Manchester Film Festival 2026 Manchester, United Kingdom
Overview
The Manchester Film Festival 2026, also known as MANIFF, is the premier celebration of independent cinema in the North West of England. Entering its twelfth edition, the festival has grown into a prestigious 11-day event that transforms the city into a thriving hub for international filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts. The festival is dedicated to championing emerging talent and innovative storytelling, showcasing an eclectic mix of world premieres, independent features, thought-provoking documentaries, and experimental short films from across the globe.
Beyond the silver screen, the festival fosters a unique, filmmaker-friendly atmosphere designed to connect creators with their audience. Attendees can participate in a comprehensive schedule of live Q&A sessions, red-carpet interviews, and professional industry panels featuring seasoned experts from major companies like Disney+ and Bloomsbury. With its central hub at the historic Great Northern Warehouse and various satellite venues across the city, the festival provides a dynamic platform where the art of storytelling is celebrated through the lens of modern independent cinema.
Event Highlights
- Diverse Film Selection: Over 10 days of screenings featuring a wide array of narrative features, documentaries, animations, and student projects.
- Industry Engagement: Exclusive access to industry panels, networking events, and after-parties where filmmakers and writers connect with film professionals.
- Red-Carpet Glamour: High-energy premieres and a prestigious closing awards ceremony held at the ODEON Great Northern to honor the best in independent film.
- Screenplay Showcase: A unique event featuring rehearsed readings of finalist scripts by professional actors in front of an industry jury.
Why Attend
Manchester Film Festival is the ultimate destination for cinephiles and aspiring industry professionals who want to discover the “next big thing” in independent film before it hits the mainstream. It is specifically designed for storytellers, screenplay writers, and directors looking to gain feedback from elite industry juries and expand their professional network in a relaxed, accessible environment. The festival provides a rare opportunity to engage directly with international talent during post-screening Q&As, making it much more than just a passive viewing experience.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Why Choose Euro Travelo:
- Secure and easy ticket booking for concerts, festivals, theaters, and business events.
- Complete travel planning including flights, trains, and local transportation.
- Accommodation arrangements near event venues, tailored to your needs.
- Convenient local transfers, from airport pickups to private shuttles.
- On-site concierge support to help you navigate venues and schedules.
- Custom itineraries and experience packages combining multiple events, tours, and activities.
- Secure payment process, making it safe and convenient to book all services online.
- Flexibility: even if you need only one service, we can assist individually.
For the general public, the festival offers a culturally rich experience in the heart of one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. Whether you are a local film lover or an international visitor, the diverse program ensures there is something for everyone, from heartwarming comedies to intense supernatural thrillers. The festival’s integration into Manchester’s famous leisure districts allows attendees to enjoy a complete trip that combines high-quality cinema with the city’s world-class dining, shopping, and nightlife.
Date & Duration
- Dates: March 19 to March 29, 2026.
- Duration: 11 days of continuous screenings and events.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Manchester, United Kingdom.
- Venue: ODEON Great Northern (Main Hub), CULTPLEX, and HOME Manchester.
- Google Maps Address: Unit 2, The Great Northern, 253 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4EN, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets and passes are available online via the official MANIFF website and at the ODEON Great Northern box office.
- Admission Type: Single screening tickets, 6-film bundles, 10-film bundles, and Full Festival Passes.
- Ticket Pricing: Single tickets cost approximately $15 to $20; Full Festival Passes range from approximately $120 to $185 depending on early-bird availability.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Filmmaker Passes provide free access to all screenings, industry talks, and exclusive after-parties for approximately $200 to $250.
- Free Admission: Select community screenings and industry “Meet the Filmmaker” sessions in public squares are often free to the public.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: hello@maniff.com
- Phone: +44 161 408 3378
- Website: www.manchesterfilmfestival.com
- Social Media:
- http://www.facebook.com/mcrfilmfestival
- http://www.instagram.com/mcrfilmfestival
- https://www.youtube.com/@mcrfilmfestival
- https://x.com/mcrfilmfestival
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Manchester Airport (MAN) is the primary international gateway; an express rail service reaches the city center in 20 minutes for approximately $5.
- Public Transport: The Metrolink tram stop at Deansgate-Castlefield is a 5-minute walk from the main hub; free city center buses link all major rail stations.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Uber and local black cabs are widely available; a ride from Manchester Piccadilly station to the Great Northern Warehouse costs approximately $10 to $15.
- Parking: The NCP Great Northern car park is located directly on-site and offers 24-hour parking for approximately $30 per day.
- Other Access: Manchester is highly walkable; the main venues like HOME and ODEON are within 10 minutes of each other on foot.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: The Edwardian Manchester (5-star, historic Free Trade Hall approximately $250-450 per night); Hotel Gotham (5-star, boutique luxury approximately $300-500 per night).
- Mid-Range Options: YOTEL Manchester Deansgate (4-star, modern design approximately $140-220 per night); Moxy Manchester City (4-star, stylish and central approximately $130-200 per night).
- Budget Stays: Motel One Manchester-St. Peter’s Square (3-star, high quality approximately $90-150 per night); ibis Manchester Centre (2-star, efficient and affordable approximately $70-110 per night).
Reviews
- The atmosphere at the Great Northern is brilliant and catching Q&As after the films really adds something special.
- As a first-time filmmaker, I felt incredibly welcomed and the networking opportunities were genuinely useful.
- Great organization and the selection of documentaries this year was absolutely world-class and very moving.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Where can I find the full screening schedule and film times for the 2026 festival?
The full program is officially released on the Manchester Film Festival website and mobile app approximately one month before the start date. Tickets for individual screenings usually go on sale immediately following the program announcement, so it is best to check in February.
Is there an age restriction for the films screened during the festival week?
The festival showcases films of all genres and many have not yet been rated by the BBFC, so most screenings are restricted to ages 18 and over. However, there are specific "Family Friendly" blocks and animation screenings that are open to younger audiences and children with a guardian.
Can I submit my own short film or screenplay to be part of the 2026 festival lineup?
Submissions are typically accepted through platforms like FilmFreeway starting several months before the event begins in March. Deadlines for the 2026 edition vary by category, but final submissions usually close in late December or early January of the preceding year.
What is included in the Full Festival Pass compared to a standard 10-film bundle?
The Full Festival Pass grants you entry to every screening across all venues plus access to industry panels and the opening night party. A film bundle is strictly for a specific number of screenings and does not typically include entry to the exclusive networking events or workshops.
Are the festival venues accessible for visitors with limited mobility or disabilities?
Yes, all primary venues including ODEON Great Northern and HOME are fully accessible with elevators, designated seating, and modern facilities. Staff and volunteers are also on hand at every screening to provide assistance and ensure all guests have a comfortable viewing experience.
