About

Mansfield Town Film Festival (MTFF) is a celebration of independent filmmaking that brings bold, thought-provoking, and inspiring films to the heart of Nottinghamshire. 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?

A Commitment to Working-Class Voices: 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.

An Unforgettable Experience: 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.

A Platform for Emerging Talent: – We take pride in providing a launchpad for filmmakers at all stages of their careers, offering a high-profile space for their work to be seen and celebrated.

A Commitment to Accessibility and Sustainability:

We take a digital-first approach to reduce waste, carefully manage printed materials, and ensure our screenings and events are accessible to all.

Since our first edition, MTFF has grown into a key cultural event for Mansfield, offering an exciting and carefully curated programme of shorts and special events. Whether you’re a filmmaker, film lover, or industry professional, we invite you to be part of a festival that celebrates the power of storytelling and the importance of independent cinema.

CATEGORIES Submit on FilmFreeWay

#MANSFIELDLOVESFILM #MTFF #MTFF25

 

“Ignore that this was their first rodeo, because this team put on an event like they were in their 10th year!

“A monstrous level of work clearly went into every stage of the festival and I salute Jay especially, for his drive and passion to bring this to life.

“100% would recommend and I’ll definitely be submitting again in the future. Great job guys and congratulations on your success.” – Rob Sharp, Director – Good Grief

 

 “Only by attending this fantastic film festival could you experience the vibe, the energy, the hope, the inspiration and the ambition spending three days at Mansfield Town Film Festival gives.

 “It smashes down barriers with warmth and really does represent a people’s festival. Enhanced by superb organisation, slick presentation and above all a plethora of quality films.

 “The festival was opened by the ultimate working class hero of film, the legendary film director Ken Loach, who portrayed both the festival’s beliefs and ambition.

 “This festival is the real deal and a must enter for any filmmaker. Get on board as Mansfield Town Film Festival will be a big name on the festival circuit anytime soon.” – Keith Large, Producer – The Champ of Champs

 

“The first ever Mansfield Town Film Festival was an extraordinary accomplishment by Jay the festival director and his incredible team. The venue was the town’s magnificent Palace Theatre, dating back to 1910, which lent the festival a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.

“The material selected was of a tremendously high quality across the board, yet diverse enough to include a fascinating variety of creativity from many different backgrounds. There was a real energetic buzz about the whole town for this festival.

“Attending as an artist, the networking element was fantastic- I was able to meet many like minded individuals and forge great new friendships within the industry who had come to attend from far and wide.

“The local media and even national news television picked up on all the excitement and covered the cultural movement that this festival has started, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here. I have no doubt that this will be a renowned event for generations to come.” – Chris Miggells, Composer – Stone Giant

CATEGORIES

  • Heart Of Mansfield Award (Best In Festival)

  • Working Class Voices Award

  • LGBTQIA+ Voices Award

  • Women’s Voices Award

  • Best Narrative Short

  • Best Documentary Short

  • Best Animated Short

  • Best Student Short

  • Best International Short

  • Best Music Video

  • Best Director

  • Best Cinematography

  • Best Editing

  • Best Original Score

  • Best Performance In A Leading Role

  • Neurodiverse/Disabled Voices

OUR 2025 AWARDS JURY - COMING SOON