Sir Stephen Fry has sent a special video message supporting the Fakenham Film Festival as the town prepares for three days of films, independent filmmaking and Norfolk stories from 2–4 October.

The message comes ahead of Fakenham Film Festival 2026 (FFF26), organised by Active Fakenham and taking place at the Central Cinema, Fakenham.

Stephen Fry has long-standing connections with Norfolk and with filmmaking in the county. His directorial debut, Bright Young Things, will be one of the feature films shown during this year's festival, screening on Saturday 3 October at 6.45pm.

Active Fakenham Chair Richard Crook said:

“We are absolutely delighted that Stephen has taken the time to send a message for the festival. It means a great deal to a small, volunteer-run community organisation like Active Fakenham.

“FFF26 is about much more than simply showing films. We want to give independent filmmakers, particularly those with connections to Norfolk, the opportunity to see their work on a proper cinema screen and to bring audiences together to celebrate filmmaking here in the county.

“Having Stephen's support helps us shine a much bigger spotlight on those filmmakers and on Fakenham's independent cinema.”

This year's festival has attracted around 30 independent film submissions and includes drama, comedy, documentary, science fiction, horror and films made by young people.

Alongside Bright Young Things, the programme includes Jane Austen Wrecked My Life (French with English subtitles), In Love with Alma Cogan and Exhibition on Screen's James McNeill Whistler, together with showcases of locally made and independent short films with Norfolk connections.

Saturday morning features a Families & Children Showcase, while a Dark, Edgy & Horror Showcase takes over the cinema late on Saturday evening.

Sunday is dedicated to independent film, including the FFF26 film competition, before the festival culminates in a Red Carpet Event and Awards Finale.

Nine films have been selected for the competition, giving emerging and independent filmmakers the opportunity to have their work screened at the Central Cinema.

Richard added:

“Fakenham may be a relatively small town, but we want to demonstrate that you don't have to travel to a major city to discover exciting new filmmaking.

“We also want to support the Central Cinema. Independent cinemas are incredibly important to towns like Fakenham, and holding the festival here gives filmmakers the experience of seeing their work where it belongs – on the big screen in front of an audience.”

Fakenham Film Festival 2026 takes place at the Central Cinema, Fakenham, from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October.

WATCH STEPHEN FRY'S MESSAGE

Sir Stephen Fry's special video message for Fakenham Film Festival can be watched now on the Active Fakenham website: https://www.activefakenham.org.uk/my-postccd6ce29

Full festival programme and information are also available on the website.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Fakenham Film Festival 2026 (FFF26) Friday 2 – Sunday 4 October 2026 Central Cinema, Fakenham, Norfolk

FFF26 is organised by Active Fakenham, a volunteer-run, not-for-profit community organisation which organises festivals and community events in Fakenham.

The festival aims to support independent filmmakers, celebrate Norfolk filmmaking and stories, support Fakenham's independent Central Cinema and give filmmakers the opportunity to see their work screened in a cinema environment.

Media: Interviews, festival information and photographs are available from Active Fakenham.