Lytham International Film Festival Returns
Lytham International Film Festival Returns: A Celebration of Cinema, Community, and Creativity
August 22–25, 2025 | Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St Annes
www.lyiff.com | Tickets: LYIFF Ticket Portal
Lytham is set to shine once again as the Lytham International Film Festival (LYIFF) returns this August,
bringing four days of bold storytelling, cinematic excellence, and community spirit to the Fylde Coast.
From August 22nd to 25th, the Lowther Pavilion and surrounding venues will host a vibrant programme
of screenings, workshops, and masterclasses that celebrate the power of film to inspire, challenge, and
connect.
A Festival for All
This year’s programme features over 150 films from around the world, including BAFTA-winning shorts,
world premieres, and powerful selections in categories such as Women in Focus, LGBTQ+ Voices, and
Regional Films. Highlights include the acclaimed short Rock, Paper, Scissors, the provocative
documentary Going Postal: The Legacy Foretold, and the surreal feature Norma Dorma.
Event Highlights
- Free Children’s Screenings: In partnership with the Manchester Animation Festival, enjoy magical
morning screenings on Saturday and Sunday designed to delight young audiences and families. - Masterclasses: Learn from industry legends including composer John Parr (‘Scoring Your Film’),
BAFTA-winning director Will Jewel (‘Big Ambition, Short Runtime’), and bestselling author Phaedra
Patrick (‘Turning Books into Movies’). - Workshops: Hands-on sessions include ‘Screenplay Pitch & Story Workshop’ with festival judges,
‘Acting for the Camera’ with Actress and Director Kathryn Georghiou (The Heritage, Casualty), and
‘Directing Actors’ with Director Stephen Gallacher (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, McDonald & Dodds). - After Dark Series: Late-night outdoor screenings on Saturday and Sunday feature thrillers and horror
shorts under the stars. - Themed Strands: Explore bold storytelling in ‘Women in Focus’, ‘LGBTQ+ Voices’, and ‘Regional
Voices’, showcasing underrepresented perspectives and local talent.
Gala Opening & Awards Ceremony
The festival opens with a Gala Night featuring a curated selection of standout shorts introduced by their filmmakers. The festival closes with a glittering Awards Ceremony, celebrating excellence across categories such as Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
A Boost for Lytham and the Fylde Coast
Beyond the screen, LYIFF is a celebration of Lytham itself. The festival draws visitors from across the UK and beyond, supporting local businesses, hospitality, and tourism. With its blend of international talent and local charm, LYIFF continues to grow as a cultural cornerstone of the region.
Festival Director Ed Greenberg shares:
“LYIFF is more than a film festival—it’s a platform for voices that dare to speak up and stand out. We’re
proud to bring stories that matter to our community and to create a space where filmmakers and
audiences can truly connect.”
Kathryn Georghiou, Actress, Filmmaker & LYIFF Judge shares:
“LYIFF is a celebration of creativity in all its forms. As a judge and workshop leader, I’m inspired by the
courage and originality of emerging filmmakers. Whether you’re on stage or in the audience, this festival
is about discovering stories that move us, challenge us, and bring us together.”