Gaining Momentum

Martin Pilkington initiated the Cheltenham Film Festival concept in 2006. It has taken time coming to fruition, due to other professional commitments intervening along the way, though has always remained a poignant ambition.

In the summer of 2008 Adam Clarke joined forces with Martin, and the concept once again gained momentum. Adam committed himself to the in-depth preliminary planning and co-ordinating of the festival. This partnership has seen the significant conceptual progression of the festival. A concentration upon developing a focused educational remit has been paramount.

The Directors

Adam Clarke is a practicing artist, researcher and teacher, currently undertaking a PhD with the RANE (Research in Art Nature and Environment) research cluster of University College Falmouth, via the University of the Arts, London.

“As an artist I am always eager to inspire and enthuse individuals about all creative disciplines, generating a dialogue centred around the role of creative diversity and how it impacts upon the shaping of modern culture. The opportunity to develop a platform to showcase eclectic cinema to a public audience has captured my imagination; to establish an explosive inaugural event and festival that retains the dynamic prospect of considerable longevity, contributing toward the local economy of Cheltenham."

Adam Clarke


Martin Pilkington is a full-time English and Media teacher currently employed with Wortley high school. Recently he has been elected to pilot a New Diploma in Creativity and Media.

“I am extremely passionate about film, and see the medium as an important part of modern culture. Films ability to provoke and inspire audiences, generate debate and bring people together, enthuses me. The Cheltenham Film Festival concept was conceived as an event intended to stand as an alternative to the “high brow” status of other festivals, by creating a more inclusive experience for the general public. My long-term objective is to create a leading film festival in England, offering provocative access to a wide array of cinematic genres.”

Martin Pilkington