OPENING NIGHT
THURSDAy 31st July, 5PM - 10PM
Hat Factory, Luton
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
NEW Location: Luton Library Theatre
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
MUSIC AWARD
Artist TBC
Description coming soon
MUSIC AWARD
Artist TBC
Description coming soon
SATURDAY - is a Vibe
SATURDAy 2nd August, 12PM - 10PM
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
TBC
Set Description coming soon.
MUSIC AWARD
TBC
Set Description coming soon.
TBC
Set Description coming soon.
MUSIC AWARD
MUSIC AWARD
