A Celebration of Women in Film at Showroom Cinema

FFStival returns to Showroom Cinema on Saturday 21 November for its third annual edition, promising a dynamic and empowering array of features, activities, short film showcases and a directors’ round table to celebrate women in cinema. FFS brings audiences together for a day-long takeover dedicated to boundary-pushing storytelling, radical community, and classic big-screen favourites.

Our morning opens with Family Time, combining interactive craft sessions in the Showroom Café Bar with Penelope Spheeris’ The Little Rascals. It’s a great chance for young audiences to get creative and experience the magic of cinema together. Tickets are just £4.99.

A core highlight of the festival is FFS Firsts, a dedicated showcase spotlighting the next generation of filmmakers. Featuring a curated selection of fiction, documentary, and experimental short films by emerging directors from South Yorkshire and beyond, the block gives fresh, raw talent the high-profile platform that they deserve. The screenings will be followed by a Q&A with many of the directors in attendance.

This year we have a special preview screening of acclaimed British director Clio Barnard’s poignant UK indie drama I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning. Film history enthusiasts are catered for with a high-octane evening screening of Kathryn Bigelow’s 1995 cult sci-fi masterpiece Strange Days, demonstrating the Oscar-winning director’s groundbreaking vision in action cinema.

Closing out the festival is a late-night headline feature, yet to be announced, so keep an eye out – you won’t want to miss it!

With single tickets and full day passes on sale now, FFStival 2026 is set to be a standout highlight of Sheffield's cultural calendar. Whether you drop in for a family craft session, explore new short films, or join us for the full day, there is something at FFStival to inspire every film lover.

FFStival takes place at the Showroom Cinema on Saturday 21 November 2026. Individual tickets are available for £12 (£10 concessions), or grab a day pass for just £36. For more information and booking, visit https://showroomcinema.org.uk/festivals/ffstival-2026

By Melanie Gourlay, Festival Director, FFStival