Hull’s UNTHINKABLE celebration of short filmmaking and contemporary art returns this autumn. From 6-11 October 2026, the festival is set to partner with venues across the city to bring bold cinema, abstract art, workshops, music and the unexpected.
Now in its fourth year, UNTHINKABLE has evolved from a volunteer-led celebration of short film into a festival where film doesn’t sit placidly in the dark, but mixes with music, performance, installation, and the creative energy that defines Hull’s and the Greater North’s underground scene.
UNTHINKABLE is rooted in the city’s grit, humour, and bold spirit. It champions emerging voices, platforms innovative short films, and as a registered charity reinvests directly into Hull’s creative future.
From workshops for young people to exhibitions, live performance, and community outreach, the festival’s impact extends far beyond its six-day programme.
Creative Director Keaton BMcD said: “UNTHINKABLE has always been about discovery – new filmmakers, new ideas, new ways of seeing. These different perspectives come from insidethe city, outside the city, and everywhere in between. And that’s what gives this festival its buzz.
“The arts aren’t an exclusive space. There’s no right way to ‘get’ them. If something speaks to you, that’s enough. We want UNTHINKABLE to feel like an open door. If you’re curious, you’re welcome. If money is tight, pay what you can afford and come anyway. This festival is for everyone.”
UNTHINKABLE 2026 will be produced by Hull-based theatre and filmmaker Andy Pearson, whose work across stage and screen have helped to shape the region’s creative identity. His appointment marks a new chapter of ambition and growth for the festival.
Producer Andy Pearson said: “UNTHINKABLE has carved out a distinctive identity as a cultural crossroads – a place where cinema is influenced by the art forms surrounding it.”
This year’s festival will feature major city-wide exhibitions, a fully-funded solo show for a Hull-based artist, expanded youth workshops, interdisciplinary events, and a spotlight on filmmakers from Hull and East Yorkshire.”
Radio 6 DJ Mary Anne Hobbs and Hull-born artist and musician Richie Culver will be back supporting the festival this year through mentoring and curation.
For the second year in a row, UNTHINKABLE will be collaborating with Humber Street Gallery to showcase the works of legendary video artist John Smith in a new exhibition Unseen Images. The exhibition will include his most iconic work from the Seventies Girl Chewing Gum which will be screened alongside his latest film.
This year’s platformed solo artist is Amy Precious, who has been working with Westbourne House to create The Sound of Your Own Voice exhibition which will be preceded by a film later this summer.
UNTHINKABLE will also be expanding the successful workshops of previous years to provide continuous skill-building sessions to younger people in Hull, including making music videos from conception to production for a special screening.
The festival is also working with London arts organisation SET for the first time to bring a curated night of film, whilst continuing its long-standing relationship with music-label Industrial Coast for another evening of underground music in HARI, the Hull Artist Research Initiative, in its distinctive and atmospheric post-war industrial space on Francis Street,Hull.
Screenings, exhibitions, performances, and, of course, the unexpected, will unfold across venues throughout the city from 6-11 October 2026. As always, audiences can look forwardto originality, experimentation, and a festival experience that refuses to sit neatly in any one category.
Submissions for 2026
Submissions for the 2026 festival are now open via FilmFreeway. Films must be under 35 minutes and may be submitted in any genre – narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, music video, student, silent, or local. All local filmmakers can access a 50% off discount code – HULL26 – and are guaranteed a screening at the festival.
Extended Deadline: 31st July 2026