Cambridge Film Festival returns in October with first-rate programme for its 41st outing

The third longest-running film festival in the country, CFF is set to return next month from October 20 to October 27 with a wide-ranging series of films, including several UK and European premieres.

This year’s offering includes the wildly satirical Palme d'Or winner, Triangle of Sadness, and Berlin International Film Festival Golden Bear Winner, the beautifully poignant Alcarràs.

The opening night film will be Martin McDonagh's The Banshees of Inisherin, a black comedy drama that was nominated for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a full 13-minute standing ovation following its world premiere.

Starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, the film has received rave reviews at Venice and has been strongly tipped for Oscar nominations.

The 2022 Cambridge Film Festival programme includes 87 titles in all from 34 countries, with 29 UK premieres and several films also making their European premieres.

Owen Baker, from Cambridge Film Festival, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be back with a fantastic festival line-up.

"The last couple of years have been challenging, not just for the Cambridge Film Festival but for cinemas and the events sector more widely.

“Cinema attendance is slowly recovering post-Covid, and we’re delighted to be able to support that by presenting one of the most vital Cambridge Film Festival programmes in years.

“This has been achieved by our Programming Panel, which combines existing Cambridge Film Festival programmers with new, young, hugely talented and respected film programmers and writers.

"Programmer Elle Haywood has stepped up to lead the panel, which now includes Empire contributing editor and Fade to Black podcaster Amon Warmann, and Bulgarian film critic Savina Petkova who has written extensively about European film for a wide range of film publications.

“The team have curated an amazing programme. I would encourage everyone to return to the cinema – the very best place to experience films – and discover something new at a premiere international film festival right in the heart of our city.”

The full programme and tickets are available from September 24 at www.camfilmfest.com

What to see at the 2022 Cambridge Film Festival this winter

There is a diverse programme on offer that organisers promise is suitable for all tastes and ages, from thrillers and horror to romance and comedy.

A few of the must-see highlights within each of the programme strands are highlighted below in our sneak peek.

Opening Night - The Banshees of Inisherin

CFF organisers are thrilled to open the festival with a showing of Martin McDonagh’s much-anticipated follow-up to 2017’s multi-award-winning Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Set on a small island, Colin Farrell plays Pádraic, whose friendship with Colm (Brendan Gleeson) abruptly ends with dramatic and unexpected consequences for them both.

This feature film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Golden Lion.

Gala Screenings

Every evening, the CFF presents a Gala Screening, which showcases many of the year’s unmissable high-profile feature films, including Aftersun, a masterful debut from Scottish director Charlotte Wells, about how fundamentally unknowable our loved ones are.

Another highlight in this strand is Triangle of Sadness. Ruben Östlund serves his second Palme d’Or-winning film only five years after the devastating satire The Square.

With Triangle of Sadness, he turns to other areas of the creative industries: fashion and advertising.

International Festival Highlights

The CFF team of programmers has attended film festivals around the globe, including Cannes, Sundance, the Berlin International, and many more, to secure some of the most exceptional, award-winning films from the circuit this year.

One of the standouts is the UK premiere of Little Nicholas: Happy As Can Be, winner of the top award at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

Directed by Amandine Fredon and Benjamin Massoubre, this is the perfect animated film for the family during half term. It tells the story of the mischievous Nicholas and his adventures with his family and friends in mid-20th century Paris.

Camera Catalonia

This ever-popular strand of the festival encompasses the best Catalonian films and productions from the last year.

Alcarràs, the 2022 Berlin International Film Festival Golden Bear winner, is one such film, confirming director Carla Simón as one of the most talented new young directors from Catalonia.

Alcarràs is an affectionate and realistic portrayal of rural life in Catalonia. The meticulous casting of non-professional actors achieves powerful performances.

Connection & Disconnection

A series of extraordinary films that capture the big and small moments of social and personal change.

One film tipped to be an unforgettable cinematic experience is Beautiful Beings, a stunning and unflinching coming-of-age story set in Iceland.

Resilience

These remarkable films capture the strength and determination of those at the centre of different conflicts.

Direct from the prestigious Annecy Festival comes the UK premiere of Perlimps, the new animation from Oscar-nominated director Alê Abreu. The film was nominated for the Ottawa International Film Festival Grand Prize.

Wildly Wonderful

Five ‘out the box’ films take viewers on weird and wonderful adventures. Prepare for some unforgettable experiences.

One of the five films, the blackly comic thriller Medusa Deluxe is an extravagant, continuous-shot murder mystery based at a lively hairdressing competition from British writer-director Thomas Hardiman.

Monstrous

Presenting a selection of contemporary horrors and cult classics, this strand includes the rare opportunity to watch the breathtakingly beautiful Scandi classic Let The Right One In on the big screen.

With gorgeous cinematography and standout performances, this is quite simply a modern masterpiece.

Outstanding Contribution Award

Organisers are delighted to honour the remarkable Dame Emma Thompson with their Outstanding Contribution Award.

This specially curated strand showcases her best performances, focuses on her work in front of and behind the camera, and celebrates her riveting and refreshing roles in films such as Ang Lee’s rich adaptation of the Jane Austen classic, Sense and Sensibility.

CFF41 also sees the return of the ShortFusion, a series of curated short films from around the world.

In addition to the above film strands, there is an exciting programme of industry talks, panel discussions, and networking events for filmmakers from across the country – all part of the Cambridge Film Festival Industry Day in partnership with BFI Network and Film Hub South East.

With 50 per cent of festival titles female-directed, the full programme will be available from September 24 at www.camfilmfest.com