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?

Hometown premiere event in Folkestone…

Following its official selections and screenings at film festivals in 2026, I showed the documentary for the first time in my hometown of Folkestone! This special event also included new archive footage unseen for over 60 years, an illustrated talk and Q&A.

A special event by Kollectiv in association with the Folkestone Film Festival.

Screenings 2026

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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

Folkestone Film Festival 2026 presents…
SPECIAL SCREENING AND FOLKESTONE HOMETOWN PREMIERE | TALK | Q&A
Kollectiv, Folkestone
September 3, 2026

Kent Filmmakers Showcase 2026
NEW SOUTH EAST FILMS SPECIAL SCREENING
Ramsgate Community Cinema
September 12, 2026
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UPCOMING SCREENINGS

OFFICIAL SELECTION
Bedford Documentary Film Festival
October 10, 2026
BOOK TICKETS HERE

Photography and graphic design: Dan Desborough, Alexander Saxby/Saxby Media, Nick Payton, Colin O’Reilly, Ben Barton.