Mansfield Town Film Festival achieves BIFA accreditation
The Mansfield Film Festival, which champions working-class voices, has now achieved a national industry recognition, marking a major moment for the town as it continues to redefine itself as a growing cultural hub.
Launching in 2023, the festival has officially been recognised as a qualifying festival for the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), placing it within the national pathway to one of the UK’s most prestigious film awards.
MTFF’s rapid rise reflects both the strength of its curatorial approach and the growing national appetite for stories that reflect the realities of life outside major cities.
At its core, MTFF was built on a clear mission: to create opportunities for working-class and underrepresented filmmakers, and to prove that those opportunities can exist in towns like Mansfield.
In just three years, it has grown into Nottinghamshire’s largest film festival, bringing hundreds of films and filmmakers into the town, while engaging audiences who may not traditionally see themselves as part of the arts. Now, with BIFA qualification secured, that mission has taken a significant step forward.
Jay Martin, Festival Director and Chair of Trustees for Mansfield Town Film Festival, said: “This is a huge moment for us, but more importantly, it’s a huge moment for Mansfield.
“When we launched MTFF, it was about creating something that didn’t exist here before, a platform for working-class voices, and a space where people from this town could see themselves reflected on screen."
“To reach BIFA qualification in just three years is something we’re incredibly proud of, because it shows that what we’re building here stands up nationally, but more than that, it changes what’s possible. It means that filmmakers from Mansfield, and towns like it across the UK, now have a direct route into the British Independent Film Awards through a festival that understands where they come from.
“This isn’t just about recognition, it’s about access and it’s about shifting perceptions."
For Mansfield, the recognition signals a broader shift. Traditionally, national film culture has been concentrated in major cities such as London, and Manchester. MTFF’s inclusion within the BIFA pathway places Mansfield firmly within that conversation, helping to reposition the town as a place where culture is not only consumed, but created and recognised at a national level and the impact is expected to be felt both on and off screen.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward adds, “It is amazing to see cultural ambition in Mansfield playing a leading role in helping to drive growth across the East Midlands. Our creative industries are creating opportunity, attracting talent, and unlocking investment in towns that have too often been overlooked."
The announcement comes at a time when Mansfield is increasingly being recognised as an area of focus for cultural growth across the East Midlands, with new investment supporting skills, participation and creative opportunity. For MTFF, the focus now turns to building on this momentum.
Plans are already underway for MTFF26, which is taking place September 25th – 27th 2026, with ambitions to expand activity into priority communities, grow its year-round programme, and attract increased national attention through its new status.
Executive Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams has said, "Mansfield has always been a town famous for its stories, so this is a fantastic opportunity for filmmakers and artists across our district to gain the recognition they deserve. This achievement is sure to add to Mansfield's growing reputation as a creative and cultural hub across the county, the region and now, the UK."
For more information on Mansfield Town Film Festival, and to submit a film, please visit: www.mansfieldtownfilmfestival.com
