Making Waves is arguably Portsmouth’s biggest and best annual film festival, and it’s back for 2025 bigger and better than ever before.
The festival will enjoy an extended run this year, from the 20th February until the 29th of March, and you can expect a thrilling mix of events that will challenge and surprise you in equal measure. This is about so much more than sitting down to take in a movie.
In addition to regular screenings of major films, there will be showings of independent features and shorts, an awards ceremony at the end of the festival, and immersive events that combine film, food, culture, and music. Truly, there is something for everyone.
What’s great is that film enthusiasts and organisations from the whole city have come together to make the festival happen. Whether it be by allowing the use of a venue, providing sponsorship, and everything in between.
While the festival proper runs between Feb and March, Making Waves will be running workshops and screening events right the way through until October, so even if you missed the main festival it’s worth keeping an eye on the website.
What’s On? Highlight Events
There are loads of events to check out, far too many to list them all. Your best bet is to visit Making Waves website and see for yourself.
That said, there are a few highlights I want to mention.
Let’s start with Pompey Dogs. No, it’s not an evening at the race track, it’s a showing of Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Reservoir Dogs’ preceded by an immersive theatre performance. Audience members take part in an evening of chaos and cryptic clues, full of betrayal and bloodshed, accusations and alibies. The whole thing takes place inside the warehouse of Staggeringly Good Brewery, so it’s a very apt setting, and there is a party afterwards. Sounds like a fantastic night!
Then, for something a little more cultured, why not try the Iranian film, My Favourite Cake, taking place at St Simon’s Church in Southsea? This evening will also involve an authentic Persian feast, live music, and the whole place will be decorated inspired by an Iranian garden.
There are workshops and talks with industry types too, where you can learn about funding, get some insider tips, and network with other people in the industry.
Some of these things are free, others cost up to £30, but they are all well worth your consideration.