A Decade of Vision: Realtime International Film Festival Marks Its 10th Anniversary with a Dazzling Celebration in Worcester
Worcester, United Kingdom – October 2025 — The Realtime International Film Festival (RTF), fondly known as The Democracy of Film, marked its 10th anniversary with an unforgettable celebration that transformed Worcester into a global cinematic hub. From 17–19 October 2025, the festival drew filmmakers, artists, and film lovers from across continents for a spectacular three-day showcase that reaffirmed the power and unity of independent storytelling.
Across iconic venues including The Hive, The Swan Theatre, The Guildhall, and Freedom Auditorium, more than 200 films from 51 countries were screened, each reflecting RTF’s commitment to creativity, diversity, and collaboration. Worcester’s cobbled streets buzzed with international energy as visitors and locals mingled at red-carpet galas, networking sessions, and cultural tours, all contributing to a noticeable boost in the city’s tourism and creative economy.
The opening ceremony, hosted at Freedom Auditorium, set the tone with live performances from Questle, Aasritha, Kome, and Osazuwa, alongside a warm welcome from Mayor Cllr Dr Matt Lamb. He later returned to present awards in thirty categories during the elegant black-tie closing ceremony, attended by more than 120 guests. Attendance across the weekend averaged an impressive 900 visitors, with many travelling from Scotland, Ireland, and beyond.
RTF’s mission—to nurture a fair, collaborative, and sustainable creative economy—was evident throughout. Founded by visionary filmmaker Stan Ohikhuare, the festival continues to champion independent artists while promoting the Midlands as a growing cultural powerhouse. In a fitting act of goodwill, proceeds from ticket sales were donated to the Mayor’s charity, Acorns.
One of the festival’s most anticipated moments was the unveiling of the trailer for Ambient Nemesis, a collaborative global film project featuring the Mayor himself in a cameo role. The celebrations culminated in a vibrant Afro-Portuguese-themed after-party at The Origin Restaurant, fusing music, cuisine, and camaraderie.
As this milestone edition closes, RTF looks to the future. Associate producer Nnanna Adim confirmed Bristol as the next host city for 2026—a move set to expand the festival’s legacy and amplify its vision for a united, international film community.
Find out more about the Realtime International Film Festival