Centrala is proud to support the very first Forward Film & Television Festival, taking place from 16 – 20 July 2025 across multiple iconic venues in Birmingham’s vibrant Digbeth district. This landmark festival, hosted at The Mockingbird Cinema, Midlands Arts Centre, The Old Crown, The Crossing, and of course, at Centrala, promises an immersive celebration of local, regional, and international screen talent
Festival Highlights & Centrala’s Participation
Documentary Hub at Centrala (19 July, 12 – 5 pm): A dedicated day of documentary premieres from around the world, complemented by food, culture, and screenings of short docs from the Viewfinder Then & Now project, which celebrates Birmingham’s diverse community stories.
Centrala joins the festival in showcasing independent programming and serves as a cultural hub, a fitting contrast to larger screen rooms, providing a grassroots atmosphere ideal for meaningful conversations around film and TV.
Festival Features
Industry networking & panels: “Stepping FORWARD: Industry Day” at The Mockingbird Cinema on 17 July includes panels with representatives from the BBC, Creative UK West Midlands, Royal Television Society Midlands, Digbeth Loc. Studios, and Create Central, parking connections for emerging filmmakers.
High-profile Q&As: Festival highlights include sessions with Gavin & Stacey actor Mathew Horne and the crew behind Netflix’s Adolescence, as well as a Joe Lycett short-film showcase and talk
Diverse programming: From international film premieres and local talent debuts to a gala awards ceremony featuring 16 categories, from Best Feature and Documentary to Best Screenplay, Animation, and West Midlands Film, Forward offers a fresh and inclusive platform
Located in Digbeth, Centrala’s contribution amplifies the festival’s commitment to inclusivity, arts-led community engagement, and cultural diversity. It extends the Forward ethos, Put Your Films Forward, by centering documentaries and live‑culture events in a local, creative space
Save the Dates: 16 – 20 July 2025
Documentary Hub at Centrala: 19 July, 12 – 5 pm.
Full festival venue list: The Mockingbird Cinema, Midlands Arts Centre, Centrala, The Old Crown, and The Crossing.
Tickets & festival info: Available now via forwardfilmfest.com and Ticket Tailor.