Daisy Ridley to judge Worcester International Film Festival

Best known for her role as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, the acclaimed actress will help judge films at the 2026 edition of the festival, which runs from September 22 to 26.

Festival directors Hendrik Harms and Kirstie Gregory said: "We love this area and we're proud to be working with so many fantastic organisations.

"We've really seen this region grow over the last few years and the fact that such notable talent are being attracted to our event is a testament to the Midlands' growing reputation on the film industry stage."

Ms Ridley’s film credits include Murder on the Orient Express (2017), Ophelia (2018), The Marsh King's Daughter (2023), Young Woman and the Sea (2024), and We Bury the Dead (2024).

She joins the guest jury alongside British actor, writer, and director Jessica Henwick, known for her roles in Marvel’s Iron Fist, Game of Thrones, and The Matrix Resurrections.

Ms Henwick also appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022), and directed the BAFTA-nominated short film Bus Girl.

This year, the festival will screen 260 films across eight venues in Worcester, including three screens at ODEON Worcester.

The programme also features filmmaker Q&As, workshops, industry talks, networking events, preview screenings, and the annual awards ceremony.

In previous years, the festival has welcomed well-known guests such as Martin Freeman, Patrick Fabian, Ralph Ineson, and Mathew Horne.

The 2026 edition marks a major milestone for the festival, having recently become a BIFA-qualifying event.

It is now the only festival in the West Midlands with British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) recognition.

The festival will conclude on Saturday, September 26, with the presentation of 25 bespoke awards to filmmakers and creatives selected by this year’s jury.

Organisers say the 2026 festival will be the biggest yet, reflecting growing interest from industry professionals both nationally and internationally.