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We're delighted to reveal the full programme for the Big Picture Film Festival 2026, taking place across Stratford-upon-Avon from 3 - 6 September. This year's theme, Popcorn & Perspectives, celebrates cinemaâs power to educate, entertain and inspire, with a programme of feature films, live scores, special guests, Q&As, panel discussions and workshops. Curated in support of GO ALL IN, the National Year of Reading campaign, the festival brings page and screen together to inspire a love of reading. In partnership with local organisations and supported by Stratford Town Trust and Stratford District Council, we can't wait to welcome you this September! Take a look at what's in store!
Experience Robert Wieneâs silent horror classic 'The Hands of Orlac' on the big screen with a live piano score by renowned silent film pianist Jonny Best (Northern Silents). After a celebrated pianist loses his hands in an accident, a transplant gives him new ones - which previously belonged to a murderer! As fear and obsession take hold, his grip on reality begins to unravel. Donât miss this immersive cinema experience where Jonny and this masterful silent horror will become one!
BOOK TICKETS: Methodist Church, Stratford-upon-Avon | Thurs 3 Sept | 7:30pm
'Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom' is a heartwarming Bhutanese drama from director Pawo Choyning Dorji that celebrates education, community and life in harmony with nature. Sent to teach in the remote mountain village of Lunana, an aspiring singer reluctantly leaves city life behind and discovers unexpected purpose and contentment. Nominated for an Academy Award as Bhutanâs first-ever Oscar contender, this acclaimed film is an inspiring story of self-discovery and what truly matters in life.
BOOK TICKETS: Rother Street Arts House, Stratford-upon-Avon | Fri 4 Sept | 1:30pm
Based on Bryan Lee O'Malley's acclaimed graphic novels, 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World' is a wildly inventive cult movie classic that fuses romance, comedy and music with comic book and video game visuals. When awkward bassist Scott Pilgrim falls for the enigmatic Ramona Flowers, he must battle her seven evil exes in a series of increasingly outrageous showdowns. Directed by Edgar Wright and propelled by a fantastic soundtrack, this virtuosic, energetic adventure is a true big-screen masterpiece.
BOOK TICKETS: Rother Street Arts House, Stratford-upon-Avon | Fri 4 Sept | 4:00pm
Join us for a special screening of 'The Librarians', a powerful documentary by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kim A. Snyder. The film follows librarians in Texas and Florida caught at the centre of aggressive book banning campaigns. Through personal stories and frontline perspectives, it explores censorship, representation, human rights and intellectual freedom. Stay after the screening for a panel discussion examining the film's themes and their growing relevance in the UK.
BOOK TICKETS: Rother Street Arts House, Stratford-upon-Avon | Fri 4 Sept | 6:30pm
Join us for a family-friendly relaxed screening of 'The Wild Robot' (2024), celebrating 10 years since Peter Brownâs beloved book was first published. This heartwarming animated adventure follows Roz, a robot stranded on a remote island who learns to survive, make friends and find her place in the world. During the film, enjoy fun craft activities where you can make a robot mask or cardboard robot to take home. All materials provided. Suitable for all ages.
BOOK TICKETS: Holy Trinity Parish Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon | Sat 5 Sept | 10:30am
As part of the Big Picture Film Festival 2026 and the National Year of Reading, Stratford Youth Collective invited young people to turn their favourite book covers into original animated films. This special screening showcases imaginative shorts that bring artwork to life through animation, stop-motion and mixed-media techniques. Discover inventive takes on familiar covers and celebrate reading, creativity and visual storytelling from the next generation of filmmakers.
BOOK TICKETS: Stratford Youth Hub, Stratford-upon-Avon | Sat 5 Sept | 12:30pm
'You Will Die at Twenty' is a visually stunning Sudanese coming-of-age drama about Muzamil, whose life is shaped by a prophecy that he will die at the age of twenty. As his twentieth birthday nears, he must decide whether to accept his fate or embrace life on his own terms. Presented with Stratford Welcome Here, this acclaimed film explores destiny, freedom and self-discovery while raising awareness of Sudanâs ongoing humanitarian crisis and displaced communities.
BOOK TICKETS: Holy Trinity Parish Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon | Sat 5 Sept | 12:45pm
When a spirited hen escapes an industrial chicken farm, she embarks on an extraordinary journey in search of safety, freedom and belonging. Acclaimed Hungarian filmmaker György Pálfiâs 'Hen' is a moving and imaginative fable exploring migration, motherhood, survival and identity through non-human eyes. Both humorous and thought-provoking, the film reflects on human rights, animal welfare and the universal search for home. Presented in partnership with Stratford Amnesty International.
BOOK TICKETS: Holy Trinity Parish Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon | Sat 5 Sept | 3:00pm
Come and join us as we celebrate our five-star rated short film competition for the seventh year running! Weâll be screening the top three winning films as well as holding a Q&A session with the winning filmmakers. The theme for this yearâs Big Picture Film Festival is âPopcorn and Perspectivesâ, encouraging both filmmakers and audiences to look at the world through different lenses and reflect on cinema as a catalyst for education, curiosity and growth.
BOOK TICKETS: Methodist Church, Stratford upon-Avon | Sat 5 Sept | 5:00pm
Renowned designer Stefan Sagmeister embarks on a deeply personal experiment to find out if he can influence his own happiness. Guided by leading experts and informed by science, he subjects himself to three carefully monitored interventions - meditation, therapy and drugs - measuring the results every step of the way. Nominated for Best Documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival, 'The Happy Film' is a visually inventive, quirky treat that transforms a personal quest into a universal exploration of happiness.
BOOK TICKETS: Brook Arts Hub, Stratford upon-Avon | Sat 5 Sept | 7:00pm
Weâre delighted to welcome BAFTA-nominated director Duncan Cowles for a special Q&A screening of his acclaimed documentary 'Silent Men'. In this insightful film, Cowles explores the awkward art of expressing emotion, drawing on his own experiences and sharing the conversation with others. Compassionate and thought-provoking with a touch of humour, 'Silent Men' challenges ideas of masculinity and emotional openness. Presented with The Wild Wood Connection Project as part of its Social Saturdays programme.
BOOK TICKETS: Methodist Church, Stratford upon-Avon | Sat 5 Sept | 7:30pm
This double bill explores birds as symbols of freedom, escape and belonging. It begins with Behind 'The Severed Wing', a poetic film by disabled artist Corinne, where birdsong inspires a vision beyond the limits of disability. This abridged screening features unseen footage and a recorded introduction. It is followed by Ken Loachâs 'Kes', the acclaimed story of a boy whose bond with a kestrel brings hope and purpose. Together, the films celebrate self-discovery and possibility.
BOOK TICKETS: The White Swan, Stratford-upon-Avon | Sun 6 Sept | 12noon
Weâre delighted to partner with Feminist Film Club for a special screening of Georgia Oakleyâs acclaimed debut 'Blue Jean', followed by a post-film discussion. Set in 1988 during the era of Section 28, the film follows a PE teacher forced to hide her sexuality in an increasingly hostile climate. This powerful drama explores identity, visibility and belonging. After the screening, join Blythe Taylor from Feminist Film Club for a discussion reflecting on the filmâs themes and relevance today.
BOOK TICKETS: The White Swan, Stratford-upon-Avon | Sun 6 Sept | 3:00pm
Two artists in London set out to take their street off the grid and spark a grassroots energy revolution. In 'Power Station', artist-activists Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn document their ambitious mission to create a solar-powered community, turning local action into a vision for a more sustainable future. Funny, inventive and uplifting, the film celebrates the power of collective action and community change. A panel discussion led by Net Zero Stratford will follow the screening.
BOOK TICKETS: Rother Street Arts House, Stratford-upon-Avon | Sun 6 Sept | 7:30pm
Join us (and our mischievous Swans) at venues in and around StratfordâuponâAvon from 3â6 September. If you like the look of multiple events, why not grab yourself a pay-as-you-feel festival pass which gives you access to all screenings?
Book Festival Pass
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