About

Bringing together venues and organisations across the Peterborough area, Gateway Film Festival launched in November 2019. Gateway celebrates local history and community, while acting as Peterborough’s gateway to film culture from the past and around the world.

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In 2023, Gateway Film Festival was selected to lead the three-year BFI Spotlight programme in Peterborough (2023–2026), supporting the development of inclusive, community-driven film activity across the city.

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Gateway has been recognised both locally and nationally, receiving a nomination for the Community Award at the Cinema For All Awards in 2020 and being named a finalist for Social Enterprise of the Year at the Peterborough Business Awards 2025.

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Our vision
To establish Peterborough as a vibrant regional hub for inclusive, community-driven film culture.

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Our mission
To use film as a catalyst for dialogue, creativity and connection, ensuring access, representation and opportunity for all communities.

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Our values

• Collaboration and partnerships

• Community engagement

• Equity, inclusion and access

• Continuous learning and reflection

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Gateway Film Festival is a project of Cine-Sister CIC (Company number 11848524) and run by Emily Steele-Dias. 

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Board of Directors:

Sallyann Pennington (Director of Development at Midlands Arts Centre)

Owen Baker (Marketing Manager at Cambridge Film Festival)

Lizzie Banks (Deputy Artistic Director at Carousel)

Josie Stone (Delivery Manager at Citizen's Advice & Former Creative People and Places (CPP) Programme Manager)

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Check out a video about our first festival from 2019 below:

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