Stroud Film Festival returns for its twelfth year in 2026, launching with a film-themed pub quiz at the Prince Albert, hosted by actor and director Susan Lynch.
The festival begins in February and will run for 16 days across 12 venues throughout the district. A total of 48 events will feature in this year’s programme, which will be announced later this month.
The opening event takes place on Wednesday, January 28, when teams of four are invited to pit their cinematic knowledge against one another at the Prince Albert pub. Hosted by Susan Lynch – currently appearing in Steven Knight’s A Thousand Blows, streaming on Disney+ – the quiz will also offer a sneak preview of films included in this year’s festival line-up.
You can test your cinematic knowledge in teams of up to 4. Book a table by calling the pub on 01453 755600. The quiz starts at 7pm, but quiz goers need to arrive at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £5 per person.
While final details are still being confirmed, early previews reveal a wide-ranging programme. Topics explored in this year’s films include swimming, blacksmithing, a Ukrainian health spa, poetry, access to nature and protest. The selection includes local, national and international independent films, many of them award-winning, and aims to appeal to audiences who may not usually consider themselves “film festival goers”.
Since its beginnings in 2014, Stroud Film Festival has worked with a broad range of partners to create a programme that is enjoyable, informative and inspiring for audiences of all tastes.
The 2026 festival will also showcase films that failed to reach the audiences they deserved on initial release. Chloe Zhao’s acclaimed drama The Rider, about Texan rodeo riders, will open the festival, while Wild Rose – Jessie Buckley’s first major film role – will close it.
A core aim of the festival is to connect filmmakers with audiences, and many events will feature appearances by directors, writers and actors. Highlights include Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror at The Electric Picture House, introduced by producer Loe Fahie, and Gentle, Angry Women at St Laurence Church, introduced by director Barbara Santi. Screenings are often accompanied by introductions, panel discussions, music or food.
Films will be shown in a wide variety of settings, including arts venues, youth groups, community hubs, film societies, a brewery, a pub, two charities and two cinemas.
Ticket prices remain at last year’s three-tier structure (£4 / £6 / £8). With audience numbers reaching record levels in 2025, organisers hope the accessible pricing will encourage even more people to attend in 2026.
For updates and programme announcements, visit stroudfilmfestival.org or follow @stroudfilmfest on social media.
