About Making Waves Film Festival
Making Waves Film Festival is Portsmouth’s annual film festival and short film competition, established to champion innovative filmmaking, creative participation, and new ways of experiencing cinema.
The festival was created in response to a need for film culture that is more accessible, community‑focused and relevant to local audiences.
Our mission
Our mission is to extend the cinema experience beyond the expected.
We do this by:
- rethinking how and where film is shown
- supporting bold and independent filmmaking
- combining film with live and participatory elements – live cinema expereinces
- embedding community collaboration in our programming
This artistic approach encourages experimentation, shared experiences and deeper audience engagement.
Developing creative talent
Talent development is central to Making Waves Film Festival’s purpose.
We support filmmakers and creatives by providing:
- accessible entry points into filmmaking and live cinema
- opportunities to present work to new audiences
- industry insight, skills development and peer networks
This helps address barriers to entry within the creative industries, particularly for early‑career and under‑represented voices.
Community engagement and inclusion
Community is integral to how Making Waves works.
Through partnerships with local and regional organisations, the festival co‑creates:
- community‑curated screenings
- workshops and participatory events
This ensures programming is relevant, inclusive and rooted in the communities it serves.
Impact and public value
Making Waves Film Festival delivers public value by:
- increasing access to cultural participation
- supporting creative development
- strengthening social connection through shared cultural experiences
Our work contributes to Portsmouth’s cultural identity and supports sustainable creative growth in the region.
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