Is Folkestone the TRUE Birthplace of Television?
Where did the first-ever TV transmission really take place? Beginning with a forgotten plaque in Folkestone, filmmaker Ben Barton follows a trail left behind by television pioneer John Logie Baird – and re-examines where television first sparked to life.
This new short documentary is currently doing a festival run, and is being screened around the UK and Europe at live film festivals and events. It is expected to be available to watch online sometime in 2027. But until then, why not join me for one of the upcoming screenings?
Book now for the hometown premiere event in Folkestone!
I will be screening my new film for the first time in my hometown of Folkestone! Watch the film plus new archive footage unseen for over 60 years, an illustrated talk and Q&A!
An event by Kollectiv in association with the Folkestone Film Festival.
Thursday 3rd September 2026
7pm (doors at 6.30pm)
Screenings 2026
PAST SCREENINGS
Ramsgate International Film & TV Festival 2026
WORLD PREMIERE | OFFICIAL SELECTION
Palace Cinema, Broadstairs
March 29, 2026
RVLT Summer Film Festival
Rooftop Cinema Club Stratford, London
July 20, 2026
London Film Club 2026
WINNER: BEST DOCUMENTARY
COLAB Tower, London
July 29, 2026
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UPCOMING SCREENINGS
Folkestone Film Festival 2026 presents…
SPECIAL SCREENING AND FOLKESTONE HOMETOWN PREMIERE | TALK | Q&A
Kollectiv, Folkestone
September 3, 2026 – 6.30pm
BOOK TICKETS HERE
Kent Filmmakers Showcase 2026
NEW SOUTH EAST FILMS SPECIAL SCREENING
Ramsgate Community Cinema
September 12, 2026 – 10am
BOOK TICKETS HERE
Plus, details to be announced…
Thurrock International Film Festival 2026 | October 3-4, 2026
Hastings Rocks International Film Festival 2026 | October 30-November 1, 2026
Find out more…
Photography and graphic design: Dan Desborough, Alexander Saxby/Saxby Media, Nick Payton, Colin O’Reilly, Ben Barton.