created with Saturday Club and the BFI Film Academy, then a free industry networking day for those who are serious about a career in Film. Come meet industry professionals, watch other young people’s short films and think about entering your own next year.
New filmmaker screening @ Industry Day (12A); industry-day-69652cfe036b12a926aeca3d
Young Filmmakers awards ceremony (12A) – 8th Mar, Royal Theatre Northampton
An exciting red carpet Awards and reception event, where the winners of the 18yrs and Under Film competition and the art competition will be announced..
NFF 2026 Young Filmmakers awards ceremony (12A) |
For the full line up of events and films, please visit: northamptonfilmfestival.eventive.org/welcome
