26th - 29th may 2022
+ other festival events

I am absolutely delighted to welcome you to the 2022 Southend-on-Sea Film Festival!

From our prestigious black tie, red carpet Opening Gala - the lovely drama There's Always Hope, with the director, producer and members of the cast in attendance - to our Closing Gala - I.D., which celebrates 50 years in showbusiness for one of our Festival Patrons, Phil Davis - we will be presenting our usual mix of documentaries, World Cinema, new features and classic films.

Our heritage presentations are always very popular, and this year the Pier and Kursaal will take centre stage on Saturday while, on Sunday, we will take a look at how our city has been marketed over the years.

I would like to thank the Festival Team for all their hard work in putting this wonderful event together. I couldn't have done it without them!

But none of us could have done this without our sponsors, to whom I say a hearty "thank you".

So do come along, and settle down for the pleasures we have in store. I look forward to seeing you

Paul Cotgrove : Festival Director