Making Waves Film Festival is Portsmouth’s annual film festival and short film competition.
Our mission is to become the south central’s premier film festival, to extend the cinema experience beyond the expected and to celebrate and develop innovative filmmaking to inspire audiences.
As Portsmouth’s annual film festival and short film competition we aim to:
- Celebrate innovative and bold filmmaking that inspires audiences.
- Connect with filmmakers across our region.
- Develop emerging creative talent through our industry focused events.
- Extend and redefine the cinema experience beyond the expected.
- Leave no audience behind by making cinema relevant to diverse and marginalised communities.
- Work in partnership with local and regional stakeholders to realise the festival’s ambition to be the south-central region’s premier film and cinema event.
Making Waves Film Festival seeks to be a change maker contributing to the development of the social, cultural and economic dynamics of the city of Portsmouth and the south-central region. We want to put Portsmouth on the map as a creative and cultural centre and show the world how great this city is.
The festival strives to promote diversity and inclusiveness, widening participation and social mobility. We do this by removing barriers to engagement through local partnerships and the provision of community orientated screenings, events and active participatory workshops that offer opportunities for growth and personal development.
TESTIMONIALS
This was my first proper festival experience and first time being nominated for an award. It was a really cool experience and was great to see the films made by talented locals as well as people from further afield and all over the world.
Conner Webb
Feedback on the film is very comprehensive and constructive, and you get to see work from people across the world, even though it feels quite local when you attend.
Cristian Ionuț Necula
A really lovely, well run festival that’s a joy to attend. I was lucky enough to have one of my films shortlisted and attend the screening and awards ceremony and was really impressed by the high standard of films and the effort put into the evening.
Ben Grace
Been twice to the festival, once as a film fan, next as a filmmaker. Terrific event with great communication from the festival. Welcoming to my team and had a fantastic audience. The Summoner took home two awards on the night. Huge thanks from The Summoner team.
James Secker