Mostly British Film Festival

The Mostly British Film Festival, an annual cinematic celebration in San Francisco, will take place from February 5th to February 12th in 2026. Film lovers are invited to embark on a week-long journey of British and Commonwealth filmmaking. This distinguished festival, known for showcasing a curated selection of the finest films from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, transforms San Francisco into a hub of international storytelling and cinematic artistry.

The event is held at the historic Vogue Theatre and festival offers a unique opportunity to explore an array of narratives, from gripping dramas & spirited comedies to compelling documentaries & avant-garde indie films. The Mostly British Film Festival serves as a bridge connecting audiences to the other side of the globe through the universal language of film. Attendees can look forward to exclusive screenings, including premieres and rare gems that are seldom shown on the American circuit. The event also features engaging Q&A sessions with filmmakers, actors, and industry insiders, providing a behind-the-scenes look into the creative processes that bring these stories to life.

2026 Highlights include an opening night reception at 5:30 PM on February 5 at Presidio Kebab (3277 Sacramento Street), Zoom interviews with celebrities like Pierce Brosnan and Embeth Davidtz, a free screening of Wuthering Heights (reservations available starting February 5 at the Vogue box office, with early entry for festival pass holders), plus a closing night dessert reception at 9 PM on February 12 following I Swear.

Get ready for an unforgettable exploration of cinema that celebrates the enduring power of storytelling and the shared human experiences that resonate across continents.

Festival Location:

Vogue Theater
3290 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94115

2026 Mostly British Film Festival Lineup

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Mr. Burton (7:30 p.m.): A drama focusing on a school teacher (Toby Jones) who recognizes talent in young Richard Jenkins (Harry Lawtey) and helps lift him from an impoverished, abusive home in Wales toward stardom as a stage and screen icon. Lesley Manville stars as a memorable landlady, and Kate Burton will appear on stage to share reminiscences about her father Richard Burton and life with Elizabeth Taylor. (Opening night film; UK, 2026)

Friday, February 6, 2026

Look Back in Anger (2:30 p.m.): Richard Burton stars as Jimmy Porter, an “angry young man” raging against post-war 1950s Britain and his own life, turning his frustrations on his wife (Mary Ure) while finding solace with her girlfriend (Claire Bloom). Considered one of Burton’s finest performances. (UK, 1959)

Twiggy (5:00 p.m.): A documentary tracing the rise of Lesley Hornby (Twiggy) from a working-class London suburb to 1960s supermodel icon, featuring insights from celebrities like Joanna Lumley, Paul McCartney, and Dustin Hoffman on her impact on fashion and body image. Directed by Sadie Frost. (UK, 2024)

History of Sound (7:30 p.m.): A love story set in World War I-era rural Maine, where musical prodigy Lionel (Paul Mescal) and musicologist David (Josh O’Connor) bond over folk ballads, transforming their connection through sound and melody despite differing backgrounds. Directed by Oliver Hermanus. Sponsored by Sean Dowdell and David Landis. (USA, 2025)

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Call Me Dancer (10:30 a.m.): A documentary following Mumbai street performer Manish as he transforms into a professional dancer under an Israeli mentor, overcoming family pressures and obstacles to achieve international success. Winner of the Audience Award at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Sponsored by Kate Stoia. (India, 2023)

Tina (12:30 p.m.): A Samoan teacher (Anapela Polataivao) in New Zealand grieves her daughter’s death, then substitutes at a posh school, befriends a troubled student, forms a choir, and overcomes racism to compete nationally. Echoes themes from Stand and Deliver. Sponsored by Carol Mersey. (New Zealand, 2024)

Rave on the Avon (3:00 p.m.): A documentary about Bristol’s clean water campaigners fighting river pollution, featuring activists, swimmers, and events like Lindsey the Mermaid’s swim across the Bristol Channel and a symbolic “marriage” to the River Avon. U.S. premiere; sponsored by Libby Ingalls, Helen Russell, and Michael Wisner. (UK, 2024)

Tom Jones (4:45 p.m.): An adaptation of Henry Fielding’s novel about the charming foundling Tom Jones, whose appeal to women leads to bawdy adventures and troubles in the British countryside. Won the 1964 Academy Award for Best Picture. Sponsored by Lowell Cohn. (UK, 1963)

My Father’s Shadow (7:45 p.m.): In 1993 Nigeria, two boys idolize their father (Sope Dirisu) as a mythic figure during a turbulent election, but their innocence shatters upon discovering his possible rebel ties and a mysterious friendship. Special Mention at 2025 Cannes; the UK’s official Oscar submission for Best International Feature. BFI-sponsored; sponsored by Melina Whitehead. (Nigeria, 2025)

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Girl with Green Eyes (11:00 a.m.): An adaptation of Edna O’Brien’s novel about a naive country girl in Dublin who becomes enthralled by an older man (Peter Finch), with her friend (Lynn Redgrave in her first major role) along for the ride. Shot in black and white, emphasizing moody longing. (UK, 1964)

Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story (1:00 p.m.): A documentary on Irish author Edna O’Brien’s life, from her controversial debut novel The Country Girls to her glamorous London years and reflections in her 90s. Connects to Girl with Green Eyes. Directed by Sinead O’Shea; sponsored by Elisabeth and Scott Roberts. (Ireland/UK, 2024)

Four Mothers (3:15 p.m.): A gay writer is unexpectedly tasked with caring for four eccentric older women, including his disabled mother (Fionnula Flanagan), during Pride weekend, exploring tenderness and human observations. Won Audience Award for Best Feature at BFI London Film Festival. Irish Spotlight; sponsored by Joan Gelfand and Adam Hertz. (Ireland, 2025)

Christy (5:15 p.m.): A portrait of 18-year-old Christy, pulled from foster care for violence and returned to his brother in Cork, where he finds friends and a talent for hairdressing amid risks. Won Grand Prix at Berlin International Film Festival and Best Irish Film at Galway Film Fleadh. Directed by Brendan Canty; Irish Spotlight; sponsored by Tracy Edmonson and Wesley Skow. (Ireland, 2025)

Four Letters of Love (7:30 p.m.): A romantic drama about young strangers whose fathers—a painter (Pierce Brosnan) and a poet (Gabriel Byrne)—find fulfillment, with Helena Bonham Carter as the poet’s wife. Based on a 1997 Irish bestseller; includes a post-screening Zoom interview with Brosnan. Sponsored by Gerry and Fran Schall, Steven Abbot, and Jim Stephen. (UK/Ireland, 2025)

Monday, February 9, 2026

Dead Man’s Money (2:30 p.m.): A black comedy reworking of Macbeth in a Northern Ireland pub, where owners plot against an uncle’s gold-digging new wife, involving a chauffeur. Captures contemporary Irish mood. Directed by Paul Kennedy. (Ireland, 2024)

Chariots of Fire (4:30 p.m.): The true story of Jewish athlete Harold Abrahams and Christian Eric Liddell pursuing gold at the 1924 Olympics, overcoming post-World War I challenges. Won the 1982 Academy Award for Best Picture. Sponsored by Andy Cohen. (UK, 1981)

Brides (7:30 p.m.): Two teenage girls flee Britain to marry Jihadis in Syria, exploring their friendship, disenchantment, and motivations for radical activism. Fictionalized; won Teen Arena Jury Award at Sarajevo Film Festival. Directed by Nadia Fall; BFI-sponsored; sponsored by Barbara Lane and Jenn Fallon. (UK, 2025)

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

With or Without You (2:30 p.m.): A road movie about Chloe rescuing her alcoholic mother across the Australian countryside, where she meets charming Dalu, leading to healing and transformation. Based on the director’s experiences. Directed by Kelly Schilling. (Australia, 2025)

Urchin (5:00 p.m.): A raw portrait of homeless addict Mike in East London struggling to survive, with standout performances. Competed at Cannes and won the Fipresci Prize; Stephen Dillane won best actor. Directed by Harris Dickinson; BFI-sponsored. (UK, 2025)

Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight (7:30 p.m.): Seen through 8-year-old Bobo’s eyes in war-torn 1980 Rhodesia, a family grapples with farms, race, and shifting power, blending love, humor, and Africa’s warmth amid turmoil. Based on a memoir; includes a pre-screening Zoom interview with director Embeth Davidtz. (South Africa, 2024)

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Grand Tour (2:00 p.m.): Linked stories set in 1917 Rangoon under British rule: Englishman Edward flees his fiancée Molly across Asia, with her pursuing him. Playful yet profound on dreams and pursuit. Directed by Miguel Gomes. (Portugal, 2024)

Wuthering Heights (7:30 p.m.): A controversial, steamy adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic, with Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, emphasizing wild, toxic romance on the moody Yorkshire moors. Directed by Emerald Fennell. (Free screening; Australia/USA/UK, 2026)

Thursday, February 12, 2026

The Great Escaper (2:30 p.m.): An 89-year-old D-Day veteran (Michael Caine) escapes his care home to attend the 70th anniversary in Normandy, paralleled with poignant flashbacks to his long marriage to Irene (Glenda Jackson in her final role). (UK, 2024)

Inside (4:30 p.m.): Intense prison drama with searing performances by Guy Pearce as a mentor inmate, newcomer Vincent Miller as a young transfer, and Cosmo Jarvis as a notorious felon, exploring raw compassion amid brutality. (Australia, 2024)

I Swear (7:00 p.m.): Based on the true story of John Davidson with undiagnosed Tourette syndrome, who becomes an outcast in his Scottish town but finds success and an MBE. Robert Aramayo delivers a heartbreaking yet uplifting performance. Sponsored by Bruce Lymburn. (Closing night film; followed by 9 p.m. dessert reception; UK, 2025)