Catalyst International Film Festival

Overview

DIVERSE STORIES | DIVERSE STORYTELLING CATALYST INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL focuses exclusively on films that address under-representation on screen and behind the camera; gender equality, diversity and inclusion are core to our programming. We want to create a more inclusive industry and films screened here will promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion whether in content, key creative roles, or crew. *PLEASE READ FULL CRITERIA, RULES AND TERMS BEFORE SUBMITTING* We prioritise stories and storytellers who may struggle for visibility in the film industry and in mainstream film festivals. We believe that talent is plentiful but opportunities can be limited. Catalyst films will entertain and engage audiences - but they will also challenge and inspire. Panel discussions, workshops, interviews, Q&A, and special events are an integral part of Catalyst International Film Festival. This is a place where diverse filmmakers, emerging and more established, can connect and perhaps even collaborate. It is also the place where diversity is welcomed, not merely accommodated. Key issues of the day are enthusiastically debated with filmmakers, guest speakers, industry personnel and audience members. We anticipate not only a festival of films but also of ideas and opinions. We believe that there are clear cultural benefits created by engaging with diverse films and filmmakers. Mindful of the power of film to engage and challenge, Catalyst International Film Festival will provide thought provoking cinema and proactive debate. We seek to generate new audiences and discussion around gender equality, diversity and inclusion and the practice of that by individual filmmakers. Our targeted festival guests will themselves speak to diversity whether in the vision, themes and characters explored in their films (content) and/or in the diversity of their personnel and crew (behind camera). Catalyst aims to generate new audiences for film culture and present a thought provoking and innovative programme. Catalyst International Film Festival is also keen to engage with emerging filmmakers, ‘new’ rather than inevitably ‘young’, in order to broaden the horizons of potential future filmmakers and audience members. ****************************

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

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Festival Details

FilmFreeway communityGold festival

• Filmmaker

  What a pleasure showing our film at Catalyst. A fantastic line up of inclusive films. We were so delighted to attend and be finalists. I would highly recommend this festival.

• Filmmaker

  Great festival, warm inclusive. Great cinema showing and great discussions and panels. Highly recommended.

• Filmmaker

  We were truly honoured to be selected as a finalist by Catalyst for our film, Knuck & Knuckle and absolutely over the moon to win Best Documentary Short at the awards event. This festival has gone from strength to strength is now a very important platform for lesser-heard voices to showcase new work in film.

• Filmmaker

  As a festival with a clear remit of the voices and stories they want to share, they match it with a great programme in spades! We love recommending this festival to filmmakers who are after a festival who embraces their narratives, and supports them on their journey. We were lucky to have five clients in their 2025 edition: 🎬 Demons 🎬 Fake Blood 🎬 House Hunters 🎬 Living On The Edge 🎬 We Beg To Differ

• Filmmaker

  Super festival - great atmosphere and a lovely team!

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