The inaugural KIFF Fellowship Award was presented to Mike Newell at the 2026 Gala Awards Evening. There could be no more deserving recipient than Mike, KIFF’s first Patron and one of Britain’s most acclaimed directors.
His distinguished career includes directing Four Weddings and a Funeral, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Donnie Brasco, and most recently My Duchess, starring Joan Collins and Isabella Rossellini, which was filmed last June and is due for release later this year.
Despite his busy schedule, Mike has remained a steadfast supporter of the festival, missing only last year’s event due to filming commitments. Whenever he attends KIFF, he makes time to meet aspiring filmmakers, leading informal group discussions. We are delighted to recognise his outstanding contribution to film and his unwavering support of KIFF, and we look forward to welcoming him back for many years to come.
