Lytham International Film Festival Opens Next Friday

Next Friday, the Fylde Coast welcomes the return of the Lytham International Film Festival (LYIFF)—a four-day celebration of bold storytelling, creative exchange, and community spirit.

With over 150 films from around the world, LYIFF 2025 offers a dynamic programme of screenings, workshops, and masterclasses designed to inspire audiences and empower emerging talent.

A Festival Rooted in Community and Creativity
LYIFF is proud to champion local creatives, offering not just a platform to be seen, but the tools to grow. Through its Foot-in-the-Door programme, the festival provides free workshops and masterclasses in acting, directing, scoring, and screenwriting—led by industry professionals including John Parr, Will Jewel, and Kathryn Georghiou.

Kathryn Georghiou shares:
“LYIFF is a celebration of creativity in all its forms. Whether you're on camera, on stage, behind the scenes or in the audience, this festival is about discovering stories that move us, challenge us, and bring us together.”

Local Stories Take Centre Stage
Two Fylde Coast filmmakers will premiere new documentaries at this year’s festival:
- Brad Patisso’s Inertial explores the story behind a Blackpool-based independent record store and its role in the local music scene.
- Anton Arenko’s End to End traces the past, present, and uncertain future of the historic Fleetwood–Knott End ferry service, operating since 1841.

Both filmmakers will take part in post-screening Q&As.
“It’s an honour to screen amongst these amazing films and filmmakers,” says Brad Patisso.

Some Programme Highlights
- Rock, Paper, Scissors – 2025 BAFTA-winning short screening Saturday
- Going Postal: The Legacy Foretold – provocative documentary on gaming culture
- Women in Focus, LGBTQ+ Voices, and Regional Films – curated strands spotlighting underrepresented perspectives
- After Dark – outdoor horror and thriller screenings under the stars
- Free children’s screenings in partnership with Manchester Animation Festival

“We’re building something lasting here,” says Festival Director Ed Greenberg. “LYIFF is about giving new voices the tools to thrive—whether they’re from Lytham or Lagos. It’s a celebration of storytelling, skill-building, and community.”