Pen*stone Film Festival

29/05/2026

🎬 REGULAR DEADLINE CLOSES IN 3 DAYS

Our selection panel will assess this weekend the next round of film submissions and decide which films will officially join the 2026 programme.

If your film is sitting on a hard drive waiting for “the right moment”, this is it.

Pen*stone Film Festival takes place in one of the UK’s oldest continuously operating cinemas, the historic Pen*stone Paramount, alongside events in the magnificent St John’s Church in the heart of Yorkshire.

Selected films will be screened alongside international independent cinema, silent film classics, live music, filmmaker Q&As and industry guests.

⏰ Regular Deadline closes in 3 days.

Don’t leave your submission until it’s too late.

🎟️ Submit via FilmFreeway today.

https://filmfreeway.com/Pen*stoneFilmFestival

27/05/2026

Battling Butler with live accompaniment by Andy Quin
17 Oct, 19:00 - 22:00

Battling Butler with live musical accompaniment by Andy Quin.

Buster Keaton stars as Alfred Butler, a mild-mannered millionaire mistaken for a famous prizefighter. Attempting to impress a young woman, Alfred assumes the identity of the boxer, leading to comedic misunderstandings and an unforgettable finale.

The Buster Award and Action on Screen finalist showcase with announcement by judge David Arquette (remote appearance).

Free tickets available for registered carers

Link in the comments

27/05/2026

From Vaudeville to Avant Garde
17 Oct, 16:30 - 18:30

Pen*stone Film Festival 2026: Block 3

Featuring:

Putting Pants on Philip (1927)
Running Time: 20 minutes
In one of Laurel and Hardy’s earliest collaborations, Piedmont Mumblethunder attempts to help his Scottish cousin Philip adapt to American culture, with comedic complications arising from Philip’s traditional kilt.

The Lucky Dog (1921)
Running Time: 24 minutes
The first on-screen pairing of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Laurel plays a down-on-his-luck man who befriends a loyal dog, while Hardy appears as a thief who complicates matters.

Film (1965) starring Buster Keaton
Running Time: 22 minutes
Samuel Beckett’s experimental short film featuring Buster Keaton as a man attempting to evade observation in a haunting meditation on perception and identity.

Courtesy of BFI Distribution.

Followed by Sporting Stories and Music category filmmaker showcase with finalists announced by judge Andy Quin.

Free tickets available for registered carers

Link in the comments

27/05/2026

Harold Lloyd + Silent Curiosities (Sensory Friendly)

17 Oct, 13:30 - 15:00

House lights partially raised - Adjusted volume levels - Audience members may move around if needed.

Featuring:

The Cameraman’s Revenge (1912)
Running Time: 13 minutes
A pioneering stop-motion animation featuring insect characters. A jealous grasshopper cameraman captures scandalous footage of Mr Beetle’s affair with a dragonfly dancer, leading to unexpected consequences.

High and Dizzy (1920)
Running Time: 27 minutes
Harold Lloyd plays a doctor who finds himself in increasingly precarious situations after becoming intoxicated on homemade medicine. Famous for its spectacular high-rise comedy sequence.

Never Weaken (1921)
Running Time: 29 minutes
A romantic comedy featuring one of Harold Lloyd’s most daring stunt sequences set high above the city streets.

Followed by Student Filmmaker Showcase and announcement of finalists by judge Ruby Barker (Bridgerton).

Free tickets available for registered carers

Link in the comments

27/05/2026

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari + live piano with Andy Quin

17 Oct, 10:00 - 12:30

One of the most influential films in cinema history, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a landmark of German Expressionism.

The mysterious Dr. Caligari exhibits a somnambulist named Cesare at a travelling fair, a sleepwalker said to predict the future. When a series of murders terrorises a small German town, suspicions arise that Cesare may be acting under his master’s sinister influence.

“A film from the holdings of the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung (www.murnau-stiftung.de) in Wiesbaden.”

Followed by festival introduction and announcement of Best Picture finalists by judge Adam Sigal (remote appearance).

Free tickets available for registered carers

Link below

26/05/2026

💚💚💚💚

Next week is Community Rail Week,and to celebrate the Pen*stone Line Partnership have something exciting lined up.

On Monday 1 June, enjoy a unique live music experience, with an acoustic performance onboard a train! Expect a lively mix of American and contemporary folk songs, alongside fabulous views from the train.

Find out more details in the comments. 👇

21/05/2026

Entertaining the community since 1952

21/05/2026

🎬Are you aged 12–15 and interested in film? 🌟

Join us for an exciting opportunity to work with professional film and video production company and create your own short film inspired by Pen*stone!

Over four fun and creative days, you’ll learn:
🎥 How to use film equipment
✍️ Scriptwriting and storyboarding
📋 Creating a shot list
🎭 Rehearsing scenes
🎬 Filming your own project

📆Film Camp dates are...
Tuesday 26 May 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 27 May 10am - 3pm
Thursday 28 May 10am - 3pm
Friday 29 May 10am - 3pm

These are independent sessions, so participants must be happy to be left in the care of our team.
Please bring a packed lunch each day. Parents/carers will receive full safety information after booking.

📩 For more information or to chat before booking, please email:
[email protected]

Spaces are limited – don’t miss out! 🎞️✨

Book at: https://my.barnsley.gov.uk/events/50168/young-producers-4-day-film-camp

20/05/2026