I Ain't No Herb Jackson Studios continues sponsorship of Birmingham Film Festival

Studio returns as a sponsor of the UK festival and will present Best Screenplay - Short Film/TV, Best Female Actor and Best Short Film at the 2026 Gala Awards Ceremony.

PHOENIX / BIRMINGHAM, 1 October 2026: I Ain't No Herb Jackson Studios today announced its continued sponsorship of the Birmingham Film Festival, the 10-day international celebration of independent and professional cinema running 6 to 15 November 2026 in Birmingham, England.

The Phoenix-based production company will again support the festival as an official sponsor and will present three awards at the Gala Awards Ceremony: Best Screenplay - Short Film/TV, Best Female Actor and Best Short Film.

The partnership builds on the studio's 2025 sponsorship and on founder and producer Herb Jackson Jr.'s longstanding relationship with the festival. Jackson previously served as executive producer on Aguska, which won the Audience Choice Award at Birmingham Film Festival, and presented honours at last year's gala.

"Birmingham Film Festival has become one of the most important rooms in the world for independent filmmakers," said Herb Jackson Jr., founder of I Ain't No Herb Jackson Studios. "Continuing this sponsorship is a commitment to the work itself, to the writers, the actors, and the short films that often have the hardest time finding an audience after the festival circuit. These three awards sit at the heart of what we care about: craft, performance, and stories that punch above their running time."

Founded in 2016 by Dean Williams and Kevin McDonagh, Birmingham Film Festival screens more than 200 nominated films across features, shorts, documentaries, screenplays, TV work and more. Public screenings take place in the festival's 350-seat auditorium at Millennium Point and are free to attend. The event is the largest film and media gathering in the West Midlands, with more than 5,500 guests expected across the week.

"Herb and the I Ain't No Herb Jackson Studios team have been genuine partners, not just logos on a programme," said Dean Williams, co-founder of Birmingham Film Festival. "They show up for filmmakers, they understand the festival from the inside, and they put their name behind categories that matter. We are proud to welcome them back for 2026."

I Ain't No Herb Jackson Studios partners with independent filmmakers to expand the reach of their work through festival strategy, press, promotion and distribution, including the studio's broadcast network, Ain't No Herb TV. The continued Birmingham sponsorship reflects the company's focus on giving short-form and independent work a longer life after the credits roll.

Festival information: https://www.birminghamfilmfestival.co.uk

Notes to editors

About Birmingham Film Festival: a 10-day international film celebration showcasing professional and independent films from around the world, with screenings, industry events, networking, seminars and a closing Gala Awards Ceremony. It is the largest film and media event in the West Midlands.

About I Ain't No Herb Jackson Studios: a production company founded by Herb Jackson Jr. and focused on partnering with independent filmmakers to expand their films' reach, from festival submissions and social media to press, and presenting independently made work through its broadcast network, Ain't No Herb TV. https://iaintnoherbjacksonstudios.com