About - Mansfield Town Film Festival

Founded in 2023, MTFF is committed to championing diverse voices, with a particular focus on working-class
storytelling—making us one of the only UK festivals with a dedicated Working-Class Voices strand.

Held at the historic Mansfield Palace Theatre, MTFF provides a unique platform for filmmakers to showcase their work in a town that has long been underserved in terms of arts and culture. We strive to make cinema accessible, foster meaningful conversations, and create an inclusive space where all voices are heard.

Our inaugural festival in 2023 was opened by legendary filmmaker Ken Loach, whose career has been dedicated to telling working-class stories on screen. Ken’s
involvement was a powerful endorsement of our mission—to give space to underrepresented filmmakers and amplify stories that might otherwise go unheard.

What Makes MTFF Unique?

We are one of the only UK festivals with a dedicated strand for working-class filmmakers, ensuring these vital stories are platformed and celebrated.

A festival rooted in its community, MTFF brings high-quality independent cinema to a region with limited film exhibition opportunities, creating a vital cultural hub for filmmakers and audiences alike.

From thought-provoking screenings to engaging Q&As and networking opportunities, our festival is designed to connect filmmakers and film lovers in a welcoming and dynamic environment,

We take pride in providing a launchpad for filmmakers at all stages of their careers, offering a high-profile space for their work to seen and celebrated.