Bournemouth-born success story Not Just Travel named BIFF 2026 lead sponsor Bournemouth International Film Festival is proud to announce notjusttravel.com as lead sponsor of its second edition. Not Just Travel is Bournemouth’s largest travel company. Alongside its consumer brand, its recruitment arm, The Travel Franchise, trains people to become independent travel consultants. Co-founder Steve Witt built the business from its Bournemouth headquarters. Steve is originally from Blandford Forum and studied at Bournemouth University. It’s a natural partnership. Not Just Travel helps people build careers doing what they love, and BIFF does the same for first-time filmmakers and emerging creative talent across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Steve Witt says, “Our business started 25 years ago with two people and one idea, and everything we do is about helping other entrepreneurs turn their own ideas into thriving travel businesses. Steve McCarten has built BIFF with nothing but creativity and determination in just two years. That’s exactly the kind of achievement that deserves recognition, and why we’re glad to support him and his team.” BIFF 2026 takes place on 9–10 October at the Hilton Bournemouth. Get your tickets. Links: notjusttravel.com · Become a BIFF partner.
Sky Sports’ Simon Lazenby and producer Victoria Barrell to judge BIFF 2026 documentary award Filmmakers competing in the documentary category at Bournemouth International Film Festival 2026 will have their work judged by two of the UK’s most respected independent sports documentary makers. Simon Lazenby is the lead presenter of Sky Sports’ award-winning Formula One coverage, with 20 years’ experience in front of and behind the camera. He also fronted Sky’s rugby coverage from 2002 to 2012, including two Lions tours. In 2020, Simon and Victoria Barrell co-founded Sylver Entertainment to make documentaries about the humans behind sporting heroes. Their films include The Greatest Game, McEnroe, Schmeichel and Hill. Their latest film, LOMU, is a documentary on the All Black legend Jonah Lomu. It is an international co-production with New Zealand’s Velvet Moss, supported by the UK Global Screen Fund. BIFF audiences can catch its final cinema screening at 5.30pm on Friday 9 October, ahead of its digital release on 19 October. Book your LOMU screening Links: sylverent.co.ukLOMU on Dogwoof
Made in Chelsea director Oli Tridgell to lift the lid on reality TV at BIFF 2026 Ever wondered how the drama of Made in Chelsea actually gets made? Series director Oli Tridgell is coming to Bournemouth International Film Festival for an exclusive fireside chat, and nothing is off-limits. Oli is a Series Director and Series Producer who leads large teams, builds complex multi-camera sequences, and directs intimate single-camera shoots. He has worked across primetime entertainment and documentary. In addition to Made in Chelsea, where he served as series director on both the main series and Made in Chelsea NYC, his credits include Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad and The Real Housewives of London. In a relaxed, intimate conversation, Oli will share how structured reality shows are shaped, what happens behind the camera, and what it takes to build a career directing some of the UK’s most-watched entertainment. It’s a rare chance for aspiring filmmakers, TV fans and anyone curious about the industry to ask questions directly. When: [Saturday 10th October / 1.30PM], Hilton BournemouthTickets: Included with Day Tripper and VIP passes. [Book your tickets now]
