English Riviera Film Festival marks 10th anniversary with special screening

The English Riviera Film Festival returns for its 10th anniversary with a special screening at Torquay Museum’s Pengelly Hall on Saturday 10 May 2025.

Launched in 2015 as a one-day event for local filmmakers and enthusiasts, the festival has since grown into a year-round programme of screenings, workshops and networking events, attracting filmmakers from around the world.

The 2025 International English Riviera Film Festival Awards took place at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Torquay on 15 March, with attendees travelling from across the UK and the United States, including producers from Los Angeles. Over the years, many award winners have gone on to work in film and television across the UK, France, Japan and the US.

A follow-up event celebrating South West filmmakers was held the following week at Paignton’s Projection Room, with many producers in attendance.

Above: The film festival awards took place at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Torquay on 15 March. Image: Kemp Digital Photography

The anniversary screening at Torquay Museum will feature a morning of documentaries, including Alone Across Gola by Jude Kriwald—winner of both Best Documentary and the Audience Award at this year’s ERFF Awards. The film follows one man’s solo journey through the African jungle as he confronts his past.

The afternoon programme will spotlight UK and international animation and live-action films. Screenings include Burnt Offering by Deb Cordon, Poisoned Honey by Kate Stubbs—partially filmed in Paignton—and The Hag Stone by Marie Macneill, which tells the story of a beach café owner whose fortunes change after meeting a local forager.

Also on the schedule is The Barn, a multi-award-winning film from Chichester-based Jonathan Paul Brooker. The story follows a mysterious girl found in 16th-century dress who doesn’t appear to age. The film’s development was supported by actor Kate Winslet.

Many of the filmmakers are expected to attend, offering audiences a chance to engage with the creative teams behind the films and learn more about film production in the South West.

Tickets are on sale now via the Torquay Museum website https://torquaymuseum.org/events/view/english-riviera-film-festival-10th-anniversary-screening