New Lanark Film Festival
The New Lanark Film Festival, organised in partnership with the prestigious Bill Douglas Cinema Museum in Exeter, will run from March 24th – March 28th!
About New Lanark Film Festival
The festival, organised in partnership with the prestigious Bill Douglas Cinema Museum in Exeter, will highlight the legacy of acclaimed Scottish director Bill Douglas and his contributions to preserving cinematic history.
Curated in collaboration with Dr. Phil Wickham, the festival will feature a selection of Douglas’ works, including never-before-seen short films from the 1960s, providing an intimate glimpse into the filmmaker’s early creative journey. This partnership highlights the shared mission of preserving film history in a venue that celebrates both heritage and innovation.
Film Festival Highlights
March 24th – Opening Gala: Bill Douglas Short Film Collection
The festival kicks off with an exclusive screening of Douglas’ 8mm short films, made between 1966 and 1969. Many of these have never been shown publicly, offering a rare opportunity to witness the collaborative and experimental spirit that defined Douglas’ early work.
March 25th – Community Film Festival
This day celebrates independent filmmaking in Scotland, featuring a competition screening of original works. Many of these films are debuting on the big screen, with the evening culminating in the awarding of the Audience Prize. Submissions remain open, with early entries showcasing exceptional creativity and talent.
March 26th – Aftersun: Celebrating Women in Cinema
In honour of International Women’s Month, the festival will screen Charlotte Wells’ critically acclaimed Aftersun. This semi-autobiographical masterpiece explores the relationship between a young girl and her father, featuring Oscar-nominated performances and a deeply personal narrative that resonated widely during the 2022 awards season.
March 27th – Restless Natives: Scotland on Screen
A true Scottish classic, Restless Natives remains one of the nation’s most beloved films. Recently adapted into a stage musical, this nostalgic gem is a must-see for fans of Scottish cinema.
March 28th – Closing Gala: Comrades
The festival concludes with Bill Douglas’ epic masterpiece Comrades. This historical drama tells the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and their fight for workers’ rights- a cause supported by Robert Owen, whose vision helped shape New Lanark. Rediscovered as a cinematic treasure, Comrades demands to be experienced on the big screen for its artistry and enduring relevance.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Lanarkshire, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Lanarkshire? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Sponsored Links
Other Events at New Lanark World Heritage Site
New Lanark Easter Festival
This Easter at New Lanark, there are a variety of exciting activities to take part in including a scavenger hunt, bonnet making and parade and the Great New Lanark Duck Race!
READ MORENew Lanark Film Theatre - Easter Programme
This Easter, New Lanark Film Theatre are rolling out a lineup of family favourites every weekend until Easter Sunday... all for just £4.95! Don't miss out—book now before it's too late!
READ MORE
Spring Heritage Festival
New Lanark's Spring Heritage Festival is all about showcasing Lanarkshire's fascinating history and bringing to life some of the amazing stories and objects that make up their community's heritage!
READ MORE
Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: New Lanark Roof Garden
Created on the 9,000 square feet of roof on one of the mill buildings, New Lanark's amazing Roof Garden is the largest of its kind in Scotland and is one of their visitor highlights!
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
New Lanark Film Theatre - Easter Programme
This Easter, New Lanark Film Theatre are rolling out a lineup of family favourites every weekend until Easter Sunday... all for just £4.95! Don't miss out—book now before it's too late!
READ MORE
National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest
Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde's most celebrated comedy being screened at Airdrie Town Hall!
READ MORE
Sing-Along Wicked
It's time to try the high notes of Defying Gravity for yourself! Get your witches together for two special sing-along screenings of Wicked at Lanark Memorial Hall!
READ MORE
West Side Story Sing-A-Long
Join Cumbernauld Theatre for their Sing-a-Long Season film screenings featuring a showing of West Side Story on Sunday 4th May!
READ MORE
Screening: Bonnie & Clyde The Musical
Recorded live at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane, discover the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation!
READ MORE
The Royal Opera: Wagner’s Die Walkure
Gods and mortals battle in the second chapter of Wagner's Ring cycle when Cumbernauld Theatre Cinema screens The Royal Opera's production of Die Walkure!
READ MORE
Cinema: Wagner’s Die Walkure
Gods and mortals battle in the second chapter of Wagner's Ring cycle when Airdrie Town Hall screens The Royal Opera's production of Die Walkure!
READ MORE
The Royal Ballet: Ballet To Broadway: Wheeldon Works
Sensuous contemporary ballet meets the energy of musical theatre in four distinctive short works being screened at Cumbernauld Theatre Cinema!
READ MORE
Cinema: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works
Sensuous contemporary ballet meets the energy of musical theatre in four distinctive short works being screened at Airdrie Town Hall!
READ MOREFind other events in Lanarkshire
Sponsored Links