The Sheffield Film Festival (SFF) returns to the Showroom Cinema this August, promising a rich celebration of cinema for all types of film lovers. From local legends to cult classics, 35mm rarities to intimate filmmaker Q&As, this year’s lineup offers a diverse and exciting program.
Sean Bean’s football classic When Saturday Comes kicks off the first wave of events for Sheffield Film Festival 2025 at Showroom Cinema. Following last year’s sell-out screenings of Threads, the festival returns this August with a month-long celebration of regional film, local talent and Sheffield’s rich cinematic legacy.
The festival includes:
- Pavements: a surreal, self-aware tribute to indie rock icons, gets a special preview screening on Thursday, 12 June.
- A 50th anniversary screening of Picnic at Hanging Rock follows on Friday, 13 June, introduced by film scholar Professor Jonathan Rayner, offering expert insight into Peter Weir’s haunting 4K restoration.
- On Tuesday, 22 July, SFF presents a rare 35mm screening of Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan, followed by a live Q&A with the director. Screenings of Barcelona (29 July) and The Last Days of Disco (5 August) complete this retrospective in partnership with Lost Reels.
Ryan Finnigan, Head of Programming at Showroom Cinema, said:
“Sheffield Film Festival continues to grow as a celebration of the city’s cinematic legacy and creative spirit. We’re delighted to spotlight iconic local stories, alongside rare screenings that bring directors from around the world to Sheffield.”
Today’s first wave includes three standout events from SFF 2025:
- Celluloid Screams Mystery Marathon, Saturday 2 August: The team behind Sheffield’s beloved horror festival presents four surprise 35mm screenings, with each show revealed only moments before it begins.
- When Saturday Comes, Saturday 9 August: Celebrate 30 years of this local classic starring Sean Bean with a special anniversary screening. Followed by a Q&A featuring writer-producer James Daly, Sheffield United legend Tony Currie, Mel Sterland, Jimmy McKenna, and producer Colin Pons. Hosted by Sporting Greats podcast presenter Jeff Brown.
- Threads, Friday 22 & Saturday 23 August: The post-apocalyptic horror returns for two encore screenings, coinciding with news of Warp Films’ upcoming remake.
Victoria Firth, CEO of Showroom WorkStation, said:
“As a cultural cornerstone for the city, we have championed independent voices and brought world-class cinema to Sheffield for 30 years. We’re delighted to present the Sheffield Film Festival with a programme that honours our legacy and brings local people together to celebrate our place.”
Sheffield’s Showroom Cinema will also host artist collaborations, community cinema events and creative projects across the city as part of SFF. Full programme coming soon.
For more details on the current programme, visit:
