Nottinghamshire’s Biggest Film Festival Returns This Summer

Nottinghamshire’s biggest celebration of cinema is back this summer, and tickets are now officially on sale. Returning for its third and biggest year yet, the Mansfield Town Film Festival (MTFF) runs from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th July 2025 at Mansfield Palace Theatre.

The event promises a weekend filled with powerful stories, exciting new voices, and one-of-a-kind experiences with over 100 short films screening across the three-day programme.

Alongside this there will alos be filmmaker Q&As, workshops, and industry-led breakout sessions and the organisers want people to know that the MTFF isn’t just for cinephiles—it’s for anyone who loves a good story. And this year, it’s easier than ever to be part of the action.

Thanks to a brand-new modular ticketing system, audiences can book individual screening sessions for just £4 each, allowing them to curate a festival experience that works for them. Several events, including the ever-popular Friday night strand ‘From Mansfield, With Love’ and the Mansfield Film Awards, will remain completely free to attend.

Unlike your average cinema trip, MTFF is about discovery, connection, and conversation.  Audiences can explore curated sessions of short films—grouped thematically across genres, countries and voices—before diving deeper through live discussions, guest appearances and creative workshops.

This year’s programme highlights include An Old Friend starring Tom Skerritt (Top Gun) and Jason Faunt (Power Rangers), which explores a tender reunion between a 90-year-old man and his childhood imaginary friend.  Closer to home, Girlband! – Not Like The Rest offers a bold, energetic look at Nottingham’s local music scene, featuring Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us).

She Will Play On is a Nottingham-made drama that follows two sisters navigating the harsh realities of home life as one dreams of joining a professional girl’s football team.

And audiences can also catch In Half, an animated epic that dives into the subconscious of a troubled man as he journeys through a strange world in search of healing.

New for 2025 is the addition of The Directors Lounge, a more intimate screen housed within the theatre’s Leeming Lounge.  This new space will allow the festival to expand its offering without compromising the warmth and focus that have made it such a beloved event.

Also debuting this year is MTFF’s first virtual reality cinema experience hosted in Groucho’s Bar and created in partnership with Leicester’s award-winning immersive storytellers, MBD. It will be free for all guests to explore throughout the weekend.

Festival Director Jay Martin, a local filmmaker himself, said: “MTFF started as a dream to bring world-class stories to Mansfield, and three years in, it’s become a truly global celebration."

“What makes this festival special is that it’s built for and by the people of this region – working-class stories, diverse voices, and real community at its heart. There’s no velvet rope here – just brilliant films and good people."

“And whether you’re a cinephile, a casual viewer or simply fancy something different to do this summer, come along. MTFF25 is for everyone.”

To view the full programme and book tickets please visit  www.mansfieldtownfilmfestival.com

Or you can book directly through the Mansfield Palace Theatre Box Office