About Insight

The Insight Film Festival was begun in Manchester, U.K. in 2007 by a group of professionals in the film and media industry who wanted to make a serious contribution to community cohesion through film and moving image.

The awards have attracted global interest and entries and enquiries have been made from throughout the UK.  Manchester is a key city for media of all types and is at the forefront in the drive towards global digital communication.

Presenting the first Insight Festival Award in 2007, Michael Wakelin, then BBC's Head of Religion and Ethics said ‘In order to create a better society we must learn to understand each others faith and values. So let me give my fulsome backing to the purpose of this festival’

John Forrest, Festival Director, said 'We live in a world where the impact of faith is as significant as ever. Film and media allow us to express ourselves and to communicate with each other. Let's do it!”

In 2009 we were pleased partner with SIGNIS (the Catholic International Film Organisation), with a localised community film project in North Manchester  and with Mostra De Cinema E Religião in Sao Paulo, Brazil. We also piloted an innovative new project with the North Manchester Community Cultural Regeneration project.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture & Leisure, Manchester City Council said  “Manchester is a city of many Faiths and none. The city that gave the world it's first industrial revolution is now driving the creative revolution. The rich diversity of our communities give Manchester an edge, we may have differences but we are all Mancunian. INSIGHT will help celebrate this.”

The 2009 Steering group consisted of:
Jack Burke, Dr David Butler (Director), Rachel Davies, James Abbott (SIGNIS), John Forrest (Festival Director), Michael Harvey (Commercial Director), Jonathan Mounteney (Company Secretary), Dr Johannes Sjöberg,  Zahid Hussain, Juliet Fletcher, Rabbi YY Rubenstein, Ada Nzeribe (North Manchester Regeneration Arts Project)

Want to join us?

Contact us with your ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm not religious, why should I enter?
I am religious, should my film be about the faith I belong to?
What will happen to my entry?
Read the answers to these FAQs and more

About Insight

The Insight Film Festival was begun in Manchester, U.K. in 2007 by a group of professionals in the film and media industry who wanted to make a serious contribution to community cohesion through film and moving image. Read more

Judges 2009

Meet Aaqil, Rajinder, Tina and Liz in our Judges section.