Big Picture Festival is coming to Stratford-upon-Avon and surrounding villages from 25-28 May.

Run by local not-for-profit arts organisation Live & Local, the film festival will be held at venues across the town such as The Attic Theatre, the Town Hall, Holy Trinity Church & Parish Centre as well as Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Live & Local are welcoming regular community cinema promoters (part of the Moving Pictures network) from Wellesbourne, Snitterfield and Exhall who will host fringe screenings for audiences unable to travel into Stratford.

The packed festival programme has now been released with highlights including a Q&A with BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Shona Auerbach alongside a screening of her film Rudy, an opening double bill featuring two powerful and beautiful films shot on 16mm (Mirrors and Beijing Spring), multiple Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All At Once, and the critically acclaimed Irish animation film ‘Song of the Sea’.

The One World – Many Stories theme highlights tales of inspirational individuals and groups from around the globe meeting the ravages of time with topics such as societal and cultural revolution, climate crisis, artificial intelligence, and belonging – there is something for everyone at this year’s festival.

The short film offering includes the winner and runners up to the festival’s short film competition, highlighting the best of the Midland’s filmmaking talent.

Tickets are available on a pay-what-you-can-basis meaning there is no financial barrier to attend. To avoid disappointment, early booking is highly recommended. Tickets and full programme can be found here.

Big Picture Festival are also looking for a team of enthusiastic volunteers to help with the running of the festival at venues. Volunteers must be 18+. Anyone interested should contact films@liveandlocal.org.uk.