7pm (doors at 6.30pm)

About this event

Quick View Is Folkestone the Birthplace of Television? £8.00 Thursday 3rd September 2026 7pm (doors at 6.30pm) Television changed the world – but where did it truly begin? Kollectiv is delighted to present the Folkestone premiere of local filmmaker Ben Barton’s new short documentary, which investigates a little-known chapter in the origins of television. Where did the first-ever television transmission really take place? For 100 years, the accepted story has pointed to Hastings. But beginning with a forgotten plaque right here in Folkestone, Ben follows a trail left behind by inventor John Logie Baird , uncovering evidence that invites us to look again at where TV first sparked to life. The short documentary blends location with exclusive archive footage unseen for 70 years, along with stunning drone footage (by Alexander Saxby ) to explore not only the birth of this world-changing technology, but the way historical narratives are constructed, simplified and sometimes overlooked. This special Folkestone Film Festival event expands on the short film with a contextual introduction, featuring archival material on the early development of television, and a live Q&A with the director, discussing the research, discoveries and questions behind the project. Writer and director: Ben Barton Camera, drone and editing: Alexander Saxby The film has been rated certificate U by Folkestone & Hythe District Council.