A new film and TV festival spotlighting local and global talent will take over a handful of iconic Birmingham venues this summer.

The inaugural Forward Film & Television Festival heads to Digbeth from Wed 16 Jul – Sun 20 Jul, seeking to ‘spotlight bold new voices and positioning Birmingham as a major player in the screen industries.’

The five-day event will take over key venues including The Mockingbird Cinema, Midlands Arts Centre, Centrala, The Old Crown, and The Crossing.

Major festival highlights include a live Q&A with Gavin & Stacey favourite Mathew Horne, The Making of Adolescence — a behind-the-scenes session with the camera team behind Netflix’s global hit — and a short film showcase from Brummie icon Joe Lycett, followed by an in-person discussion with the star.

The programme will also feature a selection of international film premieres, as well as local talent debuts, giving Birmingham-based filmmakers a platform to premiere their work in front of hometown audiences.

These standout events lead a packed schedule of screenings, industry panels, networking mixers, and a celebratory awards night recognising excellence in storytelling.

Building on Birmingham’s rich legacy — from the first Odeon Cinema and Sir Michael Balcon to the worldwide success of Peaky Blinders — Forward is backed by The BBC, Digbeth Loc. Studios, Create Central, Royal Television Society Midlands, Creative UK West Midlands, and Steven Knight CBE, the creator of Peaky Blinders and founder of Digbeth Loc. Studios.

“Birmingham has always been a city of creativity and innovation,” says Steven Knight. “Forward Film & Television Festival will continue that legacy by championing the next generation of storytellers—offering a platform where new voices can shine and find their audience.”

“When Steven Knight backs something on screen, you know it’s worth paying attention to,” says Cassie Smyth, festival co-founder. “Forward will not only celebrate Birmingham’s creative past but help shape its future—connecting emerging and established talent with new audiences.”

“‘I’m buzzing to see more love for filmmaking in our beloved Digbeth in the form of Forward Film & Television Festival,” says Joe Lycett.

Festival co-founder Matthew Ford adds: “Birmingham’s creative scene is thriving, and Forward will showcase that talent to the world. Through projects like Reel Brum, The Mockingbird Cinema, BYFN, and Viewfinder, we’ve seen the impact storytelling can have. Forward is the next step in taking that impact global.”

Film and TV lovers, industry pros, and emerging talent are all invited to be part of the debut event. Tickets can be booked using the button below.