The S.O.U.L. Fest x ABFF London film festival has officially unveiled the full programme for its eighth edition. As the UK’s leading Black British film festival, the event is set to return from 5 September to 13 September 2026. This year marks the festival’s most ambitious expansion to date, moving beyond its traditional London home to include screenings and events in Newcastle and Birmingham.
The festival kicks off at Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle on 5 September, followed by a stop at MAC Birmingham on 6 September. A new four-day online industry programme will run from 7 September through 10 September, offering webinars, agent sessions, and script surgeries. The flagship weekend will then take place at BFI Southbank in London from 11 September to 13 September.
This festival serves as a vital platform for filmmakers and audiences to connect. By expanding across the UK, the organizers aim to foster a stronger creative community and provide more accessibility for emerging talent. The growth of the event reflects a continued commitment to celebrating global storytelling and supporting the next generation of Black British filmmakers.
Exclusive Previews and Industry Conversations
A major highlight of the 2026 programme is the UK first look at Children of Blood and Bone. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood is scheduled to present exclusive footage from the project and participate in a live Q&A session. Additionally, the festival will feature screenings of Yemi Bamiro’s documentary Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story, with the director attending every screening across the tour.
Sony Pictures Entertainment returns as a founding sponsor, leading the industry programme with two signature conversations. One session, titled Beyond the Screen: Black British Talent, Anime and the Future of Storytelling, will explore the cultural impact of anime. The panel includes Crunchyroll host LeAlec Murray, footballer Kyle Walker-Peters, and rapper Shao Dow. A second session, From Shadow to Set: Opening Doors for Emerging Directors, will be presented in partnership with Left Bank Pictures to discuss pathways for emerging Black British directors.
Celebrating Global Storytelling
Produced by We Are Parable, The British Blacklist, and S.O.U.L. Film, in partnership with the American Black Film Festival, the event continues to be a key destination for industry professionals. Since becoming an annual festival in 2019, it has showcased over 130 films and supported nearly 150 filmmakers. The collaboration between these organizations remains focused on building bridges for artists and strengthening the global creative community.
Festival Director Iyare Igiehon expressed pride in the expanded line-up, noting that the festival aims to turn emerging participants into award-winning filmmakers. With a mix of feature films, exclusive previews, and professional development opportunities, the 2026 edition is positioned to be a significant moment for the UK film industry.
Source: We Are Parable
