12 March 2026 / Kate hodges

Divergence Film Festival 2026

Be inspired by our selection of mind-expanding screenings in our film festival focused neurodivergence, from 24 to 26 April.

Divergence Film Festival is a celebration of autism and neurodiversity on screen, making visible the characters and stories that are often invisible in contemporary mainstream cinema.

Presented by autistic and neurodivergent creatives and curators, we bring you a weekend of films showcasing autistic and neurodiverse film characters and narratives.

Developed in partnership with Autism Spectrum, Eggtooth, AMAZE, Autism in Translation, DV8, Little Gate Farm, The Roebuck Centre and Oska Bright Film Festival.

All screenings are relaxed (lights up, sound down, with the freedom to move around) and offer a £10 double-ticket price so you can bring a trusted friend for free.

We will also have an art show featuring works by a neurodivergent artist on display in the auditorium as part of the festival.

Full details of film titles and booking links below.

You might also be interested in our regular monthly relaxed screenings.

Neurodiverse Filmmakers' Showcase and Networking

Friday 24 April at 7:30pm

Experience the talents of neurodiverse filmmakers from Hastings, St Leonards, Bexhill and Eastbourne.

Book now for Neurodiverse Filmmakers' Showcase

Family Screening: Lilo & Stitch + workshop

Saturday 25 April at 11am

A live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, Lilo & Stitch is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family.

Come early and get involved in designing a 'friendly alien' in our craft workshop before the film.

Book now for Lilo & Stitch  

 

DV8 Invasion: Pop Videos Showcase

Saturday 25 April at 3pm

Dv8 Sussex is a specialist college based in Brighton and Bexhill, offering young people aged 16-18 personalised, industry-led training in the most vibrant & exciting creative sectors. We are thrilled to present this short film and music video programme, hosted and presented by students from Dv8 with Jon Renouf, practising artist and educator.

I Swear

Saturday 25 April at 7:30pm

Kirk Jones’s moving film about John Davidson, the man who taught Britain about Tourette's syndrome, offers compassion and catharsis.

Book now for I Swear >>>

Snow Cake + Q&A 

Sunday 26 April at 3pm

Following a car accident in which his hitchhiking passenger is killed, Alan (Alan Rickman) makes the journey to pay his respects to the girl's mother. When he meets Linda it's obvious that she's out of the ordinary; a brash, autistic woman and absolute force of nature. With Q&A with screenwriter Angela Pell. 

Book now for Snow Cake >>>

Rodan

Sunday 26 April at 7:30pm

Miners looking into mysterious deaths uncover a race of prehistoric nymphs (yes nymphs), and a flying creature hell-bent on destruction.Part of the B-Movie Fan Club, hosted by Robin Knowles, who has been been running the club for over 12 years.

Book now for Rodan >>>