Exmouth Film Festival 2026

Exmouth Film Festival is back for its third year, bringing five days of independent cinema, documentaries, shorts and special events to venues across the town centre this November, including the town’s own independent Scott Cinema.

Run by volunteers and supported by Exmouth Town Council, the festival has built a reputation for an eclectic programme that mixes acclaimed independent films with local filmmaking talent and gems that deserve a big screen.

It opens on Wednesday 18 November with The Ballad of Wallis Island, the Sundance hit and BAFTA nominee starring Devon resident Carey Mulligan. Richard Curtis has called it one of the top ten British films of all time, so expect a lively opening night.

From there, the programme takes in a stunning French nature documentary, South West short films with the people who made them, the Exmouth-centred documentary Jo in the Water, and Devon-made hit Derek vs Derek. Closing the festival is Rose of Nevada, shot on Super 16 by BAFTA-winning Cornish filmmaker Mark Jenkin.

Whether you’re a dedicated cinephile or just fancy seeing something different, there’s plenty here to discover, with a strong thread of local stories running through the programme.

2026 festival schedule

Wednesday 18 November
The Ballad of Wallis Island, Scott Cinema, 7.30pm

Thursday 19 November
Whispers in the Woods, Scott Cinema, 2.30pm
South West Short Films with Q&As, plus social, The Manor Hotel, 7pm

Friday 20 November
Jo in the Water and Salmon Run, with Q&A and local activist groups, Exmouth Rugby Club, 7.30pm

Saturday 21 November
The Devil Wears Prada 2, Exmouth Library, 2pm
National Emergency Briefing, with post-film conversation and Q&A, Exmouth Town Hall, 7pm

Sunday 22 November
Derek vs Derek, with Q&A, Scott Cinema, 2.30pm
Rose of Nevada, Scott Cinema, 7pm

“It’s a small festival with a wonderfully diverse programme, giving people in Exmouth the chance to discover independent films, support local filmmakers and enjoy cinema that they might not otherwise get to see here.” Jessica Joy Magill, Arts Manager, Exmouth Town Council

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