Women X Film Festival 2026
17-20 September, Darlington
4 days of independent cinema, Q&As, workshops, live events and community.
Day tickets from £8, weekend passes from £16, or £5 per screening
BAFTA qualifying for British Short Film, Top 100 Rated Film Festival on Filmfreeway, BIFA Accrediated.
What will I actually do at the festival?
We’re more than just back to back films in a dark room, from our ‘meet the filmmaker roundtables’ to our themed quiz nights and our festival cafe industry talk sessions. Accompanied by our evening events and writers lab workshops, coming to our festival is a break away to fill your film loving heart with an inspirational and fun experience.
When: September 17th - 20th, 2026.
Where: Darlington Hippodrome, Hullaballoo Theatre & Darlington Library & Forum Music Centre, VUE Cinema (County Durham)
What: A weekend of over 150 independent short films screened in themed batches from across the world made by women, for everyone to enjoy.
Why: In the mainstream film industry, women hold only approximately 22% of key creative roles like directing, writing, producing, and executive producing. Our festival works towards changing this figure.
How: Filmmakers enter our competition, we curate the best of the films, you come to enjoy them and support their careers at the same time.
Who for? For anyone who loves film, you don’t need to be a member of the industry to enjoy a weekend of brilliant stories with us, you’re welcome into our festival village.
Tickets and passes are available to purchase here!
What’s screening?
Comedies, drama, horror, documentary, animation, LGBTQ, experimental cinema, and your thrilling dramas. With a generous selection of genres and stories from around the world, there is something for everyone at Women X.
Click below to head the film index!
Celebrate 1 year of KPOP Demon Hunters with our Sing-a-long screening!
Families are welcome too!
Each year we work with the brilliant Magic Light Pictures to host Julia Donaldson favourites affordable for families as part of our Family Screen. Because why should you miss out on the festival experience?
With dimmed lighting, reduced sound and family crafting session in our cafe space, this is always a popular sold out event for families.
Each year the children in the audience choose the film for the following year, so it’s a lovely community vibe!
Scarecrow’s Wedding will be out 2026 selection! Fresh from its Christmas Day premiere on BBC One!
Find our more and book your tickets today
The 2025 festival in numbers….
2,500+ attendees
150+ films showcased
Audiences aged from 4 weeks old to 92 years old
26 writers in residence
700+ film submissions
40+ business partners
FAQ’s
Is Women X just for women?
No, everyone is welcome at Women X. Except those who wish to cause harm, hatred, or exclusion.
Is Women X just for filmmakers?
Not at all. Women X is for anyone who loves film. You don't need to work in the industry or know anything about filmmaking to attend.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. Whether you're coming alone, with friends or with family, you're very welcome. A lot of our attendees are enjoying the festival solo!
What ticket should I buy?
Want the full festival experience? Get a Weekend Pass. Only coming for one day? Get a Day Pass. Want to see a particular genre? Individual tickets are available for selected screenings.
Where does Women X take place?
The festival takes place across venues in Darlington. Check the individual event listings for venue and accessibility information.
Does my ticket guarantee entry?
They’ll always be something to attend during the weekend, if all seats are gone, you’ll be given a fast track pass to the next screening. It’s just like a music festival, get there early for the front row!
Writers’ Residency
For our fourth year of our Script Competition we will welcome our finalists to gather for our writers’ residency to further develop their stories.
Read more our our script competition finalists below
What people love about Women X Fest…
Use promo code AUGUST for 20% off during August!
Mia Thermopolis has just found out that she is the heir apparent to the throne of Genovia. With her friends Lilly and Michael Moscovitz in tow, she tries to navigate through the rest of her 15th year. Join us for a special anniversary screening of the much loved film for it’s 25th anniversary!
The Princess Diaries
Genre: Childrens/Family
Year: 2001
Running time: 115 minutes
Screening as part of Women X Film Festival at VUE Cinema Darlington on Saturday 19th September at 14:15pm. All attendees will receive a tiara to wear during the screening (if they want!)
Directed by Garry Marshall
Written by Meg Cabot and Gina Wendkos
Starring Julie Andrews, Anne Hathaway, Hector Elizondo.
Produced by Debra Martin Chase, Whitney Houston, Mario Iscovich and Ellen H.Schwatz