2 Counties Independent Film Festival (2CIFF)

Milton Keynes played host to the inaugural 2 Counties Independent Film Festival (2CIFF) from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd August 2026, bringing filmmakers, actors, industry professionals and film fans together for a weekend celebrating independent cinema.

Hosted across MK Gallery and the Sky Room Cinema in Central Milton Keynes, 2CIFF showcased an impressive selection of films from Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire alongside productions and filmmakers from further afield. The festival featured screenings across a wide range of genres, as well as filmmaker Q&As, networking opportunities, workshops, panel discussions, guest speakers and social events.

Horizon Radio was proud to support the first 2CIFF and was there throughout the festival to meet some of the people behind the films and hear more about their work and experiences in the independent film industry.

Among the highlights were films including The Lossen, Just Another Day and Viral: Ted Ramirez, alongside a packed programme of short films, features and showcases covering everything from comedy and drama to horror, animation, suspense and documentary.

The festival also welcomed a number of special guests and industry figures, giving attendees the opportunity to hear directly from experienced professionals working across film and television.

Throughout the weekend, Horizon Radio's team caught up with filmmakers, actors, organisers and other festival guests to find out more about their films, their careers and what brought them to 2CIFF.

You can watch our interviews from the festival below, giving you the chance to hear directly from some of the talented people who helped make the inaugural 2 Counties Independent Film Festival such a memorable weekend for independent cinema in Milton Keynes.

2CIFF was a fantastic new addition to the city's cultural calendar, and Horizon Radio was delighted to be there to capture some of the stories, conversations and people behind the event.

Makenna Guyler. producer of Green Grass

Alex Hogarth, Writer, Director and Producer of Scab

Grant Kempster, Writer and Director of Air

Ian Reddington talks about his 48 years in acting

Katherine Carmichael, Sam Rochia and Paul Sultana, actors and film makers of Hot Flash

Colin Skevington, Writer, Director and Producer of The Lossen

Jason Impey and Rachel Impey - Just Another Day / The Ruthless Guide To BSDM

 Kaz B, Performer in The Ruthless Guide To BDSM

Festival Judges Tamor and Warren

Stunt Man Peter Pedrero

Philip Darlington, Director and Producer of The Money Shot

Apinder Sahni, Producer and Writer of Life Is 4 1/2 Metres

 Verity Slaughter-Penny from the charity Youth Mindset