The trailer has been curated using 128 films selected for the 2026 Festival Film Programme as a celebration of the filmmakers’ work. The words overlaying this short film are crafted by our Poet Laureate and award-winning author, Helen Mort. This beautiful short film montage was created in partnership with Everyfield Films.
"There’s a moment in a darkened cinema, just as a film lands, when the whole room goes still - nobody’s anywhere else. That’s what Presence means to us this year, and it’s what these filmmakers give us: the chance to be somewhere else entirely, and completely here at the same time. We are so grateful that over 650 of them trusted us with their ways of seeing this year, from world premieres with the outdoor world’s leading athletes to first films from brave and exciting new voices.
"So come to Kendal, linger a while, and be here, fully here, with us and these wonderful films!" - Jacqui Scott, Kendal Mountain Festival CEO.