Chichester International Film Festival

Project Overview

Under the guidance of a new Festival Director, the 2024 Chichester International Film Festival entered a new chapter—bringing fresh energy and direction to a beloved cultural event. We were brought on board to lead a strategic PR and marketing campaign that would introduce the new leadership, increase visibility, and attract diverse audiences to the Festival’s diverse programme of screenings and events.

The brief: Celebrate the Festival’s legacy while amplifying its future.

Objectives

  • Drive awareness of the Festival’s new leadership and renewed vision
  • Boost attendance across screenings and special events
  • Position the Festival as a vibrant fixture on the cultural calendar
  • Attract a mix of culture seekers, film lovers, families, and local residents

Our Strategy & Approach

Regional PR & Media Relations

We secured targeted media coverage across Sussex through compelling press releases, feature placements, and Q&A interviews with the new Festival Director—highlighting both their vision and the Festival’s evolving identity.

Press Interviews & Launch Features

We positioned the new Director as a cultural voice, placing interviews in local press and radio to introduce their story, plans, and the refreshed programming. We also secured interviews with visiting film directors, actors and producers.

PR Stories Around the Programme

Beyond listings, we created editorial angles around headline screenings, community events, international cinema highlights, and themed strands—giving journalists multiple ways in which to cover the Festival.

Partnerships with Local Businesses & DMOs

We collaborated with local venues, hospitality businesses, retailers, and tourism organisations to co-create activations that brought the Festival into the wider city experience:

  • Themed cocktail inspired by film titles and genres
  • Competitions offering ticket bundles, dining experiences, and overnight stays
  • Cross-promotion with DMOs to reach visiting audiences

Influencer Engagement

We partnered with hand-picked regional influencers, film lovers, and lifestyle bloggers to share Festival previews, favourite screenings, and significant moments.

Community Competitions

We ran engaging social and media competitions for free tickets and VIP access —driving social shares, ticket sales and buzz around key dates.

Results

  • Widespread regional coverage in outlets including Sussex World, Chichester Observer, BBC Sussex, BN1 Magazine, Absolutely Sussex, V2 Radio, and local arts magazines
  • Strong social engagement through influencer content and competition campaigns
  • Increased visibility for the Festival’s new direction, with coverage highlighting the new Director’s vision and approach
  • Strong engagement from local businesses and cultural organisations, building community around the Festival
  • Enhanced long-term positioning of the Festival as an evolving and accessible cultural event

Conclusion

Our campaign for Chichester International Film Festival combined storytelling, strategic press outreach, and creative local partnerships to reintroduce a trusted cultural brand under new leadership. With a blend of tradition and fresh energy, the Festival reached new audiences while re-engaging loyal supporters—paving the way for continued growth and innovation.