Independent film festival returns to Lincoln in February
The line-up for the 10th Indie-Lincs International Film Festival has been unveiled with 30 shorts, animations and features screening over the weekend of February 5-7.
Mikey Murray, a senior lecturer in Film Production and Screenwriting at the Univeristy of Lincoln, created the festival in 2016 as a response to the lack of independent film screenings in city cinemas.
It has since become nationally recognised as championing films, which may not have Hollywood budgets, but are skillfully made and have engaging stories.
And it’s back to business for another year as the boutique film festival Lincoln Arts Centre has attracted original, independent films from across the globe including Sweden, Finland, United States, the Netherlands as well as the UK
Paul Andrew Williams’s new feature film Dragonfly, starring Andrea Riseborough (top picture) and Brenda Blethyn, will open the festival on Thursday, February 5. The film and TV director is known for his work London to Brighton, Broadchurch, Archie and Cherry Tree Lane. Dragonfly focuses on the story of Elsie a pensioner who becomes friends with a younger neighbour but Elsie’s son stirs up tensions, which bring shocking consequences.
The festival’s programme includes a selection of high-quality documentary, drama, and animated films, both short and feature length. The festival also includes filmmaker Q&A’s, networking events and an awards ceremony.
Festival director Mikey said: “We are delighted to hit this milestone. We’ve achieved a lot in the last decade. Earlier this year the festival was ranked as a Top 100 Best Reviewed Festival on FilmFreeway; testament that the filmmakers that come to our festival love what we are doing. Over the years we have welcomed visitors to Lincoln from across the globe and we want to continue to share our passion of indie film gems with everyone whether you are local or from further afield.”
Festival co-ordinator Jacob O’Connor said: “I have a soft spot for comedies but if you’re a horror fan or whether you just want a drama - we’ve got you covered. We’ll see you in February for a weekend of indie movies on the big screen at Lincoln Arts Centre. A great way to spend a winter weekend.”
The festival is open to all. Day and weekend passes are available. Day tickets are £20 (£10 live pass) and a full Weekend pass costs £30 (£20 live pass). Age restrictions apply. Call 01522 837600 or visit www.lincolnartscentre.co.uk
See the full programme at https://tinyurl.com/4fentj9u or follow on Instagram: @indie_lincs Facebook: @indie_lincs TikTok: IndieLincs
Below are the Indie-Lincs IFF 2026 team (from left) Jacob O’Connor, Tom Greenfield, Mikey Murray, Morgan Clarke, Rejwan Gareb and Emily Mednis.
