The 21st Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) has wrapped up, marking a successful conclusion that drew more than 33,000 attendees over its 12-day span. Featuring 114 feature films from 39 countries, the festival was hosted at the Glasgow Film Theatre and nine other venues across the vibrant city.
This year's festival was notable for opening and closing with Scottish world premieres. John Maclean’s Tornado kicked off the event, while Martyn Robertson's Make it to Munich brought it to a close. Additionally, the festival spotlighted the big-screen premiere of the Glasgow-shot Amazon Studios drama Fear, featuring a star-studded cast that included Toni Collette, Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, and James McAvoy.
The festival's industry program, now in its 10th year, welcomed nearly 750 delegates at The Social Hub Glasgow. It hosted a comprehensive four-day conference that included panels, one-to-one meetings, and numerous networking opportunities. What started as a modest two-day local networking event in 2016 has blossomed into a significant national gathering for filmmakers and industry professionals from across the UK and beyond.
This year's festival also marked the final edition under GFF director Allison Gardner, who plans to retire from her role in October 2025. Isabel Davis, executive director of Screen Scotland, reflected on Gardner's contributions, stating, "This festival also marks the final edition under the leadership of Allison Gardner, whose passion, vision, and dedication have been central to shaping GFF into the world-class event it is today. We thank her for everything she has done for film in Scotland and beyond, and wish her all the very best for the future."
Ben Luxford, director of UK Audiences at the BFI, expressed similar sentiments, congratulating the festival for delivering a "joyous celebration of film for audiences across the city, Scotland and the UK." He added a special mention to Gardner, praising her leadership skills and significant contributions to UK film culture, saying, “We thank her immensely for her contribution to UK film and cinema culture, and we wish her a well earned (brief) rest.”
The GFF also featured a range of free events, including daily morning retrospective screenings that welcomed hundreds of movie-goers each day. Attendees enjoyed classics like Gregory’s Girl, Lady Bird, and Boyz n the Hood on the big screen. Additionally, the festival collaborated with local communities to create a Community Takeover Day at Garnethill Multicultural Centre, which included a free screening of the Ukrainian sci-fi drama U Are The Universe, along with various food options and activities designed for people of all ages.
As the dust settles on this year's festival, anticipation is already building for the Glasgow Film Festival's 22nd edition, which is slated to occur next year. The full program will be revealed in January 2026, with exact dates to be announced soon.
Glasgow’s rich cultural landscape continues to thrive, and the festival has solidified its place as a key player in the film industry, showcasing both local talent and international cinema. The GFF not only brings together filmmakers, audiences, and communities but also contributes to the cultural tapestry of Scotland, leaving a lasting impact on all who participate.
