The Sheffield Adventure Film Festival will return to the Showroom Cinema later this month, celebrating its 20th anniversary with a packed weekend of films, talks and outdoor-themed events.
Taking place from the 20th to the 22nd March, the festival has built a strong reputation over two decades as one of the UK’s most welcoming and community-focused adventure film events.
Held at the Showroom Cinema in the heart of the city, the festival will screen around 100 films selected from hundreds of submissions from local to international filmmakers.
Festival founder and director Matthew Heason said: ‘’It’s fairly mind blowing to think that it is not only still going twenty years later, but going stronger than ever.
“We have a great title sponsor in Rab, plus a strong contingent of supporting partners and exhibitors, and ticket sales are looking really strong.”
Most screenings will feature several shorter adventure films grouped into themed sessions, although the programme will also include some specially selected feature-length films.
Mr Heason added: ‘’I am particularly excited by the unusual number of feature films we have screening this year. ‘Champions Of The Golden Valley’ and ‘Catching Pinecones’ stand out as two of my favourites’’
ShAFF has become a key part of Sheffield’s wider Festival of the Outdoors, a month-long programme celebrating the city’s connection with nature and adventure sports.
The rebrand several years ago helped position Sheffield as “The Outdoor City”, with SHAFF now sitting alongside other major events such as the Climbing Works International Festival.
This year’s festival is taking place in partnership with outdoor clothing brand Rab.
Organisers say the event is about much more than watching films. Alongside screenings, visitors can attend free talks, explore exhibitions, take part in creative events, and even join guided runs around the city.
Mr Heason said: ‘’We encourage the filmmakers to share their thoughts on how they approached the film from a sustainability point of view.
“We encourage sustainable films, and we work with our partners and exhibitors to bring sustainable practices and messaging to the event.’’
The 2026 edition will also mark the milestone anniversary with a special 20th birthday party on Saturday night hosted by Sidney and Matilda, bringing together filmmakers, athletes and audiences who have supported the festival over the past two decades.
Organisers hope the anniversary year will attract both long-time fans and new visitors eager to experience the unique mix of adventure storytelling and community spirit.