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Thursday

OPENING NIGHT

THURSDAy 31st July, 5PM - 10PM

Hat Factory, Luton

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 Breakthrough FILM AWARD

A Winter of Luton Wildlife
Together with 9 schools I have made a 15-minute film that uses remote cameras to capture the secret movements of Luton's wildlife both in school grounds and on the slopes of Bradger's Hill in the north of Luton. 

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Screening at: 17:35

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 Breakthrough FILM AWARD

Resaca

Ryan uses alcohol to escape his pain; Fran remains submerged in grief years after losing her son. Though in different emotional worlds—reflected in the languages they speak—they share a quiet longing for connection.

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Screening at: 17:55

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BEST FILM AWARD 

Dream Car Wash

Sara, an Iranian-Italian immigrant in London, as she endures the monotony of a desolate car wash. Amid fleeting encounters, her dream of becoming a dancer quietly persists. Set against the city’s bustle, the film explores hidden beauty and the resilience of dreams.

Screening at: 18:15

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 Breakthrough FILM AWARD

A Glass House

Robin, heartbroken and tending her garden, is confronted by an unexpected visitor whose presence threatens to unearth the past.

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Screening at: 18:35

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 TALK 

How I got the shot: Karis Beaumont 

 

Discover how Hertfordshire-based image-maker Karis Beaumont found her eye for photography, using the everyday and unsung as inspiration in a career that has taken her around the world, while documenting the biggest names in contemporary culture.

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Discussion at: 19:30

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Heartlands: Earth and Bones

Explores the connection between land, body, and the lingering impact of industry. Inspired by post-industrial landscapes in Québec and Stoke-on-Trent, Clare Reynolds created this solo with dancer Patsy Browne-Hope.

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Screening at 20:10

BEST FILM AWARD

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BEST FILM AWARD

What We Wished We Could Be

Two interwoven moments in the relationship of a couple affected by the contaminated blood scandal, revealing their sacrifices, their love, and the things they never felt safe to say.

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Screening at: 20:20

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 Breakthrough FILM AWARD

EVOL

A poetic short film about a young woman grappling with the haunting echoes of past relationships and her unraveling sense of self.

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Screening at: 20:45

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 REVOLUTONARIES 

Srea Repospolo

Factory Floor interactive table mural

 

Srea is a UK-based Filipino illustrator exploring food, culture, and identity through dreamy, story-rich visuals. Her project Home Sweet Home celebrates Luton's diversity through community storytelling, workshops, and a shared cookbook. Drawing from her third-culture perspective, Srea’s work fosters connection, belonging, and cultural appreciation.

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Intertwined Exhibition

Open all days of the festival, Thursday and Friday 5PM - 10PM, Saturday 12PM - 5PM. Take a look at this years artists. 

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BEST ARTIST AWARD

Victor Buehring

 

Victor Buehring's practice uses participatory art to explore relationships and connections between objects, places, people and concepts.

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BEST ARTIST AWARD

Andrew Pettigrew

 

My style has evolved over the years, often leaning towards a cartoon-illustrative approach. For this submission, I explored a more abstract, figurative direction. I’ve exhibited twice at the Bute Street Film Festival and look forward to the opportunity again, this time showcasing entirely hand-created work rather than digital pieces..

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SILVIA LERIN 
Q&A
Saturday 2nd at 18:50, HF Theatre

 

Visual artist based in Luton, working from my studio at the Hat Factory Arts Centre. She has exhibited her work in solo shows across Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. She has won numerous awards and grants, including the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant (New York), The Annex Collection Award (United Kingdom), and the National Prize from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Carlos in Valencia (Spain), among others.

Commission

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BEST ARTIST AWARD

Louise Lahore

Hat Factory, Factory Floor

 

Louise Lahive is a visual artist producing painting, mixed media and sculptural work. Lahive graduated from Kingston University in 1999 and since this time has worked and lived in the USA and UK. As well as producing working in her studio, Lahive works as a visiting lecturer at the university of Hertfordshire and project leader for the Young Persons Puppet Theatre.

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BEST ARTIST AWARD

Joke Amusan

Hat Factory, Factory Floor
 

Joke Amusan is a German-Nigerian artist based in London. Her work explores Black womanhood, identity, and migration through immersive installations and sculpture. Exhibited at Tate Modern and ICA, she was a 2023 Ingram Prize finalist and a 2022 Independent Awards nominee.

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BEST ARTIST AWARD

Ana-Maria Vaduva

Hat Factory, Factory Floor

 

I am a multidisciplinary artist with a BA (Hons) in Art and Design from the University of Bedfordshire. My practice investigates themes of cultural hybridity, memory, and belonging, often drawing from personal and collective narratives. I work across sculpture, painting, and mixed media to create immersive and thought-provoking pieces.

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  Hat Factory,
PERFORMANCEs from 21:15

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MUSIC AWARD

Artist TBC

Set  Description coming soon.

Artist TBC

Set  Description coming soon.

IT'S FRIDAY AGAIN!

Friday 1st August, 12:30PM - 3:30PM

Friday

NEW Location: Luton Library Theatre

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BEST FILM AWARD 

The Orange Weekend

This is the story of spirited underdogs defying expectations on a national stage. At Luton’s Big Weekend, the impossible felt possible—Introducing became familiar, Stockwood became Woodstock, and Yellow turned to Orange.

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Screening at: 12:35

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BEST FILM AWARD 

An Old Friend

An imaginary friend (Jason Faunt) learns his only purpose is to bring joy to his child—only to discover that child is now a 90-year-old man (Tom Skerritt) on his deathbed.

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Screening at: 13:00

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BEST FILM AWARD 

The Silent Choice

Recently out of prison, John risks everything for a forbidden meeting with his ex and daughter, unveiling secrets, as their fragile connection teeters on the edge.

 

 

 

Screening at: 13:20

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 Breakthrough FILM AWARD

JUST BE AWESOME

With spiralling debts and a partner at the end of her tether, Alex, a mid 40s freelancer, desperately needs some work. A golden opportunity at an absurdly trendy agency offers a way out. But he's going to have to play their game if he wants to land the role.

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Screening at: 13:40

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 Breakthrough FILM AWARD

The Last Dance

When Fox’s "LA Bar" is hit with a compulsory purchase order, a cornerstone of Caribbean life in 90's East London is threatened. As the city begins to forget, the community remembers. In defiance and longing, a last dance ignites—one that will be remembered for the ages.

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Screening at: 14:30

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 REVOLUTONARIES 

Ryan Prazer

Luton-born musician, filmmaker, and events producer known for his raw acoustic punk-reggae sound and magnetic stage presence. His project Whatever They’ll Hate You For, Be Proud brings together local talent in a powerful music video that challenges division and celebrates individuality. Set in Luton, it encourages participants to wear symbols of what they’ve been judged for—turning shame into pride and difference into unity.

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Screening at: 14:55

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 TALK 

From Barnfield to Netflix: In Conversation with Declan Burley & Luke Lamontagne-Dwyer

 

Filmmaker Declan Burley went from building sites to Netflix. Joined by his manager, Luke Lamontagne-Dwyer, they share real-world advice on breaking into media, creative hustle, and what’s next — including a sneak peek at Declan’s new project.

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Discussion: 15:10

IT'S FRIDAY- Let's continue

Friday 1st August, 5:00PM - 10:00PM

  Heading over to the Hat Factory 

The role of AI in the brave new world of film

 

Join us for a thought-provoking look at AI’s growing role in filmmaking. Director Seb Whyte explores how AI is streamlining production, raising ethical questions, and reshaping storytelling. Whether you're curious, cautious, or excited, discover what AI means for artists, audiences, and the future of film.

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Discussion at: 18:05

 
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 Breakthrough FILM AWARD

The Pearl Comb

In 1893, a humble Cornish fisherman’s wife shocks the medical world by becoming the first to cure Tuberculosis. A skeptical doctor, determined to prove women have no place in medicine, is sent to investigate—only to uncover the mysterious source of her healing power.

Screening at: 18:45

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 Breakthrough FILM AWARD

House Hunters

Set in a disturbingly believable future, this dark satire follows desperate tenants willing to do whatever it takes to secure a home. In a world where housing is scarce and money isn’t enough, landlords hold all the power—and one ruthless estate agent will go to any lengths to seal the deal.

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Screening at: 19:10

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 Breakthrough FILM AWARD

Wish You Were Here

This darkly funny short follows a lonely older woman who’ll go to surprising lengths for connection. With millions over 75 living alone in the UK, it highlights loneliness as a curable crisis—just talk, listen… and maybe ring your gran.

 

 

Screening at: 19:25

Intertwined Exhibition 

Open all days of the festival, Thursday and Friday 5PM - 10PM, Saturday 12PM - 5PM. Take a look at this years artists. 

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 WORKSHOP

Poetry workshop

Hat Factory, Location TBC

 

Facilitated by Ehireme ‘Native’ Omoaka

Explore the art of crafting impactful poetry in this generative writing session led by acclaimed poet and educator Native. Whether you're new to poetry or refining your craft, this workshop will guide you through prompts and techniques that unlock creativity, deepen emotional resonance, and sharpen your poetic voice. Participants will leave with fresh work and practical tools to continue writing with confidence.

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BEST ARTIST AWARD

Rosealie Adebiyi

Hat Factory, Factory Floor

 

Rosalie Adebiyi is a literary activist exercising all writing mediums towards empowerment of the black diaspora. This year she’s sold her first play to the Museum of Children’s Arts and has been routed to volunteer on upcoming archival projects regarding European Black communities under the George Padmore Institute in London.

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BEST ARTIST AWARD

Sew N Sew

 Hat Factory, Factory Floor

 

I am exhibiting “Home Sweet Home” in the Outside In Shelter exhibition that will tour Walsall gallery and Christies London and The British Arts Council exchange at the Festival of Arte x Igual Bariloche an International Arts Festival for People with Disabilities.

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BEST ARTIST AWARD

Gary Young

 Hat Factory, Factory Floor

 

self-taught Sculptor from Luton. I studied Welding and engineering craft studies at the University of Bedfordshire.

I use these processes that I studied as   transitional skills that helped me to learn and make sculpture. 

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Joshua Otuonye

 Hat Factory, Factory Floor

 

My name is Joshua Iroabum Otuonye, a UK-based African virtual artist with a passion for capturing stories through graphite, charcoal, and colour pencil. My work explores themes of history, football, and cultural diversity—subjects that deeply resonate with a wide audience. Each piece is crafted to be visually striking, evoking a strong sense of connection and relatability.

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 REVOLUTONARIES

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Ghulam Alaudin Jami

 Hat Factory, Factory Floor

 

Ghulam Alaudin Jami is a passionate visual artist and storyteller whose work delves into the raw, often overlooked realities of youth, identity, and urban life. With deep roots in street culture and a keen eye for narrative, Jami transforms personal experiences and social commentary into bold, thought-provoking graphic art.

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 REVOLUTONARIES

 Hat Factory, 
MUSIc PERFORMANCEs from 21:00

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MUSIC AWARD

Artist TBC

Description coming soon 

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MUSIC AWARD

Artist TBC

Description coming soon 

Saturday

SATURDAY - is a Vibe

 SATURDAy 2nd August, 12PM - 10PM

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Breakthrough FILM AWARD

Beyond The Rush 

"Beyond The Rush". The story explores the decline of Luton’s once-thriving Caribbean culture, tracing how pivotal events and institutions have faced defunding over the years, leaving the town’s Caribbean and cultural identity in question...


Screening at: 12:35

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Wafaa From Gaza

We follow the journey of a girl who started singing out her window in Gaza out of despair, to a woman living in Germany, scared to sing out of fear of deportation.

 

 

 

Screening at: 13:00

Breakthrough FILM AWARD

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Claudia

A man struggling to overcome a breakup goes to extreme lengths to bring his lover back into his life, even if it's in the realm of fantasy. Claudia is a twisted romance drama drawing on classic textures to tell a modern story of 21st century loneliness, isolation and distortion.

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Screening at: 13:20

BEST FILM AWARD

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Breakthrough FILM AWARD

Making Gains

At 26, Emma seems to have it all—air hostess, influencer, CrossFit devotee. But behind the perfect image is a growing struggle with identity and self-worth. Caught in a cycle of comparison and online validation, she begins to question if the real Emma will ever be enough.

 

Screening at: 13:40

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 WORKSHOP

Gabriella Apicella: Script Surgery


The perfet session for anyone who has a script  that needs some development or is polishing up ready for production. Join a round table with Gabriella and other creatives to elevate your scripts. 

 

Workshop Time at 14:05
 

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TALK

Music as a Muse: The Power of Sound in Creativity & Film 

 

Join us for Music as a Muse, a dynamic conversation exploring the deep, transformative role of music in storytelling, identity, and cultural legacy—both on screen and in the streets. This panel brings together two powerful voices from different corners of the audio world: Patrick Quailey, DJ and curator of the Bedford-based Cultural Roots Sound System and Adnan Siddiqui, an award-winning composer for film, advertising and documentaries hosted by Benjamin Cyrus-Clark. 

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Discussion at: 15:00

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BEST FILM AWARD

The Women in the Wardrobe

The Woman in the Wardrobe follows Nadiya, who gives birth while sheltering in her family wardrobe during conflict. Both harrowing and hopeful, this intimate short highlights the resilience of women in war zones. Created with UNFPA, the film supports access to emergency birthing kits for women in humanitarian crises.

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Screening at: 15:45

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BEST FILM AWARD

Nuisance

An elderly couple find their quiet life unsettled by their new neighbours’ disturbing allegations.

A dark psychological thriller about elder abuse and power, from Sundance-winning Deadbeat Studios (The Devil’s Harmony) and directing duo Nott Brothers.

 

 

Screening at: 16:00

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BEST FILM AWARD

Lost Dog

'Lost dog' is a film about Jim, who, funnily enough, is on the search for his lost dog after she ran off in the park. Or at least we think he is, he gets easily distracted and we're not 100% sure the dog even exists. So maybe it's not a film about a lost dog, maybe it's a comedy about loneliness and the desperate need for meaningful human connection.

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Screening at: 16:20

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BEST FILM AWARD

EXPERIENCE

An actress battles feelings of anxiety and self-doubt while preparing for an audition with a particularly poignant script.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Screening at: 16:35

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 WORKSHOP

Poetry Workshop Performances 

Facilitated by Ehireme ‘Native’ Omoaka

Great poetry doesn’t just live on the page—it lives in performance. Join spoken word artist Native for a dynamic session on voice, rhythm, and stage presence. Designed for poets of all levels, this workshop explores how to bring written work to life, connect with an audience, and own your voice on stage. A supportive space to build confidence, sharpen delivery, and elevate your performance style.

 

Performance: 17:00
 

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BEST FILM AWARD

Softy

Desperate to escape a violent home, 13-year-old Camran takes drastic steps to build a better life for himself and his father. Softy is a raw and tender portrait of Black masculinity, challenging stereotypes through the emotional bond between father and son. Set against the backdrop of domestic abuse, the film explores resilience, sacrifice, and the quiet strength found in vulnerability.

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Screening at: 17:45

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Push

Being 9 months pregnant is not a beautiful miracle - at least not to Mags, who’s exactly that. Lonely, she seeks advice from a visitor, but instead is prodded out of self-pity and pushed towards the acceptance of what is about to become her new normal.

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​Screening at: 18:05

Breakthrough FILM AWARD

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RARE SHARE

Fragile 

When Janet confronts her brother Marvin about how success has changed him, old tensions resurface. Once close, they're now worlds apart—but as their argument unfolds in his pristine kitchen, something feels off. Are these their true feelings, or is there more beneath the surface?

 

Screening at: 18:20
 

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Bute Street Commissioned film

Frustrated with dating apps, a young woman turns to an advanced AI to find her perfect match—only to watch it spiral into obsession. Blending romance, thriller, dark comedy, and sci-fi, this gripping short explores love, control, and the ethical limits of AI in an increasingly digital world.

 

Screening at: 18:35
 

 Hat Factory, 
MUSIc PERFORMANCEs from 19:00

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TBC

Set  Description coming soon.

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MUSIC AWARD

TBC

Set  Description coming soon.

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TBC

Set  Description coming soon.

MUSIC AWARD

MUSIC AWARD

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 BUTE STREET FESTIVAL 2025 AWARDS 21:00 

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