From blockbuster films to award-winning television, millions of people around the world watch content made in Hertfordshire every day.

Now, for the first time, a new festival will bring audiences closer to the stories, talent and industry behind the screen.

The inaugural Hertfordshire Film & TV Festival will take place from 2-4 July 2027, celebrating the county's unique role in film, television and digital content through screenings, special events, industry conversations, immersive experiences and opportunities to discover careers in the screen industries.

Based in south-west Hertfordshire, at the heart of one of the UK's most successful screen clusters, the festival will showcase the creativity, innovation and talent that have made the area synonymous with world-class production.

It aims to celebrate Hertfordshire's screen success while inspiring the next generation of talent and opening up opportunities to people from all backgrounds.

The festival has already secured the support of a growing coalition of partners from across industry, education, media, local government, hospitality and the voluntary sector, including Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, West Herts College, Oaklands College and the University of Hertfordshire. Heart FM is the festival's media partner and Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust its charity partner.

Local authority partners include Watford Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council, Hertsmere Borough Council, Stevenage Borough Council and the Hertfordshire Growth Board.

The festival will invite short film entries of up to 15 minutes from filmmakers, content creators and emerging talent across Drama, Documentary and Animation categories. Submissions will open between January and March 2027.

It is also working with Creative Forces UK to help ensure opportunities within the screen industries are accessible to members of the armed forces community and veterans.

Further programme announcements and special guests will be revealed over the coming months.

For more information, visit www.hertfordshirefilmtvfestival.com.