friday 5 june
AN AFTERNOON WITH TALKING PICTURES TV
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We are delighted to welcome Noel Cronin, BEM, who will present a favourite film from TPTV’s extensive catalogue and then join Festival Director Paul Cotgrove, BEM, in an informal and entertaining chat. (Separate tickets apply.)
A TASTE OF MONEY
UK : 1h 11m : 1961 : BW : Certificate U
Directed by Max Varnel
Introduced by Noel Cronin BEM, Talking Pictures
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12.30 : BALLROOM, THE PALACE HOTEL
: TICKETS £7.00
In this clever reversal of The Ladykillers a gentle old lady, who works in an office where she handles large sums of cash, has something of a late life crisis and decides to rob the place. Needing to put together a top-notch team of safe-crackers, she links up with arch villain – Dick Emery! Jean Cadell, mother of Simon, steals the show as the criminal mastermind.
AMRUM
Germany : 1h 33m : 2025 : Subtitles : Certificate 12
Directed by Fatih Akin
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12.30 : ROYAL VIEW SUITE, THE PALACE HOTEL : TICKETS £7.00
In 1945 Amrum Island, 12-year-old Nanning hunts seals, fishes at night, and farms to help feed his family. Life feels idyllic on this windswept isle until peace reveals an unexpected danger closer to home.
AN AUDIENCE WITH NOEL CRONIN BEM - Head of Programming and Acquisitions for Talking Pictures TV​​
15.00 : BALLROOM, THE PALACE HOTEL
: TICKETS £7.00
Noel’s dream project, Talking Pictures TV, was founded in 2015 with the intention of showcasing the smaller, obscure films, especially from the UK, that were being increasingly ignored by the main channels. It quickly resonated with filmgoers keen to see these neglected, but wonderful, films, and now encompasses a monthly magazine, visits to film locations in the UK and overseas and weekend film festivals. Noel will talk about TPTV’s origins and how it became such an indispensable part of our TV viewing.
THE FAIRY
France : 1h 33m : 2011 : Subtitles : Certificate PG
Directed by Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon and Bruno Romy
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15.00 : ROYAL VIEW SUITE, THE PALACE HOTEL
: TICKETS £7.00
In this sparkling comedy, a humble hotel clerk is granted three wishes by a fairy who disappears after granting only two, leading him on a frantic search for her. The filmmaking team of Fiona Gordon, Dominique Abel and Bruno Romy have been described as worthy successors to Monty Python, as they send up musical comedies, rom-coms and silent films (Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd would be proud!) in this zany, spirited concoction about lovable misfits.
+ DYNAMITE DANCE WORLD PREMIERE
: UK : 3m : 2026 : Directed by Steve Downey
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A short film featuring young dancers from the Dynamite School of Dance in Colchester, UK. The film highlights the enthusiasm, joy and camaraderie of the young dancers.
'AND THAT'S A WRAP'
UK : Certificate 15​​
17.30 : BALLROOM, THE PALACE HOTEL
: FREE ADMISSION
An and of year extravaganza showcasing new films from the students of BA (Hons) Film and Television Production at University Centre South Essex. The programme includes Magenta House, Sufficient Side Effects, The Gift and much more.
NEW TOWN, BIG CITY​
Presented by Daryl Easlea
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20.00 : BALLROOM, THE PALACE HOTEL
: TICKETS £7.00
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Friday Night Is Music Night as always at the Southend Film Festival. Curated by, Rochford born, Great Wakering-bred, Leigh-dwelling music journalist and author Daryl Easlea.
Unbelievably, Daryl cannot be with us in person, but will be introducing by the power of the video screen. Tonight, we glance at the art and artists of Basildon and Southend, anchored on the shifting sands of the post-war dream.
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+ PHIL BURDETT - GIVE ME MEMPHIS, BASILDON
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BBC2 Open Space, directed by Ray Hough. Originally screened November 22, 1992: a documentary about Phil Burdett, our own troubadour. Once in a band with a future member of Depeche Mode, Phil has remained true to himself, eschewing fame because of a strong, overriding belief in keeping it real. Phil is interviewed by Daryl on film and will introduce a video of his new single.​
+ THAMES DELTA INTERNATIONAL
UK : 13m : 2026 : Director Chris Izod and Kevin Faulkner
​In 2025, world renown-percussion legend, and Hadleigh resident Mark 'Snowboy' Cotgrove had the idea to capture the talent of the Thames Delta in a photograph, taken at Southend's Palace Theatre. The White Bus were there and filmed a short documentary as 60 or so Essex musical faces came together: includes Phil Burdett.
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+ NEW TOWN UTOPIA : UK : 1h 20m : 2018
Directed by Christopher Ian Smith
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Released in 2018, New Town Utopia is the best documentary you've never seen. Directed by Christopher Ian Smith, New Town Utopia examines the noble dreams and wishes for the new town of Basildon. As the dream decayed, the art and music from the town went off the chart and, indeed, into the charts. Features, unbelievably, Phil Burdett.
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TALES OF THE UNDERWORLD
UK : 1h 41m : 2026 : Certificate 15
Directed by Darren S. Cook
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20.00 : ROYAL VIEW SUITE, THE PALACE HOTEL : TICKETS £7.00
Told through the eyes of a journalist digging too deep, Tales of the Underworld exposes a ruthless criminal empire where missing men, police informants, and shifting loyalties make survival a dangerous game.
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Starring Tony Denham ( patron to the Southend-on-Sea Film Festival )
+ PISSNCHIPS
UK : 13m : 2025: Director Turkina Faso
​A young bartender and single mother, Barbie tries to keep up a carefree front in a rowdy UK seaside town until one chaotic day forces her to face the truth, take control, and embrace the messy family she’s been hiding. Starring Ella Bardot, Sonny Green and Levi Green
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The White Bus Ltd
The Old Waterworks
North Road
Southend-on-Sea
Essex
SS0 7AB
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