Dover Film Festival

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Dover Film Festival

A unique film recording the events and lives of the people of Dover over the last 50 years All those involved gave their services without payment.

In 1971 Ray Warner, who had by then completed his 25th annual film of Dover events, approached Ivan Green, the local historian, with the idea of a local film festival comprising a short film of general interest followed by an Ivan Green programme of 'Then and Now' slides of old Dover and to conclude with Ray's annual Dover film. During the refreshment interval there would be the chance to view an

exhibition provided by the Dover Museum and Library. Ian Gill, the Town Clerk, encouraged them to form a small committee to develop the idea. The committee initially consisted of just Ray and Ivan with some publicity help from Councillor Peter Bean. The first Film Festival was held in the Town Hall in 1972 and the very successful formula lasted for 27 years. After Ray Warner's death in 1990, John Roy of River became an energetic chairman of the committee. Following his death Ron Dryden became chairman and his business acumen eased the financial situation. Phil Heath, a Dovorian and managing director of Heathwood Studios, took over the filming after Ray's death and also produced the Festival. In 1995 the Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary by presenting the only survivors of the first Festival - Margaret (Ivan's wife, projectionist and co-researcher) and Ivan Green - with a silver salver. 1997 broke all records for attendance with all five evening performances and both matinees packed. Sadly, the 1999 Festival was the last - but not for lack of public support. In 2003, Mike McFarnell took on the challenge to produce the Dover Film. Pat Heath, Chairman of Dover District Council hosted a showing of the 2003 Dover Film at the Dover District Council Chambers, Whitfield . Michael F**d felt so stongly that the Film Festival should return to Dover Town Hall that he presented £ 100 towards a video projector at the 2004 Dover Proms Concert. This was matched by the Dover Carnival Association. It proved impossible to bank the money without setting up a new organisation. It was decided that the Dover Pageant Society could organise and run both events. A letter was sent out requesting donations towards the projector. A total of £ 830.38 was raised which was £ 50 short of the cost of the projector wanted.

06/03/2026

Tomorrow is your last chance to watch Mike's Dover Film Festival!

10:30am & 1pm =
Saturday 7th March

04/03/2026

4 more days left to watch this year's Dover Film Festival! 😀

28/02/2026

Doors open tomorrow at 10am! 🙂

26/02/2026

Next week's Dover Film Festival will be Mike McFarnell's last one!

After 25 years of filming, editing, promoting and screening the Dover Film Festival Mike has decided to pass on the torch and to have a well deserved rest!

At this stage we are not sure who will be taking it over but more information will come out in time.

For now please pop down to the Dover Film Festival from Sunday to show your support!

25/02/2026

The film festival returns this Sunday!

07/02/2026

In March the Dover Film Festival returns!

See below for all the information on times, prices and more! 🎥

20/11/2025

The 2009 Dover Film is showing today (20th) at 3pm! 🥳 📽

Doors open around 2:30pm, £5 a ticket and you receive a free tea or coffee!

19/11/2025

Tomorrow we are showing the 2009 DOVER FILM! 🎟

🌟 3pm on the 20th November 2025.
(Starts dead on 3pm)

🪙 £5 per ticket

☕️ Free tea or coffee

11/11/2025

£5 a ticket to watch our 2009 Dover Film and have a free tea or coffee! 🎟 ☕️

View all the details in the image below!

07/11/2025

🎟 DOVER FILM 2009 🎟

🌟 3pm on the 20th November 2025.

🪙 £5 per ticket

☕️ Free tea or coffee

04/11/2025

🎟 2009 DOVER FILM 🎟

Join us on the 20th November to watch the 2009 Dover Film! Tickets cost £5 and you recieve a free tea or coffee! ☕️

04/10/2025

🎟 COMING UP WE ARE SHOWING THE 2008 DOVER FILM! 🎟

- 3:00pm = Thursday 16th October.

£5 a ticket and you get a free tea or coffee!

Address

Dover

Telephone

+447704930892

Website

https://dover-film.com/

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