Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight CBE has become a patron of Birmingham’s Forward Film & Television Festival, joining comedian and presenter Joe Lycett in supporting the event.
Knight, who founded Digbeth Loc. Studios, backed Forward when it launched in 2025. His appointment follows the festival’s second edition, held from 30 September to 4 October 2026 at five venues centred on Digbeth.
Backing Birmingham’s storytellers
Knight said: “When I backed Forward Film & Television Festival at the start, I did so because I believed in what it could become. A year on, it’s proving exactly that, which is why I’m proud to become a Patron.”
He linked the festival’s work with his efforts at Digbeth Loc. Studios and through Kudos Knight, his creative partnership with Kudos, to support local talent and build opportunities for screen production in the area.
Festival co-director Matt Ford said: “Steven backed Forward before we had a track record, so having him as a Patron means a great deal.” He said the organisers were working towards a bigger, eight-day festival in 2027.
Festival returns in October 2027
Organisers say this year’s festival screened 94 films across 45 events. The programme included a sold-out conversation with BAFTA-winning filmmaker Shane Meadows, an Industry Day of panels and discussions, and an awards gala at which 20 awards were presented.
Forward Film & Television Festival will return from 1 to 8 October 2027, expanding from five days to eight. Film submissions are open, with the first deadline on 31 December 2026.
The festival is run by the team behind Reel Brum, a monthly networking event for the West Midlands film and television community. Lycett became its first patron in September 2026.
Festival information: https://forwardfilmfest.com/