Sean Bean’s football classic When Saturday Comes — with a Q&A panel featuring writer-producer James Daly and Sheffield United legend Tony Currie — leads the first wave of events for SFF 2025, the annual celebration of regional film culture at Showroom Cinema.
Last year saw sold out screenings of Threads, a curated double-bill from comedian Lucy Beaumont and a retrospective of the legendary, Sheffield production company Warp Films (Adolescence).
Now Showroom Cinema is back to showcase the ongoing legacy of local filmmakers, producers, archivists and experts, across a month-long season in August. A series of lead-in events will build excitement before a full programme announcement later this summer:
Pavements, a surreal and self-aware tribute to the indie rock legends, receives a preview screening on Thursday 12 June.
On Friday 13 June, a 50th anniversary screening of Picnic at Hanging Rock will be introduced by University of Sheffield’s Professor Jonathan Rayner. As author of books including ‘The Films of Peter Weir’ and ‘Australian Gothic: A Cinema of Horrors’, Prof Rayner will be best placed to explore Weir’s haunting classic, restored in dazzling 4K.
Then, SFF is delighted to screen a very special 35mm screening of Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan followed by an in-person Q&A with the American writer-director, on Tuesday 22nd July in association with Lost Reels. This is followed by Stillman’s other stories of disaffected New York youth, Barcelona (29 July) and The Last Days of Disco (5 August), in the run up to the festival.
Today’s first wave includes three standout events from SFF 2025:
Celluloid Screams Mystery Marathon, Saturday 2 Aug. The organisers of Sheffield’s beloved horror film festival screen four films from 35mm, which will only be revealed as they’re about to begin!
When Saturday Comes, Saturday 9 Aug. Celebrate 30 years of this local favourite, starring Sean Bean, with a special anniversary screening. An all-star panel join for a post-film Q&A, including writer-producer James Daly; Sheffield United legend Tony Currie, who stars alongside other ex-footballers and actors Mel Sterland and Jimmy McKenna; and Colin Pons, producer. Hosted by Jeff Brown, sports reporter and presenter for Sporting Greats podcast.
Threads, Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd August. The post-apocalyptic horror returns for two encore screenings—amid news of Warp Films’ upcoming remake.
Showroom Cinema, the long-running arts charity located in the heart of Sheffield, will also host collaborations with artists, community cinemas and creators across the Steel City as part of SFF. Expect a full programme announcement later this year.
Ryan Finnigan, Head of Programming, says: “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. This is a programme built for our audiences, rooted in the culture and history that makes this city such a vibrant place for film.”
Victoria Firth, CEO of Showroom Work Station, says: “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 Sheffield Film Festival with a programme that honours our legacy and brings local people together to celebrate our place.”
Find more details for the current programme at: https://showroomcinema.org.uk/festivals/sheffield-film-festival
For all enquiries contact: Showroom Work Station’s press team.
E: marketingdept@srws.org.uk T: 0114 279 6511
About Showroom Work Station
Showroom Cinema is one of Europe's largest independent cinemas and is Sheffield's only independently programmed cinema. It is paired with the Work Station, which is the longest-running creative business centre in the city and home to a thriving community of over 60 cultural, creative, and digital companies. All housed in an iconic 1930s' Art Deco building. Showroom Cinema celebrates its 30th birthday in 2025 with a series of special events and festivals throughout the year.
For more information on Showroom Cinema visit: showroomcinema.org.uk
Paternoster Row, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2BX
Bike racks, nearby tram parking, tram and bus access
