University of Exeter launches new online film festival celebrating South West cinema

A new online film festival celebrating creative life across Devon and Cornwall has launched today, with the University of Exeter showcasing a curated selection of regional films and documentaries.

The DxC Festival (short for Devon x Cornwall) brings together works from local directors under the theme Southwest Crossings: Journeys Through Time. 

All films will be available to watch for free on YouTube through eXeFilm, the University’s own digital distribution label.

The event has been curated by postgraduate students on the University’s MA International Film Business programme, who have selected films offering what they describe as “intimate glimpses” into communities across the two counties. 

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The line-up includes projects produced between 2018 and 2025, spanning personal documentaries, experimental shorts, and films exploring heritage, identity and craft.

Alongside the online programme, two Exeter pop-up cinema events will take place this week. Kismet Connections, a short-film evening centred on fate and serendipity, will be held at Sacred Grounds on Fore Street on Thursday, 4 December at 6pm. 

On Friday 5 December, St Nicholas Priory will host Folklore After Dark, which pairs film screenings with live music and invites audience members to share their own favourite regional myths and stories.

David Salas, Senior Lecturer in Communications, Drama and Film, said the festival builds on eXeFilm’s growing reputation for championing distinctive regional work.

“It felt fitting that the festival celebrated both the wealth of talent in the region and the international productions that have created a buzz around the South West as a filming location,” he said.

This year has seen increased investment in the local screen sector, including the launch of Screen Devon and a £2.5 million high-end television fund from Screen Cornwall. 

Several major productions are currently shooting in the region, among them Robert Eggers’ forthcoming film Werwulf.

Programming team member Astha Mary Varghese said the festival aims to support that growing momentum: “Through eXeFilm, we can help put local filmmakers on the map and stimulate demand for thoughtful, high-quality films often overlooked by mainstream multiplexes,” she said.

All festival films will be streamed on the eXeFilm YouTube channel, accompanied by written introductions. The festival runs until Saturday 6 December.