Fisheye Film Festival in High Wycombe 

Liz Nicholls

Mariko Francombe invites us all to enjoy a screen highlight with a difference, Wycombe’s Fisheye Film Festival, 24th April to 4th May 

Fisheye is High Wycombe’s local international film festival, where the public are invited to enjoy new short films and features which won’t be seen on the high street. About half were made in the UK and the rest filmed in more than 20 other countries worldwide, all selected from films submitted to Fisheye’s international competition. Fisheye Film Festival is named after the “fisheye” lens which is designed to capture an all-round view, and invites audiences to “experience the bigger picture”. 

Mariko moved to High Wycombe in 1986 to work at the RHM site in Lincoln Road. She and her husband raised their two daughters in West Wycombe and Mariko studied part-time to pursue her interest in art and design, finally graduating in Fine Art from Buckinghamshire New University, then working there as a video producer. 

“I enjoy walking in the hills and woods around West Wycombe and further afield in the Chilterns,” Mariko tells us. “My main pastime is playing tennis in the local leagues; I’m a member at Halton Tennis club near Wendover. I enjoy visiting The Apple Orchard and The Walled Garden in West Wycombe. 

“I love the wildflowers on West Wycombe hill and enjoy the scenic drive along the Saunderton Valley between West Wycombe and Princes Risborough; this is a lovely area!” 

Over the past ten years, Fisheye Film Festival has screened about 40 indie features and the Fisheye team have watched 1,700+ short films, selecting nearly 400 of the best ones to show. This year, 67 films have been chosen including two features. These can be seen at a variety of showcases of about two hours’ duration, most including a Q&A session with filmmakers. Showcases will present a mix of drama, animation, documentary or more experimental or artistic films based on dance or poetry. 

This year’s highlights include the opening night on 24th April, a celebration of ten years since the first Fisheye Film festival in 2015, screening some of the best films over the years. 

“From 25th to 27th April, the Fisheye Fusion weekend will celebrate the mixology of films and the arts that make them,” adds Mariko. “There will be a cocktail of films, based on spoken word, movement and dance brought to life with a dash of live performance. We’re also planning a behind-the- scenes chat about the art department’s role in filmmaking. There will also be events for filmmakers, creatives and anyone interested in the film industry – a chance to meet others that’s open to all. 

“On Saturday, 3rd May, everybody’s invited to be snapped on our fuschia pink ‘red carpet’ at the fabulous Fisheye Finale and Awards gala event. Films will be screened on a huge video wall in a large modern space called the Winter Garden. The 2025 awards will be announced and we’ll celebrate all the filmmakers’ talent, raising a glass to them. Full details of events, venues and tickets will be published on our website at fisheyefilmfest.uk where you can also sign up to the mailing list for updates.”