VERSA Studios Champions Yorkshire Filmmaking Talent as Leeds International Film Festival Celebrates 40 Years

The Leeds-based film and TV production studio is returning as a Leading Partner of the festival, supporting emerging filmmakers and hosting a special industry reception.

Leeds’ thriving film and television industry is taking centre stage as VERSA Studios renews its partnership with Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF) for the event’s landmark 40th anniversary.

Running from 29 October to 15 November 2026, the festival will showcase 294 films from the UK and around the world, celebrating four decades of bringing international cinema and filmmaking talent to Yorkshire.

As a Leading Partner, VERSA Studios will once again support the festival’s Yorkshire Short Film Competition, presenting the Yorkshire Short Film Award to champion filmmaking talent from across the region.

This year also marks an exciting first for the partnership, with VERSA and LIFF joining forces to host the Yorkshire Film Reception at VERSA Leeds Studios, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals and members of the wider creative community.

The collaboration highlights a shared ambition to strengthen Yorkshire’s creative industries, provide opportunities for emerging talent and continue raising Leeds’ profile as a destination for film and television production.

Located in Leeds city centre, VERSA Leeds Studios spans more than 150,000 sq ft and features four sound stages, production offices, workshops and a large backlot.

The facilities have helped attract major film and television productions to Yorkshire, including Giant, starring Amir El-Masry and Pierce Brosnan, and Sky Original Christmas comedy Tinsel Town, featuring Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson.

The studios have also welcomed production of the upcoming thriller Sirius, starring Mads Mikkelsen and Finn Cole.

VERSA Leeds Studios is home to Future Artists Entertainment, with the organisations together contributing more than £40 million to the local creative economy and supporting major feature-film productions.

For VERSA, continuing its relationship with Leeds International Film Festival is an opportunity to connect the region’s growing production industry with the next generation of filmmaking talent.

Richard Blair, Commercial Manager at VERSA Leeds Studios, said:

“Supporting LIFF in its 40th year is an amazing opportunity to once again connect with emerging filmmakers and celebrate the talent across our region. We’re proud to support a festival that brings the creative community together, and we look forward to building on our partnership in the years ahead.”

The festival’s anniversary edition also represents an important milestone for Leeds’ cultural scene, with its international programme helping connect local filmmakers and audiences with cinema from around the world.

Chris Fell, Director of Leeds International Film Festival, added:

“As we celebrate the 40th anniversary edition of LIFF, with an epic programme of 294 films from the UK and across the world, we’re thrilled to partner again with VERSA Leeds Studios as they boost support and national and international profile for the incredible creative community in the city and Yorkshire region.”

With its continued investment in production facilities and regional partnerships, VERSA is helping connect Yorkshire’s established creative industry with emerging filmmakers.

As Leeds International Film Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary, the renewed collaboration offers another opportunity to showcase the talent, infrastructure and creative ambition that continue to shape the region’s film industry.

The Short Version

• VERSA Studios is returning as a Leading Partner of the Leeds International Film Festival for its 40th anniversary.
• The festival will take place from 29 October to 15 November 2026 and will showcase 294 films from the UK and around the world.
• VERSA Studios will support the Yorkshire Short Film Competition and present the Yorkshire Short Film Award during the festival.
• This year, VERSA and LIFF will host the Yorkshire Film Reception at VERSA Leeds Studios to bring together filmmakers and industry professionals.
• VERSA Leeds Studios spans more than 150,000 sq ft and features multiple sound stages and production facilities that attract major film and television projects.
• The collaboration between VERSA and LIFF aims to strengthen Yorkshire’s creative industries and provide opportunities for emerging talent.